In Washington, a series of domestic and international crises have intensified an already heated US presidential campaign, prompting both sides to scramble to leverage or mitigate these events as the election approaches.
Escalating tensions in the Middle East, a deadly hurricane on US soil, and a historic strike by American dockworkers provide significant talking points for Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump. Political scientist Larry Sabato from the University of Virginia remarked to AFP, “Big news today impacts elections profoundly, like a meteor shower.”
With Iran having fired approximately 180 missiles at Israel, Trump attributed the rapidly escalating conflict to Harris and Democratic US President Joe Biden. He claimed that neither could be trusted to lead, promising global peace if reelected. Sabato commented on Trump’s promises, saying, “Trump claims he can solve any crisis quickly, but the incumbent party faces complex and enduring problems.”
Harris and Biden have attempted to show unified leadership regarding the Middle East tensions, aiming to boost the 59-year-old Democratic nominee’s leadership credibility. The White House shared a photograph of Harris and Biden in the Situation Room, observing Iran’s missile attacks on Israel in real-time. Harris later assured “unwavering” support for Israel’s security.
Domestically, the US has faced two significant crises, beginning with Hurricane Helene, which claimed at least 155 lives and caused widespread destruction. The storm’s impact may extend to the political arena, particularly in swing states Georgia and North Carolina. Trump visited Georgia, criticizing the government’s response while donning his “Make America Great Again” cap, despite stating, “We’re not talking about politics now.” Biden accused Trump of lying about the hurricane response and defended his own actions, noting he worked remotely from Delaware.
Harris is scheduled to visit an affected community in Georgia. Additionally, she has been closely monitoring a mass strike by approximately 45,000 US dockworkers, which started Tuesday and has affected 36 ports nationwide. This walkout poses a significant risk for Harris because it could hinder the economy weeks before the election, potentially benefiting Trump. Polls indicate voters trust Trump more than Harris on issues like inflation and the cost of living.
Trump sought to capitalize on the crisis, stating on Tuesday, “Americans who thrived under President Trump can’t even get by because of Kamala Harris—this strike is a direct result of her actions.”
