Harris and Trump court voters, make jabs at each other ahead of early voting in Michigan

Both presidential candidates have their eyes on Michigan as early in-person voting starts Saturday in parts of the state. Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris had busy schedules there on Friday. Lisa Desjardins reports.
Geoff Bennett:
Shifting our focus now to the presidential race, both candidates have their eyes on Michigan today as early in-person voting starts tomorrow in part of that state. Former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris had busy schedules there today.
And our Lisa Desjardins has this report.
Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States (D) and U.S. Presidential Candidate: Well, we’re back in Michigan.
Lisa Desjardins:
In Grand Rapids, before rallying supporters, Vice President Harris wanted to say something to reporters about her opponent.
Kamala Harris:
He’s not doing the CNN town hall. He refuses to do another debate. And, look, being president of the United States is probably one of the hardest jobs in the world. And so we really do need to ask, if he’s exhausted being on the campaign trail, is he fit to do the job?
Lisa Desjardins:
This following a Politico report that the Trump campaign told one outlet he was too exhausted to go through with an interview. Within the hour, as soon as he landed in Michigan, Trump responded.
Donald Trump, Former President of the United States (R) and Current U.S. Presidential Candidate: What event did I cancel? I haven’t canceled. She doesn’t go to any events. She’s a loser. So, today, I was at “FOX & Friends” at 7:00 in the morning, I then went to two different other appearances. I then made about 15 phone calls. I have gone 48 days now without a rest.
Lisa Desjardins:
Harris is trying to show she has the energy, especially in swing states like Michigan, where some early voting begins tomorrow.
Kamala Harris:
We have got to energize and organize and mobilize and remind our neighbors and our friends that their vote is their voice. And your voice is your power.
Donald Trump:
We’re going to save America. We’re going to save the automobile industry.
Lisa Desjardins:
Former President Trump also campaigned in the Great Lakes State this afternoon ahead of a rally tonight.
The former president took a battleground break yesterday to attend the annual Al Smith Catholic charity dinner in New York last night.
Jim Gaffigan, Actor:
President Donald J. Trump.
Lisa Desjardins:
Traditionally, both candidates show up and roast themselves and each other.
Kamala Harris:
Right now, I’m trying to record my speech for tonight’s dinner.
Lisa Desjardins:
But this year, Harris appeared virtually, citing a scheduling conflict.
Trump jabbed his opponent for not attending in person, but at one point also engaged in self-deprecating humor.
Donald Trump:
It’s a true pleasure to be with you this evening. Amazing pleasure. These days, it’s really a pleasure anywhere in New York without a subpoena for my appearance.
Lisa Desjardins:
Woven into the jokes were some barbs met by boos that the crowd felt were below the belt.
Donald Trump:
I also want to thank my very beautiful wife.
Lisa Desjardins:
Also in attendance, former first lady Melania Trump, who has largely been absent on the campaign trail.
Man:
Mr. President, welcome back.
Lisa Desjardins:
On “FOX & Friends” this morning, the former president said some of last night’s jokes were written by people at the network.
Man:
Your material was real funny. Who wrote you with it?
Donald Trump:
Well, I have had a lot of people helping, a lot of people, a couple of people from FOX, actually. I shouldn’t say that.
Lisa Desjardins:
FOX denied today that any of its staff were involved. Trump also urged FOX to stop playing ads against him for the remainder of the election.
Donald Trump:
For 19 days, I don’t think we should do that anymore. I think you shouldn’t play negative ads.
Lisa Desjardins:
The FCC prohibits broadcast stations from rejecting political ads from any legally qualified candidate.
Speaking of ads:

Marc Anthony, Musician:
I remember what it was like when Trump was president. I remember what he did and he said about Puerto Rico, about our people.
Lisa Desjardins:
The Harris campaign is out with a new one today aimed at Latino voters featuring singer and songwriter Marc Anthony.
But in the crucial final two weeks of the election, it’s Trump that has the edge in the ad department. In battleground states, the former president’s campaign is outspending team Harris by about $9 million total in future ad reservations and outspending her in each individual battleground state.
People are already voting in some of those states, like in North Carolina, where early voting kicked off yesterday. Even in places hard-hit by Hurricane Helene, there was strong turnout with long lines at polling stations.
Bill Whalen, Asheville, North Carolina, Voter:
They’re trying to figure out how to flush their toilets and take care of basic needs. But, be that as it may, I think there’s a — at least in my neighborhood, there’s a widespread understanding of the importance of this election and how important it is to vote.
Lisa Desjardins:
Across the country, more than 11 million people have already cast their ballots.
For the “PBS News Hour,” I’m Lisa Desjardins.