Victory Garland Awaits: Will It Be Trump or Harris?

In her first campaign rally, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris took a strong stance against Donald Trump, framing the November election as a pivotal choice between a former prosecutor and a convicted felon. This rally followed President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race for the White House, during which he endorsed Harris as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate. As the world grapples with democratic challenges and widespread instability, this year's U.S. presidential election carries significant importance not only for American citizens but also for people around the globe.

International media is highlighting the global interest in this election, with leaders and citizens from various countries closely observing the race. They are considering the potential implications of the election's outcome on their own nations. This election is being viewed as one of the most crucial on the global stage. Despite his controversial standing internationally, former U.S. President Donald Trump remains a leading figure in American politics, enjoying substantial public support domestically but not internationally. His popularity has recently surged, particularly after narrowly escaping an attack at a public meeting in Pennsylvania.

Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, is emerging as a strong contender against Trump. As an Asian-American and Black woman, she has garnered significant support within her party. Recent surveys indicate that while Harris is gaining momentum, Donald Trump holds a slight lead in the race.

A recent Wall Street Journal poll reveals that Donald Trump holds 49 percent support among Americans, with Kamala Harris trailing by just two percent. A month ago, a different survey indicated Trump was leading the current president, Joe Biden, by six percent. However, Kamala Harris has been steadily minimizing that gap. Climatologists have noted that the outcome of the November battle between Trump and Harris will significantly influence global climate policy.

Donald Trump has already secured the Republican Party's nomination for the upcoming presidential election. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris was officially nominated at the Democratic National Convention. With only 10 weeks remaining until the election, both Trump and Harris are entering the final stretch of their campaigns.

In less than three weeks, a direct debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will take place, adding to the intensity of the race. Early voting is set to begin in about a month, and polls suggest a highly competitive race between the two candidates. Kamala Harris, who has recently returned from Chicago after the national convention, officially became the Democratic nominee when President Joe Biden withdrew from the race last month. Although Trump was leading in polls against Biden, Kamala has managed to close the gap and even surpass Trump in some surveys. Dan Kaninen, the director of Harris's campaign in swing states, expressed cautious optimism during a press interview on the sidelines of the convention.

Dan Kaninen, director of Kamala Harris's campaign in swing states, acknowledged the ongoing intensity of the electoral battle, saying, "The situation remains very competitive, but there's a lot of enthusiasm among us." He emphasized the need for the campaign to make the most of its momentum and to communicate effectively with voters as the fall approaches.

Kamala Harris officially accepted the Democratic Party's nomination at the four-day convention in Chicago, marking the beginning of her final push toward the November 5 election. The event featured a star-studded lineup, including former Democratic presidents and senior party leaders, underscoring the significance of Harris's candidacy. Despite Trump's earlier lead against Joe Biden, Biden’s withdrawal and endorsement of Harris have shifted the dynamics, as reflected in the polls.

Kamala's campaign has seen a surge in fundraising, with a record-breaking $50 crore raised in just one month. Politically, she is experiencing a favorable period, with no immediate signs of it ending. However, party leaders have cautioned about potential challenges ahead, including domestic protests against U.S. policies related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Additionally, the possible withdrawal of independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who may endorse Trump, could also impact poll numbers.

In her speech after officially receiving the party’s nomination, Kamala Harris stated her commitment to being "the president of all the United States."

Kamala Harris, in her acceptance speech, emphasized her commitment to fighting against dictatorships worldwide and called for an end to the ongoing Gaza war. She declared, "On behalf of the people, on behalf of every American, I accept your nomination regardless of party, race, gender, or the language your grandmother speaks." Harris urged the nation to move beyond past bitterness, hatred, and divisive struggles, calling for unity not as members of any party or faction, but as Americans. She described her nomination as an opportunity to chart a new course for the country, promising to be "the president of all the United States."

In her speech, Harris also made strong remarks about her rival, Donald Trump, accusing him of attempting to undermine the will of American voters by inciting an armed mob to storm the Capitol, attacking law enforcement officers. She vowed to protect the voting rights of all Americans if elected and emphasized the critical importance of defeating Trump in the upcoming November 5 presidential election. Harris accused Trump of bowing down to dictators, contrasting her own vision of leadership with his.`

Vowing to fight against dictatorships worldwide, Kamala Harris affirmed her clear stance in the ongoing global struggle between democracy and authoritarianism, emphasizing her understanding of the United States' crucial role in this battle. Initially, it was anticipated that current President Joe Biden would face former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. However, Biden withdrew from the race, leaving Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's candidate. Her nomination sparked widespread enthusiasm, as evidenced by the electrified response from the American electorate during her announcement.

Experts predict a highly competitive and consequential battle between Harris and Trump. Kamala Harris's rapid rise in acceptability among voters is attributed to her strong appeal within the Democratic camp and beyond. This is reflected in the surge of financial support; Democratic Party fund managers reported a staggering $60 million in donations pouring in just one day after Harris was announced as the candidate. This overwhelming response suggests that while there were significant concerns about Joe Biden's viability against the far-right figure Donald Trump, Harris's candidacy has invigorated the party and positioned her as a formidable opponent. The decision to advance Harris as the Democratic nominee has not only energized the base but also demonstrated the party's strengthened resolve in the face of a challenging election.

A potential showdown between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris offers a unique dynamic. Kamala Harris's background as a successful lawyer and tough government attorney contrasts sharply with Trump's controversial legal history. Harris champions the rule of law and women’s legal rights, while Trump, in the eyes of many, represents a figure who has skirted the law to keep certain aspects of his life private. This could give Harris a distinct appeal, particularly among conservative, middle-class voters who might be swayed by her commitment to legal integrity, something that Trump’s controversies may not easily overcome.

Experts suggest that the outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war could also play a critical role in determining America's position on the global stage, influencing voter sentiment in the lead-up to the election. The race between Harris and Trump may be shaped not just by domestic issues but also by how the U.S. handles international challenges like the conflict in Ukraine and tensions in Palestine.

As the November 5 presidential election approaches, the race remains tight and unpredictable. The winner of this election will assume office in January 2025 and will lead the country for the next four years. With the election still two months away, the final outcome remains uncertain, and only time will reveal which direction the American electorate will choose.

Raihan Ahmed Tapadar: Researcher and columnist.