The US presidential election is set for November 5. With just three weeks remaining before the critical US presidential election, both vice president Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are intensifying their campaigns.
In the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania, Trump held two rallies this week, while Harris enlisted the help of former President Barack Obama to rally support for the Democrats.Polls indicate a remarkably close race, with both candidates holding narrow leads in various surveys.
In an interview with ANI, Professor Cameron Kerry of the Brookings Institution said that the race is “extremely tight” and both the candidates have strong chances of winning. He highlighted that while the momentum initially favoured Trump, Harris’s strong performance in the second presidential debate has made the race competitive again.
“It is a very close race. I think a Wall Street Journal poll put it well: ‘Even, Steven, tight, tight, tight.’ Kamala Harris has brought the race back from a point where it seemed to be tilting toward Trump,” Kerry said. He added that the United States remains deeply polarised politically, with both parties fighting over narrow issues.
According to Professor Kerry, voter turnout will be crucial in the final weeks, as each candidate will need to mobilise their supporters effectively, particularly as concerns about tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine grow.
He also highlighted that the American voter is now prioritising domestic issues such as the economy, immigration, and foreign policy, simultaneously making these issues important for the perception of leadership and safety.
Trump has frequently criticised the Biden administration, claiming that the US has lost its standing on the global stage. He claims that the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine would not have emerged if he had been in office, he also promises to end both conflicts swiftly if he returns to the White House.
He highlighted the different views on America’s role in the world, with Trump advocating an “America first” policy and Biden, along with Harris, focusing on rebuilding international alliances.
The issue of abortion is another critical factor shaping this election. Kerry believes that the Democrats will benefit from strong support for abortion rights, particularly following the overturning of the Roe v. Wade judgement. This issue energised voters during the 2022 midterms, and Kerry expects it will have a similar effect in the upcoming election.
“There has been a clear divide between the parties on abortion rights. Trump’s attempts to soften his stance may not resonate well,” he said.
While Biden and Harris have vowed to bring back the abortion rights, the Republicans have had opposing views on the matter. Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, has registered even stronger opposition to abortion rights.
“There’s long been a so-called gender gap in American politics where women vote more for Democrats. But the polling now shows those numbers have doubled compared to what they were when we first started talking about a gender gap 25 or 30 years ago,” Kerry said.
Kerry also addressed the implications of Trump’s ongoing legal troubles, which include 91 felony charges across four criminal cases. He suggested that while Trump’s base remains loyal, the criminal allegations could concern undecided voters.
“It’s extraordinary that Trump continues to raise funds despite these indictments. His supporters seem to believe in him regardless, but the fact that he is the first former president convicted of a crime will unsettle some voters,” he said.
Furthermore, Kerry believes Kamala Harris’s Indian roots will be a significant advantage in the elections, potentially leading to strong support from the Indian-American community. He said that this community is becoming increasingly influential in key sectors across the US.
“It’s definitely an advantage. People in the Indian-American community are excited and engaged. They play important roles in business, science, and technology, making them a powerful group,” Kerry said.
“The possibility of having the first Indian-American president is very exciting. However, it’s important to remember that no community is uniform in its views. While some will support Harris, I don’t have specific data on that. Still, based on my political experience, I believe a large majority of Indian-Americans will back Kamala Harris,” he added.
As the election nears, both candidates are set to make history. If Trump wins, he will become the first president in over a century to serve two non-consecutive terms. Conversely, Harris could become the first woman, first Black, and first Asian American president in US history.