Four days: Kamala Harris' unlikely journey, via Chicago, plays a huge role in Biden's legacy

Editor’s note: This story is a compilation of Smoky Mountain News Politics Editor Cory Vaillancourt’s pop-up daily dispatches, “Via Chicago,” originally published online from the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago the week of Aug. 19. 

Bearers of the Tar Heel torch: North Carolina’s youngest DNC delegates reaffirm commitment to party in Chicago

Torches were passed at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last week, even more so than most people might have seen on their television screens. 

Via Chicago: Day 2, ‘A bold vision for America’s future’

Editor’s note: “Via Chicago” is Smoky Mountain News Politics Editor Cory Vaillancourt’s pop-up daily dispatch from the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Look for a new installment each day this week, through Friday.

Trump, light on policy but heavy on Harris attacks, visits Asheville

At his Aug. 14 rally in Asheville — billed as an opportunity to deliver remarks on the economy — former President Donald Trump didn’t have much in the way of specifics, but he may have finally found his voice on the candidacy of Vice President Kamala Harris. 

A thank you to Joe Biden

To the Editor:  

You have done something rare in American politics putting the needs of the country above your own by ending your run for a second term.

On the surface it seems so simple

To the Editor:

On the one hand we have a president who is guilty of being old and frail. On the other hand we have a challenger who is guilty of sexual assault, fraudulent business transactions, bogus charities, campaign finance fraud associated with concealing a tryst with a porn star, and two impeachments among other charges yet to be prosecuted.

Democrats hit the campaign trail in rural North Carolina

Old-school campaigning is back in rural North Carolina, and this time it’s the Democrats leading the charge. 

In the 2020 election, North Carolina Democrats lost the presidential election by fewer than 75,000 votes and are looking to make up for those missed opportunities this election cycle by turning to old-fashioned door-to-door campaigning and hosting events in rural counties to connect with voters. 

WNC at the RNC: Western delegates reflect on historic GOP convention

Eight days is what it took to shock the world and cast the contentious 2024 Presidential race down untrodden paths. 

Biden still the best candidate

To the Editor:

Donald Trump’s association with and love of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has taught him and his cohorts how to prepare mentally for a fight.

You have to stand for something

To the Editor:

Do we want to be a country where opinion is more important than fact? How is it that some people proclaim that Christians are being oppressed, when there has been no instance of anyone being denied the ability to worship as they see fit? It's misinformation designed to rile people up. 

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