The countdown to the US election has officially begun, marking the start of a 100-day sprint. The campaign has seen significant changes, including an assassination attempt and the unexpected exit of President Joe Biden.
Following a period of turmoil and uncertainty surrounding Biden’s candidacy, Democrats have rallied behind Vice President Kamala Harris, fundamentally altering the course of the election that was seemingly favoring Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Republican strategist Matt Terrill believes that Harris’s ability to unite Democrats has set the stage for a close race on November 5. The outcome will heavily depend on approximately 100,000 swing voters in key battleground states.
Terrill emphasized the importance of issues such as inflation, immigration, the economy, and crime to undecided voters. He mentioned that Trump is currently performing well on these issues, making the election a referendum on the incumbents, namely Biden and Harris.
While typical American election campaigns span nearly two years, the 2024 edition has been refreshingly brief, making it one of the shortest in recent history.
The upcoming Democratic convention in August is anticipated to celebrate Harris as the party’s new standard-bearer. Harris has been successful in fundraising, garnering grassroots support, and gaining momentum in polls.
Only a month ago, the situation looked starkly different. Biden faced skepticism due to concerns about his age and mental sharpness, making him an underdog. However, a lackluster debate performance on June 27 triggered alarm within the Democratic Party.
Biden’s withdrawal following a failed assassination attempt on Trump and Harris’s entry into the race have injected new energy into the contest. The former Biden-Harris ticket has now evolved into a dynamic showdown led by Harris.
– The Harris honeymoon –
The Harris campaign, fueled by a record-breaking rally in Wisconsin and considerable fundraising success, has narrowed Trump’s lead in polls. However, Democrats have been advised to remain cautious as Harris faces a challenging battle against the oldest major party nominee in history.
Despite recent optimism, Democratic leaders urge vigilance as the race heats up. Trump’s resurgence and upcoming rallies signal a tough fight ahead for Harris.
Warnings against complacency have echoed from various quarters, emphasizing the need for Democrats to remain grounded and ready for the challenges ahead.
As the campaign intensifies, both candidates continue to campaign actively, with Trump focusing on traditionally Democratic states and Harris maintaining her fundraising efforts and sending surrogates to key battlegrounds.
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