Obama surprises Pittsburgh workers at Harris campaign office

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Former President Barack Obama surprised workers at a Kamala Harris campaign office in Pittsburgh's East Liberty neighborhood on Thursday.

During his visit, Obama spoke to the mostly black volunteers, thanking them for their efforts and encouraging them to vote.

“Part of this is about issues, but part of it is also about dignity and part of it is about character, and this is no ordinary election,” Obama told workers Thursday.

“Here in Pennsylvania, it could be a handful of votes in every county that determines the direction of this country,” he added. “This is a powerful thing.”

The former president is in Pittsburgh to rally support for Vice President Harris. After surprising the workers, he went to the Fitzgerald Field House on the University of Pittsburgh campus to hold a rally. It's part of one Campaign Blitz in the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania.

The importance of Pennsylvania in the election

Pittsburgh has become the hotspot for both campaigns this year as they work to win the Keystone State. Both former President Donald Trump and Harris have made several stops in the Pittsburgh area in recent months.

Last weekend, Trump returned to Butler County for a rally at the site of the first assassination attempt. He has also conducted events in Indiana, Cambria and Westmoreland counties.

Harris prepared for the presidential debate in Pittsburgh, stopped by the Steel City with President Joe Biden on Labor Day and unveiled her economic plan in Pittsburgh late last month.

Pennsylvania has 19 electoral votes and is a Key to choice. As a battleground state, Pennsylvania has received visits from presidential candidates and will likely continue to do so.