WASHINGTON: One of the most closely contested US election races of modern times enters its final, two-week stretch Tuesday, Republican Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris are ramping up their campaigns to secure undecided voters.
With polls showing the candidates neck-and-neck, both parties are investing hundreds of millions of dollars in a final push to sway the electorate ahead of Election Day on November 5.
Early voting is already in full swing, with approximately 18 million Americans having cast their ballots either by mail or in person, accounting for over 10 percent of the total votes recorded in the 2020 election.
Voter turnout is anticipated to play a crucial role in determining the outcome, as Americans prepare to either elect the first woman president in the nation’s history or see the first convicted felon take office.
Recent polls suggest a slight advantage for Trump, who, at 78, is the oldest major party nominee in US history. However, this lead remains within the margin of error. The former president continues to contest the legitimacy of his 2020 loss to Joe Biden, raising concerns that he may dispute the election results again if he does not emerge victorious.
Harris, who entered the race only in July after Biden’s unexpected withdrawal, is making headlines with a national interview on NBC. The 60-year-old vice president, celebrating her recent birthday, is also deploying former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama to the campaign trail. They will hold rallies in key swing states, which are vital for both candidates’ paths to victory.
Meanwhile, Trump is focusing on outreach to Latino voters, hosting a roundtable discussion at one of his Florida properties before heading to North Carolina for a campaign event centered on economic issues.
However, his rallies often drift away from policy discussions, as critics note his recent behavior has included erratic speeches and off-the-cuff performances that have puzzled audiences.
Meanwhile, the Harris campaign is emphasizing Trump’s mental and physical fitness for office, while also courting moderate Republicans who may be disillusioned with his rhetoric and controversies. Harris is adopting the image of a “joyful warrior,” aiming to signal a shift away from the divisive politics of the Trump era towards a new era of leadership.
Harris will also engage Latino voters through an interview with Spanish-language network Telemundo, focusing on pressing issues like job security, housing, and the rising cost of living.
With just 14 days left until the election, both campaigns are bracing for a frenetic final push, aware that every vote could be pivotal in this historic race.
