editor
As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, the race between the candidates is closer than ever. Both Trump and Harris are vying for key battleground states that will likely determine the outcome of this fiercely competitive election. In swing states such as Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona, the slightest shift in voter opinion could be decisive. Here’s a closer look at each candidate’s strategy and the issues influencing voters in the final week.
With just a week to go before the U.S. presidential election, the race remains tight and unpredictable. A handful of critical battleground states will determine the outcome, and the competition between candidates remains neck-and-neck in these pivotal regions.
There are states that are neck and neck in these elections as well: Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Nevada and Arizona. In these states, even a small number of voters changing their minds can have a direct impact on the outcome of the elections. As the polls emphasize, only 50-60 thousand voters in these states can decide the fate of the whole country and even international politics. This underlines how fragile the balance of the election actually is.
Trump’s Strategy: Leaning on Hard-Right Messaging
Donald Trump continues to amplify his traditional right-wing, nationalist rhetoric throughout his campaign. In a recent rally, he declared, “Under Kamala, America has become a haven for criminals and illegal immigrants,” a statement aimed squarely at his conservative, nationalist base. Immigration has been a longstanding debate in the U.S., particularly with regard to border security and illegal migration. Trump promises more stringent controls and expulsion of undocumented migrants, a strategy he hopes will resonate with his core supporters.
However, this approach may alienate certain voters in key states. For instance, 450,000 Puerto Rican voters in Pennsylvania could be put off by Trump’s previous mocking remarks about Puerto Rico. Similarly, Michigan’s 250,000 Muslim Arab voters have yet to forget Trump’s earlier anti-Muslim rhetoric. To regain their favor, Trump recently appeared with local imams, although the success of this outreach remains uncertain.
Kamala Harris’s Strategy: Anti-Trump Campaigning
Kamala Harris, on the other hand, has crafted her campaign around opposition to Trump rather than a detailed platform of her own. She appeals to the urgency of stopping Trump’s “dangerous” re-election, often describing him as a potential authoritarian threat. This fear-based campaign could successfully mobilize her base but may not effectively reach undecided voters, as Harris has yet to present a clear vision that appeals to them.
A critical aspect of her support, however, lies with women voters. The Republican Party’s anti-abortion stance is a significant driver for many white women to shift toward the Democratic Party. Even in traditionally conservative states like North Carolina and Georgia, Democrats are encouraging women to vote in secrecy if necessary, to safeguard their reproductive rights. This move suggests that Harris may gain unexpected support from women voters who otherwise might have leaned Republican.
Crucial Voter Groups and Ongoing Uncertainty
The deciding factor for this election will likely be which issues voters prioritize most. Economic conditions, immigration policy, and abortion rights stand out as central topics shaping voter choices. Trump is generally seen as more reliable on the economy, with many voters recalling lower living costs and economic stability during his term, contrasted with inflation under the Biden administration. His stance on immigration also resonates with voters concerned about border security and illegal immigration.
In contrast, the abortion debate remains a powerful tool for Democrats. Trump’s derogatory remarks toward women, combined with restrictive abortion policies championed by Republicans, have driven more white female voters toward the Democrats. Particularly in conservative areas, some women might secretly vote Democratic, defying their family’s or community’s expectations.
Final Stretch Predictions and Possibilities
As we approach election day, uncertainty lingers across the country. With Trump and Harris focusing on highly localized campaigns in the final week, small pockets of support in rural areas could tip the scales. Trump has targeted insular communities like the Amish, while Harris has concentrated on white suburban women, who are statistically leaning toward Democratic values.
In conclusion, this election seems destined for a photo finish. Erdölen suggests that while Trump might currently have a slight edge, Democrats still have a narrow window to mount a comeback. If so, this race could echo 2016, when a last-minute shift shocked many. Election night is sure to be a long, suspenseful process that will reveal the current state of American democracy.
