At a Harris Teeter supermarket in Mint Hill, a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina, shoppers were split this week on how they planned to vote in November’s US presidential election. Kaitlyn Lackey, a 26-year-old teacher, says she supports the Democratic candidate, vice-president Kamala Harris. “When I watched the debate a few weeks ago, I thought he was absolutely crazy,” says Lackey. “I’m ready to get rid of Donald Trump, you know?” But Shane Hartis, 50, who works for a local accountant, is an ardent backer of the former Republican president. She looks back nostalgically at his days in the White House. “Trump is not asking for anything other than to make us a great nation again,” Hartis says.
Lackey and Hartis are just two of the millions of voters who will cast ballots in North Carolina this November. But their sharply diverging views demonstrate the immovable dividing lines that run through the US electorate.
With just over a month to go until polling day, the election is as close as it possibly could be. North Carolina is one of seven swing states that forecasters say will determine the outcome of November’s election thanks to the quirks of the US Electoral College system.
After an initial surge of support for Harris, recent polls show her leading Trump nationwide by just three percentage points and ahead in four key swing states by razor-thin margins. At the same time, Trump is ahead in other critical battlegrounds also by narrow margins.
Given how polarized voters are right now and with little time left before Election Day arrives on November 3rd., there may be little either candidate can do between now and then to pull ahead.
The last debate didn’t significantly change public opinion even though many believed Kamala Harris performed better than Donald Trump during it.
Both campaigns are fighting hard for votes but it remains uncertain what will ultimately tip one ticket over another at this point.
In some ways,
a tight race at this stage in a US presidential election cycle is not unusual.
But previous campaign cycles had clearer favorites while this year’s race has been full surprises at every turn.
There won’t be another debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump that could change things around since President Trump has declined CNN’s invitation.
Harris does have several advantages heading into these final weeks including financial resources as she has consistently outraised and outspent her opponent according to recent financial disclosures filed with Federal Election Commission (FEC).
However despite having more funds available she hasn’t managed yet to gain significant lead over President Trump according latest polls.
Harris still faces challenges when it comes defining how her presidency might differ from Biden’s especially regarding economy which remains unpopular among many Americans.
Trump’s allies believe he has edge when it comes issues like high cost living or immigration but privately admit keeping him focused can be difficult due his tendency veer away from prepared remarks or launch personal attacks against opponents
Concerns remain about both candidates’ security especially after recent threats on their lives but analysts say unforeseen events could still change course year’s election
Even an “October surprise” might not have much impact given past experiences where major revelations didn’t significantly alter outcome
Election veterans hesitate make bold predictions except saying race likely remain too close call
