With one of the most charged elections in recent U.S. history almost over, people around the world are asking: will the result bring peace, or will it push the country further into chaos? Americans are not alone in this uncertainty; the implications of the election extend far beyond US borders.
The stakes in this election couldn’t be higher. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris represent starkly different visions of America, and half the country is likely to reject whoever emerges victorious.
Trump’s enduring appeal
Trump’s hold on his supporters is unwavering—even as he’s made divisive claims about the election process. By declaring that states like Pennsylvania are ‘cheating’ Trump has primed his base to view a loss as fraudulent. This narrative is dangerous, as it inflames an already sceptical and frustrated electorate. The memory of January 2021 lingers; the Capitol riot exposed the potential for violence when political tensions boil over. Now, with security heightened in Washington, the Department of Homeland Security fears that unrest could erupt elsewhere if Trump’s supporters feel he’s been cheated again.
But Trump’s grip goes beyond loyalty. Many of his voters feel alienated from the political and economic elite, and Trump speaks directly to their grievances. His selection of J.D. Vance—a populist voice from the working class—as his running mate reinforces this connection. Trump’s base sees him as their champion against the establishment, and they are fiercely loyal.
The challenge for Harris
A Harris victory would be groundbreaking; she would be the first Black woman to serve as President. Yet her campaign has downplayed her identity, wary of stoking backlash against identity politics. While a win for Harris would mark a new chapter in American history, it would not come without serious challenges. Millions of Americans see her as part of an elite political system that ignores their needs.
Her tenure as Vice President has been tumultuous; last year, one poll found that she had the lowest approval rating of any Vice President since records began, raising questions about her electability. Additionally, at least half a dozen other prominent Democrats—including Cabinet members and the governors of Michigan and Pennsylvania—were seen as potentially stronger contenders.
Despite these challenges, Harris continues to push forward, albeit without a detailed policy platform. This vague approach has allowed diverse Democratic constituencies to project their hopes onto her, enabling broad appeal as she aims to resonate emotionally with voters, including independents. However, the strategy carries risks, as her opponents have tried to exploit her lack of specifics to suggest a hidden leftist agenda, and her avoidance of rigorous media scrutiny raises questions about accountability for her past positions.
Trump’s ability to connect with economically marginalised voters highlights Harris’s dilemma. Many working-class Americans believe Democrats have ignored them in favour of liberal elites, and they don’t trust Harris to change that. Harris has focused on Trump’s character, calling him unstable and divisive, yet this attack has not swayed his die-hard supporters, who prioritise Trump’s promised economic gains over his rhetoric, in an echo of his 2016 campaign.
Engaging with new audiences (and voters)
The media campaigns of both candidates have embraced a bold and varied approach to engaging voters, with candidates using different platforms to connect in new and often surprising ways. One notable trend is the rise of podcasts as campaign tools, allowing candidates to talk directly to voters in a relaxed and controlled setting, free from the usual interruptions of press conferences or debates. This format encourages deeper discussions about issues and personalities, moving beyond the quick soundbites of traditional media.
At the same time, high-profile appearances like Harris’s guest spot on Saturday Night Live show a clever mix of politics and entertainment aimed at reaching wider and more diverse audiences. Her recent interview on Fox News also highlights an effort to connect with people who hold different political views, demonstrating a willingness to engage in conversation across the political spectrum.
These approaches reveal a strong understanding of today’s divided media landscape, where candidates must reach voters where they are—whether on a niche podcast, a late-night comedy show, or a major cable network with different viewpoints.
Inevitable court action
If this election is close, we are certain to see an avalanche of lawsuits. If it’s not and there is a clear winner, legal challenges are still likely, especially if Kamala Harris wins comfortably. Legal teams for both candidates are primed for battle in the courts, especially in battleground states where a few thousand votes could decide the presidency. The legal fight could delay the result, sparking further public doubt and potentially adding more fuel to an already smouldering fire. And since states like Georgia have enacted new voting restrictions, the legal tussle could be even messier than the previous election and make the ‘hanging chads’ controversy of the US presidential election in 2000 look like a storm in a teacup.
Could the worst happen?
The spectre of unrest hangs over both possibilities. If Harris wins, Trump’s followers may feel cheated once again and could take to the streets. If Trump wins, those who see him as a threat to democracy could react with protests of their own. This double-edged tension could lead to widespread demonstrations—or worse—in cities across America, especially given the degree of dehumanisation each side now feels toward the other.
Whether Trump or Harris emerges victorious, one thing is clear: America’s deep-seated divisions won’t vanish with this election. Distrust in institutions, anger over economic disparities, and political grievances have turned Americans against each other in unprecedented ways. For many, this election is less about policies than it is about existential stakes—the fear that ‘the other side’ threatens the future of the country itself.
This election will not just decide the next president; it may shape the future of a divided and uneasy America. For those of us on the other side of the pond, all we can do is watch and wait.
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