In a race that the final NBC News poll shows is tied, 49% to 49%, heading into Tuesday's election, former President Donald Trump hijacked his own message with a loose-cannon style that has defined the stretch run of his campaign. Just hours earlier, Vice President Kamala Harris made a very traditional — and politically safe — appearance on NBC's "Saturday Night Live."

The choice to briefly detour from the swing-state trail — but not tight scripts and friendly audiences — reflects the very cautious approach Harris has taken as she contrasts herself with an opponent she says is "unhinged."