Former President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris Former President Donald Trump secured over 74 million votes in 2020, the most fo
Former President Donald Trump secured over 74 million votes in 2020, the most for any Republican in history, though not enough to win the popular vote or the Electoral College.
His loss to President Joe Biden remains a focal point for Trump and many supporters, fueling ongoing claims of voter fraud.
As Trump now faces Vice President Kamala Harris, polls suggest a tight race, with potential delays in determining a winner on election night. Here’s a breakdown of critical factors that could decide the outcome:
1. Ground Game: Trump’s Risky Outsourcing Gamble
The Trump campaign has largely delegated its voter mobilization efforts to groups like Turning Point Action, led by Charlie Kirk, and Elon Musk’s America PAC. While Kirk and Musk are dedicated allies, neither has spearheaded a national turnout effort of this scale.
There are mounting concerns within the GOP about the lack of traditional field offices and the reliability of data, a crucial element in tight races. Nine sources connected to Musk’s PAC described problems, including faulty data, which could hurt Trump’s chances in crucial battleground states.
READ: Jonathan Turley Says Soros-Backed DA Trying To Pull Elon Musk Off Campaign Trail
2. The “Blue Wall” and Its Cracks
Key battleground states Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, once Democratic strongholds, flipped to Trump in 2016 before returning to Biden in 2020.
Both Trump and Harris are now intensely focused on these “blue wall” states, as well as Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and North Carolina.
Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance, is actively campaigning in these states, leveraging his Ohio roots to appeal to Midwest voters. Trump, meanwhile, has planned a final rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan. However, last-minute stops in unlikely states like New Mexico and Virginia could be questioned if more time is needed in Wisconsin or Pennsylvania.
3. Will Haley’s Voters Stick with Trump?
Moderate Republicans and independents who supported Nikki Haley’s primary campaign represent a critical bloc.
Harris has reached out to this group, earning endorsements from prominent Republicans, including former Vice President Dick Cheney, his daughter Liz Cheney, and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
READ: Halperin Unloads On Media Over ‘Ridiculously Slanted’ Coverage Of Trump’s Liz Cheney Comment
4. Harris Courts the Center with Prominent Endorsements
Harris has positioned herself to attract centrist voters with endorsements from high-profile Republicans and an emphasis on bridging divides within the nation.
Her coalition of supporters includes past GOP leaders who oppose Trump’s approach, signaling to independents and moderates that her administration would prioritize stability and inclusivity.
5. Closing Events Highlight Contrasts
Trump’s strategy of energizing his base with rallies may boost turnout, but his lack of outreach to moderates contrasts sharply with Harris’s appeal to independents.
While Trump’s final rally in Grand Rapids mirrors his 2016 and 2020 campaigns, Harris is prioritizing swing-state voters and holding smaller town halls aimed at moderates.
The race remains a nail-biter, with each candidate hoping to sway voters in the final days. With both sides rallying support, the focus now turns to key battleground states that may ultimately decide the election.
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