Donald Trump is set to hold a rally in Aurora, Colorado, reigniting discussions about immigration following controversial claims he made during last month’s presidential debate. During that debate, Trump asserted that violent migrant gangs were “taking over” Aurora, a statement that has since been scrutinized and amplified by his supporters on social media.

With his campaign heavily focused on immigration, Trump aims to persuade Americans that securing the border and expelling undocumented immigrants are top priorities. His rhetoric has increasingly leaned into dark and divisive stereotypes about immigrants from poorer countries, further polarizing the electorate.

In recent comments, Trump has made alarming statements about Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, suggesting they are “eating the pets” of local residents. He has also warned communities about the supposed negative impact of immigrants on the nation’s “fabric” and even claimed that some immigrants possess “bad genes” that lead to criminal behavior. These claims have drawn condemnation from local and state leaders, including members of his own party.

However, Trump’s immigration focus could be a double-edged sword. Polls indicate that while 72% of Americans consider immigration an important issue, a significant majority, over 40%, prioritize the economy above all else. In a recent CNN poll, only 12% of likely voters identified immigration as their primary concern.

Despite these numbers, Trump’s campaign has reportedly shifted its messaging in response to the polls, reducing its investment in immigration-focused advertisements from about $15.5 million in August to nearly nonexistent in September. Instead, the campaign has pivoted to economic messaging, which now constitutes approximately 77% of its ad spending.

In contrast to this strategic shift, Trump remains adamant about his stance. During a recent rally in Wisconsin, he expressed skepticism about polling data, asserting that he believes the issue of immigration is the most pressing concern facing the nation. “I really don’t agree that the economy will decide the election,” Trump declared. “It’s the horrible people that we’re allowing into our country that are destroying our country.”

Historically, illegal immigration has been a cornerstone of Trump’s political platform. His initial presidential campaign in 2015 was marked by inflammatory comments about Mexican immigrants, promising to build a wall at the southern border—a promise that remains unfulfilled. Nevertheless, 458 miles of new and replacement wall were constructed during his presidency.

As Trump seeks to regain the Oval Office, he has revived promises from his previous campaigns, including a commitment to complete the border wall and implement mass deportations of undocumented individuals. His emphasis on immigration often overshadows discussions on other critical topics, even in speeches that are ostensibly focused on the economy or crime.

As the rally in Aurora approaches, the spotlight remains on how Trump’s immigration narrative will resonate with voters in an election cycle where economic issues dominate the political landscape.

Former President Bill Clinton is set to embark on a strategic campaign effort this weekend aimed at winning over key rural voters in battleground states leading up to Election Day, according to multiple sources familiar with his plans.

Clinton’s campaign will primarily focus on areas where polls indicate Vice President Kamala Harris is struggling, particularly among younger Black men. His first stops will be in Georgia, where he will be engaging with local voters on Sunday and Monday. A bus tour in North Carolina is also planned for next week, contingent on the recovery efforts from recent hurricanes.

The emphasis of Clinton’s campaign will be on counties that were previously won by former President Donald Trump. Additionally, he hopes to reconnect with Clinton voters who have drifted away from the Democratic Party over the past decade. Notably, Clinton was the last Democratic presidential nominee to win Georgia in 1992.

In contrast to large rallies of past campaigns, Clinton will focus on more intimate events such as local fairs and porch gatherings, engaging with small groups of voters—typically no more than a few hundred at a time. He aims to address economic concerns, which he believes will be pivotal in swaying undecided voters. Drawing from themes he discussed during his speech at the Democratic National Convention, Clinton plans to highlight the differences between Trump’s self-interest and Harris’s commitment to improving the economy.

“He’s the perfect messenger to make the case that Kamala Harris would fix inflation and finish getting the economy back on track,” said a source familiar with Clinton’s strategy. In a nostalgic nod to his past, he is expected to indulge in fried foods during his tour, potentially breaking his long-held vegan diet.

Clinton has been actively involved in Harris’s campaign since July when she reached out for his support following President Joe Biden’s exit from the race. Their teams have been coordinating details to maximize Clinton’s impact on the trail.

Calvin Smyre, a former Georgia state representative, emphasized Clinton’s expertise on economic issues, stating, “He has a knack of reaching people.” Former Georgia state senator Jason Carter echoed this sentiment, noting that Clinton’s presidency is often associated with economic prosperity.

Carter added that Clinton’s presence would resonate with voters in both rural and urban areas, effectively communicating a message centered on working and middle-class values.

In a touching testament to Clinton’s efforts, one Georgia voter is already on board: his grandfather, former President Jimmy Carter, who recently turned 100 and expressed his intention to vote for Harris from hospice care.