ICYMI: What To Expect During Election Week And The Weeks That Follow
Nov 4, 2024
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Gabe Fleischer, author of the daily political newsletter 'Wake Up to Politics,' dives into the electric atmosphere of election week. He highlights the record turnout with over 74 million votes already cast and discusses the final pitches from Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The conversation touches on campaign strategies, the critical issues influencing voters, especially the youth, and the troubling concerns surrounding potential election violence. Fleischer also reveals insights into key battleground states that could sway control of Congress.
Vice President Harris emphasized unity and bipartisanship, particularly targeting suburban women and advocating for diverse voices in politics.
Both candidates are actively engaging younger voters, with Trump's focus on young men and Harris aiming to mobilize young women for greater turnout.
Deep dives
Final Campaign Messages
In the final days before the election, both candidates delivered starkly different messages to voters, with Vice President Harris promoting unity and bipartisanship, while former President Trump leaned into darker, more aggressive rhetoric. Harris focused her campaign on appealing to suburban women, especially those with Republican leanings, and emphasized the importance of listening to multiple voices. In contrast, Trump's speeches highlighted his frustrations about the past election and suggested violent consequences for dissenters, potentially alienating moderates. These contrasting approaches highlight the candidates' strategies to galvanize their respective bases as Election Day approached.
Youth Voter Engagement
The role of younger voters emerged as a significant factor in the upcoming election, with the potential to swing the results based on their turnout. Both candidates are targeting young voters, with Trump focusing on engaging young men while Harris aims to mobilize young women. The gender gap among young voters could play a crucial role, as increased turnout from either demographic could substantially influence the election outcome. Historical trends indicate that higher youth participation rates have been noted in recent elections, underscoring their importance in shaping political landscapes.
Polling Insights and Expectations
Recent polls indicate a shift in voter sentiment, with Harris reportedly leading Trump in states like Iowa, where he previously had a stronghold. While many polls have shown Trump with a comfortable lead in recent elections, the change suggests that late deciders may have shifted their support to Harris. Additionally, the close nature of the current race raises concerns about potential delays in calling the election results, as a tight race could lead to weeks of counting and recounting ballots. This environment of uncertainty compels both campaigns to prepare for a potentially drawn-out election process.