Obama rallies for Harris in Pittsburgh amid tight state polling

PITTSBURGH ( NewsNation ) — Former President Barack Obama will make his case for Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday at a rally in Pittsburgh in an effort to get out the youth vote for the Democratic nominee.

Obama’s appearance is part of a larger campaign blitz from the former president in support of Harris.

“His strategy this fall will be driver be where he can move the needle with Democrats and persuadable voters, especially in states with key races,” a spokesperson for Obama said. “This is why you will continue to see a range of traditional and creative tactics to reach the electorate over the next four weeks.”

Since 1972, when Richard Nixon carried Pennsylvania, the Keystone State has voted for the winner of the presidency in all but two elections — in 2000, when Vice President Al Gore carried the state, and in 2004, when Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., won it.

Decision Desk HQ has Harris and Trump tied in assessed probability to win Pennsylvania, though Harris has a 1-point lead in the state’s polling average.

Democrats and Republicans have spent $350 million in advertising in Pennsylvania, more than double the $142 million they spent in the next-most contested battleground, Michigan, according to AdImpact data reported by The New York Times.

NewsNation affiliate The Hill contributed to this report.

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