Trump or Biden? US elections headed for a tight finish
What's the story
As the world watches who the United States will pick as its next President, the latest opinion polls indicated on Monday that the contest is headed for a nail-biting finish, with the margin between White House hopeful Joe Biden and incumbent Commander-in-Chief Donald Trump shrinking. So far, Biden, the Democratic challenger, is leading. But Trump seems to be catching up. Here's more.
Margin
Trump canvassed key states recently, got closer to Biden
Citing Real Clear Politics, PTI reported that Biden is ahead of Trump by 2.9 percentage points in battleground states. But this might not hold true on November 3 (US time), as there is a margin of error. In the last couple of days, Biden's lead against Trump has narrowed, buoyed by the latter's at least 15 rallies in key battleground states.
Rallies
First family's 40 rallies v/s Harris, Obama's appearances
To give a perspective, the first family, along with Vice-President Mike Pence, has participated in over 40 rallies in the last three days. Similarly, Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate Kamala Harris has recently increased her public interactions. Further, the Democratic campaign got a boost as former President Barack Obama participated in a number of rallies, drumming up support for his junior Biden.
Quote
America can't afford four more years of Trump: Harris
Making a final pitch for herself and Biden, Harris said America can't afford another four years of Trump. "We've seen who we are. The country we love. And that is why I know that tomorrow we are going to elect Joe Biden," she said.
Details
US media claims Trump trailing in important states
Funnily enough, both Republicans and Democrats are confident that November 3 would bring happy news for them. US media, however, said that Trump's probable win might not be easy, as he is trailing in states like Pennsylvania, Florida, Michigan, Arizona, and Wisconsin. Some outlets claimed Texas, a GOP bastion traditionally, may not vote as expected. But Trump supporters reminded how wrong 2016 predictions were.
Details
Like 2016, Electoral College could benefit Trump
Meanwhile, Nate Silver of the FiveThirtyEight.com said if the popular vote favors Biden by 2-3 percentage points, the Electoral College would also side by him. But if he wins the popular vote by less than 2 percentage points, Trump has the upper hand. "As in 2016, Trump could benefit from the Electoral College," Silver wrote. Notably, his prediction fell flat in the last elections.
Report
There is a sentiment polls could be wrong again
Separately, NYT said that if polls are right, Biden would register the biggest win in over three decades. "The indelible memory of 2016's polling misfire, when Donald J. Trump trailed in virtually every pre-election poll and yet swept the battleground states and won the Electoral College, has hovered over the 2020 campaign," added a report in the daily.
Historic polls
US is polling amid rising coronavirus cases, deaths
America is voting — nearly 10 crore have already voted — at a critical time. The country has lost 236,997 to coronavirus since the outbreak and the economy is suffering. Trump's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has defined Biden's campaign, with the latter continuously cornering him. Meanwhile, the President has painted a picture that only he can bring America's lost glory back.