New Delhi: With just hours to go before polling stations open across the United States, Americans and the world are holding their breath to see if Kamala Harris will make history as the first woman to become President of the United States or if Donald Trump will achieve a dramatic return to the White House after a turbulent campaign following his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden.
A Frenzied Final Push in Crucial Swing States
In a high-stakes bid to sway last-minute voters, both candidates crisscrossed battleground states on Monday, making their final pitches. Harris, 60, held rallies across Pennsylvania, including a star-studded event in Philadelphia with Lady Gaga. Meanwhile, Trump, 78, who is eyeing a historic comeback, campaigned in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, rallying his base with fervent promises of economic reform and a “landslide victory.”
With polls set to open on November 5 in many states between 7 and 9 a.m. local time, early voter turnout has already hit historic levels. Over 75 million Americans, nearly half of the total ballots cast in 2020, have already voted, indicating widespread enthusiasm and high tension as both campaigns sprint to the finish line.
Clash Over Key Swing States: Pennsylvania Takes Center Stage
All eyes are on Pennsylvania, a critical battleground that could tilt the balance of power. Both Harris and Trump are pouring their resources into the state, holding simultaneous rallies in Pittsburgh to energize supporters. Harris also visited Michigan, where she aims to retain the support of the influential Arab-American community amid tensions over U.S. policies in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Trump, meanwhile, has energized his base with frequent appearances in states like Georgia and North Carolina, which hold significant sway in the Electoral College.
Polls Reflect a Deadlock, Yet Surprise Surge for Harris in Iowa
In a surprising twist, recent polling by the Des Moines Register shows Harris with a narrow lead over Trump in Iowa, a state Trump previously won by substantial margins in 2016 and 2020. The poll, conducted from October 28-31, credits likely women voters with the unexpected shift. However, an Emerson College survey released on November 2 contradicts this, showing Trump with a 10-point lead in the same state, highlighting the uncertainty and polarization of the electorate.
Despite fluctuating state polls, most national surveys indicate a virtual tie, with both candidates vying for key demographics. Harris appears to be performing well among voters under 30, while Trump maintains strong support among men and independent voters, a crucial factor in the battleground states where the race is expected to be decided.
Economic Policies Divide Voters as Key Issue
As the economy remains a critical election topic, polls reveal a divide among voters. According to an AP-NORC poll, 43% of voters trust Harris more on economic issues, while a Gallup poll shows 54% believe Trump would be better at handling the economy. This rift reflects the core issues driving the election, from inflation and job creation to healthcare.
Global Markets React to U.S. Election Uncertainty
As the U.S. heads to the polls, global markets are responding to the high-stakes election. Asian markets saw gains on Monday, buoyed by the possibility of a favorable outcome for investors. Wall Street also rallied, with investors cautiously optimistic amid speculation about Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Observers note that a Trump win could boost the dollar and Treasury yields, driven by his pledges to cut taxes and impose tariffs on imports.
A Historic Election Awaited Worldwide
With control of the Senate and House of Representatives also on the line, the 2024 U.S. presidential election promises to be one of the most consequential in recent history. As Americans prepare to cast their votes, the outcome will reverberate not only across the United States but throughout the global economy and international relations. The stage is set for a closely-watched election night, as both Harris and Trump brace for what could be a transformative moment in American history.
