The 2024 US Presidential election is poised to be one of the most consequential in history, with the nation holding its breath as the race tightens between incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. The stakes are high, with the outcome potentially impacting everything from domestic policy to global relations.
The Battle for the White House:
On Monday, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her final campaign speech in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state, urging Americans to vote in what she called “the most consequential election of our lifetimes.” She emphasized the importance of every vote in what could be a nail-biting finish. On the Republican side, Donald Trump is seeking a historic comeback to the White House after his contentious loss in 2020. A Trump victory would mark the first time in over a century that a president has served two non-consecutive terms.
A Race with Global Ramifications:
The election has captured international attention, with analysts and investors keenly observing the potential outcomes. A victory for Kamala Harris could boost Japan’s ailing currency, while a Trump win might strengthen the Tokyo stock market but put the yen at risk of a deeper slump. This highlights the significant global implications of the election, with its impact extending far beyond US borders.
First Ballot Cast in New Hampshire:
In a symbolic moment, the first ballot for the 2024 US Presidential election was cast in the small township of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, at the stroke of midnight ET. This tradition, dating back to 1960, sees the township, located along the US-Canada border, open and close its polls just after midnight, setting the stage for the national election.
Harris’ Ancestral Roots: A Village in India Hopes for Victory:
Thousands of miles away in the village of Thulasendrapuram, India, Kamala Harris’ ancestral roots run deep. The community is rallying behind her, praying for her victory and celebrating her potential as the first woman and first person of Indian descent to hold the office of the US President. Their hope and pride reflect the profound impact of this election on communities around the world.
Heightened Volatility and Disinformation:
As the election approaches, financial markets are bracing for heightened volatility, particularly in the aftermath of the vote. Bitcoin ETFs have experienced record daily outflows, highlighting the market’s nervousness. Furthermore, the FBI has issued a warning regarding the “most active” disinformation efforts by foreign adversaries, specifically Russia, aiming to undermine confidence in the election and stoke divisions among Americans. The United States Intelligence Community expects foreign influence operations to intensify through Election Day and in the coming weeks, focusing on swing states.
The Race Remains Tight:
With the election just days away, the race remains incredibly tight, with polls showing a close contest. Prominent political scientist Ian Bremmer believes no outcome should be ruled out, though he considers Trump a “very narrow favorite.” He emphasizes the significance of undecided voters and the effectiveness of each party’s turnout operations in determining the final result. This election will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the United States and the world, with its impact felt far beyond the confines of the White House. The nation eagerly awaits the outcome as the clock ticks down to Election Day.
