With the United States presidential election just a day away on November 5, the race between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump remains highly competitive. The contest has tightened as both candidates crisscross critical battleground states, including Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, with early voting underway. Polls suggest that Harris holds a narrow lead nationally, with a one-point edge of 48 per cent to Trump’s 47 per cent—well within the margin of error.
While Harris holds a slight lead in national polls, the battleground states remain unpredictable. Polls in Iowa, traditionally a pivotal state, indicate that Harris has recently surged ahead, holding a 47 per cent to 44 per cent lead. This uptick is largely driven by female voters, with 56 per cent of women favouring Harris compared to 36 per cent for Trump, sparking concern among Trump’s campaign advisers.
Economic concerns continue to shape the race, with both candidates focusing heavily on issues like inflation and unemployment. While Trump has a slight edge in handling inflation and the rising cost of living, Harris has a marginal lead in general economic trust. According to an AP-NORC poll from October, 43 per cent of voters trust Harris more on the economy, compared to 41 per cent for Trump. In a Gallup survey, however, 54 per cent of respondents believe Trump would better handle economic issues, underscoring a key divide among voters.
The candidates’ final campaign rallies reflect contrasting approaches. Kamala Harris delivered a unity-focused rally in Michigan, choosing not to criticise her opponent directly. Her message of being a “president for all Americans” contrasts sharply with Trump’s strategy, which includes pointed criticism of Democrats.
Trump, meanwhile, has prioritised rallying in Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, highlighting his plans to tackle inflation and reduce government intervention. He has repeatedly attributed rising costs to the policies of the current administration, tying these to Harris as a continuation of the Biden legacy.
Source: Business Standard
