The United States is gearing up for one of the most dramatic elections in recent history. Former President Donald Trump is running against current Vice President Kamala Harris, who stepped in after President Joe Biden chose not to seek reelection. With Election Day just hours away, the competition is intense. This article explores the key events leading up to the big day, the latest odds, and what might happen next.
The Race for the White House: Who Are the Candidates?
This year’s presidential race is unlike any other. Donald Trump, representing the Republicans, is aiming for a second term. Despite surviving multiple assassination attempts, he has stayed strong on the campaign trail. His running mate is Ohio Senator JD Vance, who appeals to many working-class voters.
On the Democratic side, Kamala Harris leads the ticket, supported by her vice-presidential pick, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Harris had to act quickly to build her campaign after President Biden dropped out in July. Biden’s decision followed a series of controversies and health issues.
Key Events in the Campaign
The election season has been full of surprises.
- Trump’s Assassination Attempts
- On July 13, Trump was shot in Butler, Pennsylvania. Despite being injured, he stood up and energized the crowd. The attacker was stopped, but questions about security arose.
- Biden’s Resignation
- Biden faced growing criticism after testing positive for COVID-19 and decided to step down. He endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate.
- Rallies and Debates
- Trump and Harris met for one heated debate on September 10, where Harris was seen as the winner. Both candidates continued campaigning through various media appearances.
What Are the Latest Odds?
As of November 4, Trump has better chances of winning according to betting platform Betfair.
- Trump’s Odds: 8/11 (58% chance)
- Harris’ Odds: 11/8 (42% chance)
Betting on the election has reached record levels, with millions of dollars wagered. Swing states remain critical in deciding the winner.
Who Won the Debate?
The only debate between Trump and Harris took place on September 10. Many experts say Harris performed better, managing to unsettle Trump during their exchanges. However, no additional debates were agreed upon, leaving voters with limited direct comparisons of the candidates.
FAQs
1. Why did Joe Biden drop out of the race?
Biden faced health challenges and criticism for his leadership, leading to his decision to step aside.
2. Who is Kamala Harris’ running mate?
Harris is running alongside Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
3. What are Donald Trump’s odds of winning?
Trump currently has a 58% chance of winning, according to betting odds.
4. What was the major debate about?
The single debate between Trump and Harris touched on key issues, with Harris considered the winner.
5. How close is the election?
The race is tight, with both candidates vying for swing states to secure victory.
