US Election Like No Other Enters Nail-Biting Final Month

AFP/APP

Washington: As the 2024 US presidential election approaches its climax, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are neck-and-neck in a race that has captivated the nation. Both candidates stress that the outcome will significantly impact the future of a divided America.

The election has unfolded with more twists than a Hollywood thriller, marked by Harris’s unexpected replacement of Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee and Trump’s resilience following two assassination attempts. With just weeks to go, Trump warns that chaos akin to the aftermath of the 2020 election could return if he does not secure victory.

The global community is also watching closely, particularly as tensions rise in the Middle East and the US’s support for Ukraine hangs in the balance—support that Trump has previously criticized.

“This is a tremendously important election,” says Peter Loge, director of George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. “Both candidates are casting it in apocalyptic terms.”

As they hit the campaign trail alongside their running mates Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Republican Ohio Senator J.D. Vance Harris and Trump are focused on a handful of key swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. These states are expected to determine the election outcome.

The candidates are offering voters two starkly different visions for America. Harris’s slogan, “We’re Not Going Back,” signals a commitment to moving past divisive politics, while Trump’s “Make America Great Again” rhetoric paints a picture of a dystopian nation that only he can restore.

Harris, who made history as the first female, Black, and South Asian vice president, is campaigning on issues like abortion rights and what she describes as an “opportunity economy.” However, her rapid rise has left many voters uncertain about her policies and character.

Trump, the first convicted felon to run for president, continues to rally his right-wing base with provocative insults and promises to boost the economy. His focus on immigration issues, where he claims migrants are “poisoning” American blood, is a central part of his strategy.

The race shifted dramatically when Biden, facing scrutiny over his age, exited the race after a disappointing debate performance. Harris quickly gained traction, energizing her campaign and raising substantial funds, while Trump faced challenges, including a recent assassination attempt that left him injured.

With polls indicating a tight race, Harris maintains she is the underdog, and the potential for a delayed result looms due to expected disputes and legal challenges. Experts warn that the election cliffhanger could extend into January, keeping the nation on edge.