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.

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. 

Seeing surging poll numbers and sensing strong momentum, Western North Carolina Democrats spoke out during a press conference in advance of former President Donald Trump’s appearance in Asheville last week, touting nominee Kamala Harris’ working families agenda and suggesting the state — as well as the 11th Congressional District — will be competitive this year. 

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.

To the Editor:  

In a recent editorial a Western North Carolina minister says he doesn’t understand why some North Carolinians, who profess to be Christians, vote for a man who demonstrates again and again, that he respects no Christian principles.

Democracy means that we voters get to decide with elections which candidates are empowered to serve in our local, state and federal governments. Those elected officials are supposed to serve us, not their own personal selfish quests for wealth and power. We want our political leaders to listen to our wishes and provide us with essential government services. 

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.

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. 

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

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.