Washington Web Desk (Web Desk/Agencies): The American voters are set to decide the outcome of one of their most fiercely contested and unpredictable presidential races in recent history.
Voters will choose between Kamala Harris, who could become the first woman to ever hold the presidency, and Donald Trump, whose bid for a dramatic political comeback could send shockwaves around the world.
With polling stations opening nationwide, the race is deadlocked, with both candidates in a virtual tie as they enter the final hours of this extraordinary election.
The campaign has been nothing short of tumultuous, with Harris stepping in as the Democratic nominee after a surprise exit by President Joe Biden in July, and Trump facing multiple assassination attempts and a criminal conviction. Despite these dramatic twists, the latest polls show the two rivals in a dead heat, underscoring the high stakes of this election.
Millions of Americans have already cast early votes, adding to the tens of millions expected to head to the polls on Election Day.
While early voting results will provide some clues, a final result may not be known for several days if the race remains as close as predicted.
The possibility of a contested outcome has raised fears of unrest, with Washington D.C. on edge, businesses boarded up, and security heightened around the White House.
Many are concerned that Trump, if defeated, may contest the election results as he did in 2020, sparking further political turmoil.
A global moment of reckoning
The outcome of the election will have far-reaching consequences not just for the U.S. but for the entire world. From shaping the U.S.’s approach to international conflicts—such as the Middle East and Russia’s war in Ukraine—to determining the future of climate change policy, the race is closely watched across the globe. Trump has long dismissed climate change as a hoax, while Harris advocates for bold action on the environment. The choice between the two candidates is not just a domestic one; it carries significant global implications.
Tight contests in key swing states
The election will hinge on a handful of crucial swing states—Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Both Harris and Trump have campaigned relentlessly in these battleground areas, with the outcome likely to be decided by a narrow margin.
On the eve of Election Day, Harris made a final push in Pennsylvania, rallying in Philadelphia at the iconic steps made famous by the “Rocky” movie.
“Momentum is on our side,” she declared, but warned, “this could be one of the closest races in history—every single vote counts.”
Meanwhile, Trump campaigned in Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, presenting himself as the savior of a nation he claims is on the brink of collapse, overrun by “savage” migrants and lost to crime. “With your vote, we can solve every problem our country faces and lead America to new heights of glory,” he told a cheering crowd in Grand Rapids.
Harris, focusing on the critical issue of women’s rights, particularly in relation to abortion access, targeted Trump’s stance on banning abortion.
Her rallying cry to women voters emphasized her commitment to protecting reproductive rights, positioning herself as the defender of freedom and choice. Despite this, Harris kept a more upbeat tone in the final days of the campaign, notably refraining from direct personal attacks on Trump, after months of accusing him of undermining democracy with his rhetoric and actions.
The stakes of history
If Trump prevails, it would mark an extraordinary political comeback—becoming the first president to serve two non-consecutive terms since Grover Cleveland in 1893.
A second Trump term would likely lead to renewed political and diplomatic turbulence, with international leaders already expressing concern over his "America First" policies and his threats to impose heavy tariffs on foreign imports.
A victory for Harris, however, would signify a monumental shift for the country, making her the first woman—and the first Black and South Asian woman—to assume the presidency. A win for Harris would not only mark a historic achievement for marginalized communities but also represent a decisive rejection of the Trump era, which has dominated American politics for nearly a decade.
While Trump has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election results, claiming he was the rightful winner, he has not stated whether he would accept the outcome of the 2024 election, particularly if he loses. This lingering uncertainty fuels concerns about another potential political crisis, especially given his controversial role in inciting the violent Capitol attack in January 2021.
A nation on edge
As Election Day dawns, the future of America hangs in the balance. With each side urging their supporters to get out and vote, the country is poised for a dramatic showdown. Voters are not just choosing a president—they are deciding the future direction of the nation.
The world watches closely, knowing that the choice between Harris and Trump will not only shape America’s future but will reverberate across the globe, influencing everything from foreign policy to climate change to international security.
This election, with its deeply polarized atmosphere and historical significance, could very well be one of the most consequential moments in American history. Whatever the result, it will define the course of the nation for years to come.
