Trump vs. Harris: The High-Stakes Showdown Tightening the 2024 Race
In the latest twist of the 2024 presidential campaign, Donald Trump maintains a slight edge in key battleground states, positioning himself better than in both 2016 and 2020. Despite the tight race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the dynamic has shifted significantly since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race just over a week ago.
Before Biden’s exit, Democrats were increasingly worried that even historically blue states like New Hampshire, New Mexico, Virginia, and Minnesota might swing in favor of Trump. Internal Democratic polling at the time showed Biden barely holding onto a 0.4 percentage point lead in Minnesota. However, a recent Fox News poll now shows Harris leading by six percentage points in the state.
Despite this, Trump, who spoke in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, this past weekend, continued to claim falsely that he would win the state easily if there were no cheating. He alleged, without evidence, that the Democrats would cheat, repeating baseless claims from the 2020 election. It’s worth noting that Minnesota hasn’t voted for a Republican president since Richard Nixon in 1972, even rejecting Ronald Reagan in his landslide victories.
Trump’s allegations of electoral fraud in 2020 were unfounded and led to significant turmoil, culminating in the January 6th Capitol riot. Trump supporters, driven by his false claims, stormed the Capitol in a bid to overturn the election results. The violence resulted in multiple deaths and injuries, including the tragic deaths of several police officers. High-profile individuals within Trump’s orbit, including his 2020 campaign manager, White House counsel, and even his daughter Ivanka, did not believe the election was stolen.
As the 2024 election approaches, Trump continues to promote these falsehoods, insisting that any loss would be due to cheating. These unfounded claims contribute to the divisive and potentially dangerous political climate.
Meanwhile, both Trump and Harris are actively campaigning and refining their strategies. Trump has been leveraging extreme rhetoric, describing Harris as the most far-left candidate in history, and focusing on her record as a San Francisco liberal. On the other side, the Harris campaign has emphasized Trump’s controversial record on issues like abortion, pointing out that one-third of reproductive-age women in the U.S. live in states with restrictive abortion laws supported by Trump.
Harris is also capitalizing on a surge in fundraising, amassing $200 million in just a week following Biden’s withdrawal. Her campaign is bolstering its fundraising infrastructure to maximize this momentum.
Recent polls show a tightening race, with Harris closing the gap as her favorability ratings improve. Both campaigns are now in a high-stakes homestretch, with each side intensifying their attacks and efforts to sway voters in the crucial battleground states. The Harris campaign is preparing for a critical phase, including naming her running mate, as they push forward with renewed vigor.
As we count down the final 99 days to the election, the political landscape is increasingly volatile. Trump’s choice of JD Vance as his running mate has sparked controversy, with Vance facing backlash for his comments on women without children and his stance on abortion. Despite these challenges, Trump’s campaign remains confident.
Ultimately, the outcome of the election remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is the high stakes and intensity of the battle for the presidency. As both campaigns make their final pushes, the nation watches closely, anticipating what promises to be one of the most consequential elections in recent history.
