Six Days Left: Closing Arguments, Racist Jokes and Burning Ballots
Oct 30, 2024
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Lisa Lerer, Shane Goldmacher, and Astead Herndon, all national political correspondents from The New York Times, dive into the tumultuous final stretch of the presidential race. They analyze how Trump's provocative rally in New York may have backfired and discuss Kamala Harris's strategic efforts to unify voters on abortion rights. The conversation delves into troubling instances of election interference, including burned ballots, and the impact of divisive rhetoric on voter sentiment, revealing the intricate dance of political strategy in these charged times.
Trump's rally reflected a divisive tone and emphasized grievances, raising concerns about its appeal to undecided voters.
Kamala Harris's focus on abortion rights aims to unify families and mobilize young and Latino voters in the upcoming election.
Deep dives
Trump's Rhetoric and the Closing Rally
Donald Trump's recent rally at Madison Square Garden showcased the current direction of the Republican Party, heavily influenced by the MAGA movement. Amidst a backdrop of excitement from attendees, Trump delivered a speech focused on grievances, racism, and misogyny, with speakers making controversial remarks that quickly drew criticism. A notable moment was a comedian's off-color joke about Puerto Rico that seemed to upset even the rally's attendees, highlighting a tone that some within the party might find damaging. Despite this, the rally was intended to convey strength and unity within Trump's base, yet it sparked conversations about whether these messages could garner broader support among undecided voters.
Kamala Harris and the Abortion Debate
In response to Trump's rally, Kamala Harris effectively shifted the conversation to focus on abortion rights, making an appeal directly to male voters. Former First Lady Michelle Obama emphasized the real-life implications of abortion restrictions, detailing scenarios that could deeply affect the health of women and their families. This strategic move highlights a growing recognition that abortion is not solely a women's issue, but one that affects entire families. By concentrating on these aspects, Harris aims to mobilize a crucial voting bloc, especially among young and Latino voters, who prioritize reproductive rights.
Voter Sentiment and Election Interference
Concerns surrounding the integrity of the upcoming election have been exacerbated by incidents such as the burning of ballots in multiple states, raising alarm among voters about potential interference. This situation reflects a broader atmosphere of distrust in electoral processes, with many fearing violence and further attempts at undermining democracy. Polls indicate that a significant portion of the population questions the effectiveness of democracy, positioning Trump’s rhetoric on these issues as potentially appealing to disillusioned voters. As such, the upcoming elections present a complex landscape where trust in political institutions may shape voter behavior significantly.
Democratic Strategy and Voter Engagement
As the campaign enters its final stretch, the Harris team is focusing on emphasizing women's rights, particularly regarding abortion, as a central theme. They are working to engage voters—especially women—by framing the choice as not only political but also personal, showcasing the dangers they perceive in a potential Trump presidency. Recent polling indicates an increasing confidence within the Harris campaign regarding their messaging strategies and voter turnout efforts. The conversation around democracy remains critical, but the Harris team believes addressing immediate, pressing issues like the cost of living and abortion rights will resonate more with undecided voters.
In the final week of the race for president, Donald J. Trump’s big rally in New York appeared to backfire, while Kamala Harris’s closing message cast her as a unifier. Fears about election interference also resurfaced after arsonists burned ballots in three states.
The Times journalists Michael Barbaro, Lisa Lerer, Shane Goldmacher and Astead Herndon try to make sense of it all.
Guest:
Lisa Lerer, a national political correspondent for The New York Times.
Shane Goldmacher, a national political correspondent for The New York Times.
Astead W. Herndon, a national politics reporter and the host of the politics podcast “The Run-Up.”
Investigators have identified a “suspect vehicle” in the ballot drop box fires in the Pacific Northwest.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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