Julie Norman, a politics lecturer at UCL, shares her insights on the intense final days leading to the US election. Chris Chermak, Monocle Radio's senior news editor in D.C., breaks down the last-minute rally strategies of Harris and Trump. Election security expert Justin Smith highlights heightened measures against potential threats. Georgina Godwin reports from South Carolina on the local atmosphere. The discussion also includes the foreign policy impacts of candidates’ promises and the evolving landscape of American democracy.
Enhanced security measures for the upcoming U.S. election highlight the lessons learned from previous contentious elections amid rising tensions.
Candidates are strategically focusing on swing states, using targeted messaging and visuals to sway undecided voters and solidify their support.
Deep dives
Global Impact of U.S. Elections
The upcoming U.S. presidential election is generating significant attention worldwide, with implications that extend well beyond American borders. Political analysts emphasize that the decisions made by a few thousand voters in swing states can have life-altering consequences for people in regions like Ukraine, Taiwan, and Palestine. The anxiety surrounding this election is palpable both within and outside the U.S., with many questioning whether the American democratic process remains a reliable model for global governance. As foreign perceptions shift, concerns arise over the potential perceptions of ineffectiveness in American leadership.
Election Security Concerns
The security of the election process is a top priority, with experts noting the lessons learned from the contentious 2020 election. Preparations are being put in place across the U.S. to ensure that local and federal authorities can adequately respond to potential disruptions, whether they stem from domestic or foreign sources. Election officials are increasingly recognizing the need for comprehensive safety plans that involve law enforcement and community resources to maintain order, especially during a time of heightened tensions. Awareness of various threats, including those targeting ballot collection boxes and potential terrorist incidents, emphasizes the fragile state of the democratic process.
Swing State Dynamics
Swing states like Pennsylvania have become a key battleground, with candidates honing their strategies to capture undecided voters and rally support. The last-minute campaigning, coupled with rising tensions and high stakes, creates an environment where every message counts. Polling shows signs of unpredictability, with recent data suggesting possible shifts in voter sentiment that could impact traditional voting patterns, particularly among women. Campaigns are keenly aware that securing Pennsylvania is critical, and they are mobilizing efforts to energize supporters and sway undecided voters.
The Role of Typeface in Campaigns
The selection of typeface in campaign messaging reflects deeper strategies and cultural references established over decades. Designers draw upon historical connections, noting how typography can evoke powerful emotions and associations among voters. This cycle, the use of large, bold fonts is prevalent, as candidates aim for immediate recognition and impact through visual simplicity. The intersection of aesthetics and strategy becomes particularly significant, with both major candidates utilizing visual elements that resonate with their respective narratives while simultaneously drawing on shared cultural meanings within American political history.
The US election offices have increased security measures amid anticipation of potential violence towards election workers. Justin Smith, election security expert and retired sheriff, tells us more. Also on the programme: Monocle’s Christopher Cermak and Julie Norman discuss the final messages from Harris and Trump as last-minute rallies take place in key swing states. Then: we assess how each candidate’s foreign-policy promises will affect voters’ choices. Plus: Monocle’s Geogina Godwin gives us the view from South Carolina.