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The Story

What happens if the American election is a tie?

Oct 20, 2024
Tom Newton Dunn, a seasoned broadcaster and journalist for The Times, dives into the fascinating dynamics of the American electoral process. He discusses the surprising potential for a tie influenced by a small 'blue dot' in Omaha, Nebraska. Dunn highlights how Nebraska’s unique voting system could tip the scales. The conversation reveals the critical role of swing states and the deep political divides within Omaha. He also reflects on historical precedents that could turn a close election into chaos, raising questions about America’s political future.
25:33

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Quick takeaways

  • Nebraska's electoral vote distribution could lead to crucial influence from a single vote in Omaha, highlighting the state's unique importance this election.
  • The possibility of a 269 to 269 electoral tie raises concerns about fairness and could intensify societal tensions and unrest among polarized voters.

Deep dives

The Significance of Swing States

Swing states play a critical role in US presidential elections, as they can decisively influence the outcome due to their unpredictable voting patterns. In the upcoming election, states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan are seen as key battlegrounds where Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have very close margins. Additionally, Nebraska's unique approach to electoral votes adds another layer of complexity, with the potential for a single vote from Omaha to become pivotal. Given the current divided landscape, even a small group of voters in these crucial states could determine which candidate wins the presidency.

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