US Election 2024: A Tense and Divided Nation Awaits the Outcome
The First Polls Close in a Volatile White House Race
WASHINGTON: The first polls closed on Tuesday in the volatile White House race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, as a divided nation anxiously awaited the result of one of the tightest elections in US history.
The Outcome and Its Consequences
The outcome, which could be known overnight but may take days, will have momentous consequences, either making Harris the first woman in the world’s most powerful job or handing a historic comeback to Trump and his right-wing "America First" agenda.
Long Lines and Disruptions
Millions of Americans formed long lines across the country to cast their vote, and polls closed at 7pm (0000 GMT Wednesday) in the first six states, including crucial Georgia – one of the battleground states expected to tip the balance in the neck-and-neck race. Several hoax bomb threats were reported at polling stations, causing disruptions to voting, including in Georgia. The FBI and local authorities said they appeared to originate in Russia.
Early Exit Polls and Key Issues
An early exit poll by NBC News showed that the most important issue for voters was the fate of US democracy – a signature issue for Harris – even more than the economy. Harris, 60, would also be only the second black and first person of South Asian descent to be president. She made a late, dramatic entrance into the race when Biden dropped out in July, while Trump – twice impeached while president – has since ridden out two assassination attempts and a criminal conviction.
The Candidates’ Stances
Harris has hammered home her opposition to Trump-backed abortion bans in multiple states – a vote-winning position with crucial women voters. Trump has vowed an unprecedented deportation campaign of millions of undocumented immigrants, in a campaign full of dark rhetoric. Harris, on the other hand, is seen as a champion of democracy, with a focus on preserving the integrity of the US electoral system.
Consequences of the Election
The election is being watched closely around the world, including in the war zones of Ukraine and the Middle East, anxious to see how the next Oval Office occupant deals with the conflicts. The winner of this election will have a profound impact on the future of the United States and the world at large.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current state of the US presidential election?
A: The election is ongoing, with polls closing in various states throughout the day.
Q: Who is leading in the polls?
A: The race is neck-and-neck, with no clear winner yet.
Q: What are the key issues in this election?
A: The fate of US democracy, the economy, and immigration are top concerns for voters.
Q: What are the potential consequences of this election?
A: The winner will have a profound impact on the future of the United States and the world.