US Election 2024: Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump – LIVE Updates and Analysis
As Americans head to the polls on Election Day 2024, the world watches closely. Democratic candidate and current U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris faces off against former President and Republican candidate Donald Trump in a neck-and-neck race to become the 47th President of the United States. This election is pivotal not only for the U.S. but also for global markets and international relations. Follow live updates as we await the results of this historic contest.
Who is Kamala Harris?
Kamala Harris is a trailblazer in U.S. politics. As the first Black woman and the first person of South Asian descent to run for president, she brings a unique perspective and background to the 2024 race. At 60, Harris has Indian roots through her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, who emigrated from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Her candidacy represents a historic moment, as she stands to be the first woman president of the United States.
What Kamala Harris’ Win Could Mean for India
A Harris administration could impact U.S.-India relations positively, particularly in diplomacy and economic collaboration. Harris has previously emphasized policies beneficial to middle-class Americans, which aligns with economic resilience and domestic production. Experts suggest that her approach would likely continue the Biden administration’s stance on global issues, such as supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression and resisting Chinese influence in Asia.
However, a few policy differences might emerge. Harris, as a senator, expressed reservations about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s revocation of Article 370, which removed Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. This history may influence her diplomatic approach, but strong ties in trade, health, defense, and climate change are still expected to flourish.
Election Day and Results Timeline
The race is on, with polling stations across the U.S. open and voters making their decision. U.S. news outlets typically start projecting results shortly after polls close on the evening of November 5 (local time), translating to early morning on November 6 in India. To win the presidency, a candidate must secure at least 270 of the 538 Electoral College votes. However, with a high volume of mail-in ballots and tight margins in swing states, the outcome could remain unclear for several hours or even days.
A Historic Race
This election has the potential to mark several historical milestones. Kamala Harris could become the first woman and the first person of Indian descent to hold the presidency. Alternatively, if Donald Trump wins, he would be the first president in more than a century to serve two non-consecutive terms, having lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden.
In this final stretch, both candidates have focused their campaigns on mobilizing voter turnout. Harris gave a passionate speech in Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state, encouraging voters to make their voices heard in what she calls “the most consequential election of our lifetimes.”
Impact of the 2024 Election on the U.S. and Beyond
The outcome of the 2024 election is set to influence not only U.S. domestic policy but also the global landscape. A Harris presidency may build upon Biden’s foreign policy legacy, supporting multilateral initiatives, and strengthening ties with allies. Meanwhile, a Trump return to office could signal a shift towards his “America First” policies, which were marked by a focus on reducing international commitments and protecting U.S. interests.
With polls showing a virtual tie, this is one of the closest races in recent memory. It may take some time before a clear winner emerges. Stay tuned here for live updates as the election results unfold, and we watch the world’s largest democracy choose its next leader. Will America witness its first woman president, or will Donald Trump make a historic comeback to the White House?
Get all the latest US Election 2024 LIVE updates right here. Stay tuned!
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