Former President Donald Trump asserted Thursday night that if he loses the upcoming election to Vice President Kamala Harris, Jewish voters could significantly influence that outcome. While addressing supporters at two consecutive events in Washington, D.C., he pledged to be a fierce advocate for Jewish Americans, claiming he would be “the best friend Jewish Americans have ever had in the White House.”

As the anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel approaches amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza, Trump emphasized the importance of the Jewish vote in the forthcoming election, which is just 46 days away. Early in-person voting has already begun in various states.

“Current polling shows I have the support of Jewish citizens — people who should love Israel,” Trump stated at an event focused on combating antisemitism. He highlighted a recent poll indicating he stands at 40% support among Jewish voters, critiquing the remaining 60% for choosing a candidate he argues does not favor Israel.

In contrast, Harris has pledged to ensure Israel’s right to defend itself, advocating for a two-state solution that emphasizes security for both Israelis and Palestinians. She has called for an immediate cease-fire, noting that the conflict can only be resolved through diplomacy and the release of hostages.

During a speech at the Israeli-American Council National Summit, Trump warned that if Harris is elected, Israel could face “total annihilation.” He provocatively suggested that Jewish individuals voting for Harris should “have their head examined.”

Moreover, Trump promised measures against antisemitism on university campuses if re-elected, threatening that colleges failing to eliminate antisemitic propaganda could lose their accreditation and federal funding.

In related news about North Carolina’s political landscape, Trump refrained from commenting on Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the Republican gubernatorial nominee, who is under scrutiny after a scathing CNN report revealed his controversial past remarks. Robinson has stated he will remain in the race despite the fallout.

On the campaign trail, the Harris campaign launched a television ad in North Carolina that attempts to connect Trump with Robinson’s extreme views, including his stances on abortion. This ad appears as Harris reiterated her commitment to reproductive rights following a troubling ProPublica investigation that linked Georgia’s restrictive abortion laws to the deaths of two women.

“At least two women — and those are only the stories we know — died because of a Trump abortion ban,” Harris stated, referencing the consequences following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

In a lighter moment during a recent event, Harris made waves when she humorously asserted that any intruder in her home “is getting shot,” later acknowledging that this comment might prompt some internal discussion among her staff. Nonetheless, she voiced support for the Second Amendment while advocating for measures like assault weapons bans and universal background checks, deeming them “common sense.”

Looking ahead, Trump is scheduled to attend the Alabama-Georgia football game on September 28, with security measures heightened following recent attempts against his safety.

As the political landscape continues to unfold, the battle for control of Congress remains tight. Republicans are in a favorable position within the Senate, as critical seats held by Democrats are up for grabs. Democrats will need to conduct a clean sweep in several states, including Arizona and Wisconsin, to maintain their grip on the chamber. The House of Representatives appears more uncertain, with around 40 crucial races likely determining the controlling party.