The 2024 presidential election is heating up, and with just one week to go before Election Day, the race for the White House is looking tighter than ever. While the media has been focused on other issues, there are growing signs that Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign is struggling, with former President Donald Trump gaining momentum.
One of the most telling indicators is the shift in polling data. While polls have shown Harris with a slight lead in the past, recent surveys are indicating a tight race, with some showing Trump even taking the lead. The New York Times/Siena poll, for instance, found the candidates in a dead heat after previously showing Harris ahead by three points. Additionally, the Real Clear Politics average of national polls shows Trump edging out Harris, and he’s leading in every swing state.
The betting markets, often considered a reliable predictor of election outcomes, are also revealing a change in momentum. The RCP average of betting odds shows Trump as the favorite by a significant 24 points, suggesting that money is flowing in his direction. This has even prompted speculation from the liberal media that the numbers are being manipulated by large wagers, but it’s more likely that bettors are simply sensing a shift in the election landscape.
Further fueling speculation of a possible Trump victory is the recent decision by the Washington Post, a traditionally Democratic-leaning newspaper, to not endorse Harris. This unprecedented move caused an uproar within the newsroom and prompted thousands to cancel their subscriptions. While the Post has not explicitly stated their reasoning, rumors suggest that owner Jeff Bezos, also the founder of Amazon and Blue Origin, may have been concerned about the potential business risk of opposing Trump. This decision follows a similar choice by the Los Angeles Times, another traditionally liberal newspaper, in Harris’s own state.
Beyond the polling data and media endorsements, there are other signs that Harris’s campaign is struggling. Major newspapers have declined to endorse her, a significant departure from past practice. Additionally, Democratic senators running for reelection in toss-up states are running ads that distance themselves from Harris and instead highlight their ties to Trump. Even Democratic Mayor Eric Adams of New York City, a deeply blue stronghold, has publicly defended Trump against criticism.
Harris’s campaign tactics have also come under scrutiny. She has shifted from her initial optimistic and hopeful messaging to a more aggressive and confrontational approach, frequently accusing Trump of fascism and comparing him to Hitler. However, her campaign’s own super PAC, Future Forward, has reportedly warned that this focus on Trump’s character isn’t resonating with voters. It seems voters are more interested in hearing about policy than attacking Trump’s personality.
Harris has also been heavily relying on celebrity endorsements to attract voters, similar to Hillary Clinton’s strategy in 2016. However, this tactic appears to be backfiring, as in Texas, a highly anticipated concert featuring Beyoncé turned into a four-minute lecture about abortion rights, leaving many fans feeling deceived.
Despite the growing concerns surrounding her campaign, Harris and her team are still confident in their chances. They remain focused on mobilizing their base and getting out the vote. However, with just one week left until Election Day, the race for the White House is tightening, and the momentum appears to be shifting in favor of Trump.
The upcoming election promises to be a nail-biter, and the fate of the nation hangs in the balance. Only time will tell whether Harris can turn the tide and secure victory, or if Trump will make a triumphant return to the White House.
