As the U.S. presidential elections draw near, early voting has already begun, setting the stage for a closely contested race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. With the final polling scheduled for November 5, both candidates are on the campaign trail, aiming to connect with voters nationwide.
The election atmosphere in the United States has reached a feverish pitch, with both Trump and Harris making last-minute appeals to voters. Their campaigns have included trading personal attacks and making promises to sway undecided voters. Harris has been actively engaging with the public, making stops at various locations, while Trump continues to draw large crowds at his rallies.
At the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Americans shared their views on the issues that matter most as they prepare to cast their votes. Some voters highlighted the Democrats’ response to the Israel-Gaza conflict, with many expressing disillusionment with the party’s handling of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. “It’s difficult to imagine that a second Trump term would be worse, given the current crisis in the Middle East, one voter said to DD India.
Reproductive rights have also emerged as a key issue, particularly in states like Florida, where access to abortion has become increasingly restricted. Voters are concerned about the polarizing divide between red and blue states, especially on this issue.
Economic issues remain at the forefront of this election, as rising inflation and soaring living costs dominate public discourse. According to Pew Research, 81% of Americans have indicated that these economic concerns will significantly influence their voting decisions.
“Everything’s too expensive. Bidenomics is not working”, a voter said. Others pointed out the widening gap between rising food prices and stagnant wages, calling for policies that make it easier for people to sustain their families.
Immigration has also taken center stage, particularly with Trump’s tough rhetoric on the issue. He continues to denounce immigrants at his rallies, describing them as “rapists” and “murderers.”
Harris, on the other hand, has adopted a more nuanced stance, advocating for border security reforms. National security, particularly in relation to the U.S.-Mexico border, is also a priority for many voters. As one voter put it, “I want a party with a clear, cogent plan for the border and immigration policy. We need to capture the talent of people trying to come here legally.”
As the presidential race heats up, Kamala Harris has the opportunity to make history as the first female president of the United States, while Donald Trump aims for the rare accomplishment of reclaiming the presidency after a previous defeat.
-Amritpal Singh (DD India)