Washington: Sunday marked the start of the final 100-day countdown to the US presidential election, which was drastically altered by an assassination attempt and President Joe Biden’s abrupt resignation. Democrats have come together in support of Vice President Kamala Harris following weeks of internal conflict and skepticism over Biden’s campaign. This has drastically changed the race on November 5, which was previously favoring Republican contender Donald Trump.
Since Biden left and endorsed Harris a week ago, the Democratic campaign has reportedly received $200 million, mostly from new donors, as a result of Harris’s arrival. Thanks to a surge in support from Black, Latino, and younger voters, Harris has narrowed Biden’s six-point lead over Trump to just two points, well within the margin of error, according to a new Wall Street Journal survey.
Republican pollster David Lee, who conducted the Journal survey, cautioned Democrats against premature optimism, noting Trump’s strong position compared to a similar stage in the 2020 election. Despite a national deadlock, Trump holds an advantage due to the Electoral College system, having won in 2016 despite losing the popular vote by nearly three million ballots.
Harris’s Challenge and Momentum
While acknowledging their underdog status, Harris highlighted the momentum of their people-powered campaign during a recent fundraising event. This momentum is intended to be sustained by a celebration of Harris’s campaign at the Democratic convention in mid-August.
The situation was very different a month ago. With doubts about his age and mental capacity, Biden was lagging behind Trump. A united Republican front and the abortive attempt on Trump’s life at a rally in Pennsylvania, coupled with Biden’s dismal performance in the June 27 debate, caused alarm within his party. After Biden finally withdrew, Harris entered the campaign and turned it into an exciting contest.
The Road Ahead
The election outcome on November 5 will likely hinge on around 100,000 independent, undecided voters in key battleground states. Harris faces substantial challenges as Republicans adapt their strategies and sharpen their attacks on issues like immigration and rising prices. Democratic strategist James Carville emphasized the need for preparation, warning against complacency. Even former President Barack Obama highlighted the necessity for Harris to earn voter trust.
Trump, whose favorability ratings have risen since the assassination attempt and the successful Republican convention, targeted Harris in a Minnesota rally, branding her a “crazy liberal” and making derogatory remarks about her stance on abortion and her demeanor. As both campaigns gear up for the final stretch, the political landscape remains unpredictable, with the potential for dramatic shifts in the coming months.
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