Weekend Edition: Harris or Trump. Who wins. What changes?
Oct 25, 2024
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John Barron, an ABC journalist and co-host of Planet America, dives into the battleground of the upcoming US elections. He highlights the neck-and-neck race between Trump and Harris, questioning the reliability of polls and betting odds. Barron discusses Trump's potential policies, like tariff increases and immigration strategies, while shedding light on the challenges faced by traditional polling methods. The conversation also touches on the complex motivations driving Trump's political tactics and upcoming election uncertainties.
Polls indicate a close race between Trump and Harris, but betting odds suggest Trump may have the upper hand, revealing discrepancies in voter sentiment.
Regardless of the election outcome, significant policy changes are unlikely due to government structure, political polarization, and the emphasis on cautious governance.
Deep dives
Polls vs. Betting Odds
Current polling presents a close race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, with Harris leading by a small margin in national polls. However, betting odds suggest a significant advantage for Trump, indicating a potential underestimation of his support, similar to trends seen in previous elections. This discrepancy raises questions about the accuracy of polls, particularly given that a large segment of Trump supporters may choose not to participate in surveys due to distrust of media. Furthermore, the dynamics of likely voters and historical patterns from past elections complicate the accuracy of polling data.
Early Voting Trends and Strategies
The podcast highlights the impact of early voting, noting that trends indicate a higher participation rate this election cycle compared to previous years. Trump's initial approach discouraged his supporters from voting early, but he has since shifted to encourage this strategy to counteract potential losses in crucial demographics. In contrast, the ground game tactics of the Democrats, who focus on door-to-door engagement and community outreach, are expected to yield incremental increases in voter turnout. This contrast in strategies could significantly influence the election results, particularly in battleground states.
Economic Policy Implications
If Trump wins, the implementation of his proposed tariffs and deportation of undocumented migrants could lead to complex consequences for the U.S. economy. While he promises to impose significant tariffs on imports, such actions may lead to increased consumer costs and job losses, particularly in industries reliant on low-wage workers. The podcast points out the economic paradox where Trump’s support among blue-collar workers may conflict with actual economic policies that adversely affect their livelihoods. This illustrates a potential disconnect between political rhetoric and tangible economic outcomes.
Future of American Politics
The podcast establishes that regardless of the election outcome, substantial changes in U.S. policy may be minimal due to the structure of government and potential compromises. Both candidates face challenges in implementing sweeping reforms, especially in the context of the rising national debt and the implications of ongoing political polarization. Harris’s agenda appears focused on social issues like abortion rights, while Trump's policies may lean towards economic nationalism; nonetheless, their effectiveness will likely be limited by legislative gridlock. As uncertainties loom, the approach to governance may remain cautious and reactive rather than revolutionary, irrespective of who occupies the presidency.
Please note this communication is not a research report and has not been prepared by NAB Research analysts. Read the full disclaimer here.
They are neck and neck in the polls, so the US election could go either way, although markets are responding, to an extent, to betting odds which are showing Trump is the clear winner. The ABC’s John Barron reckons you have to be careful about betting odds. They often represent wishes rather than rational decisions. And polling data also has its weaknesses, as research companies struggle to find representative respondents. So, who will win and what changes if its Trump? Would he really push on with 20 percent tariffs on all US imports and the deportation of millions of undocumented migrants? John knows US politics well. He co-hosts the ABC’s Americast, and has written several books on the subject, including a history of US political campaigns called ‘Vote For me’ . On today’s Weekend edition he joins Phil to provide interesting insights into a man who is more bent on power than policy.