Trump vs. Harris: Election Showdown Heats Up as Hurricane Milton Wreaks Havoc
With just over three weeks remaining, the race for the White House is intensifying. As Hurricane Milton battered Florida’s coastline, the campaigns of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris kicked into overdrive. Here’s what you need to know about this week’s biggest political stories.
Polls show a tight race.
Recent polls give Harris a slight edge nationally. FiveThirtyEight’s average has the VP at 48.5% compared to Trump’s 46%. But the race remains close, and state-by-state battles will likely determine the winner.
Hurricane Milton sparks a war of words.
Milton slammed into Florida as a monstrous Category 5 storm, causing widespread damage. As the rescue efforts began, a verbal battle broke out between the opposing campaigns.
Trump claimed the government was neglecting Republican areas hit by the hurricane. Biden fired back, accusing Trump of spreading “lies” and calling his statements “un-American.” Harris also blasted Trump’s remarks as inappropriate politics during a crisis.
Media Blitz vs. Media Snub
After criticism for avoiding interviews, Harris went on a media spree this week. She appeared on popular podcasts, late-night shows, and news programs like 60 Minutes.
Trump, however, backed out of a planned 60 Minutes interview. His team cited concerns about potential fact-checking. When a clip of Harris’s interview aired, Trump lashed out, demanding CBS lose its broadcast license.
Health Takes Center Stage
At 59, Harris is pushing her fitness as an advantage over the 78-year-old Trump. Her team released a glowing health report, touting her “physical and mental resiliency.”
Trump’s camp fired back, claiming Harris “lacks stamina.” They insisted Trump remains in “perfect health” despite recent scrutiny of his rambling speeches.
Trump Doubles Down on Immigration
Immigration took center stage at Trump rallies this week. He made alarming and false claims about immigrant crime rates. Trump pledged mass deportations and called for the death penalty for migrants who kill US citizens if re-elected.
Studies show undocumented immigrants actually commit crimes at lower rates than US-born citizens. But Trump’s heated rhetoric on the issue continues to fire up his base.
A New Book Stirs Controversy
Famed journalist Bob Woodward dropped a bombshell with his new book “War.” It claims Trump called Putin multiple times since leaving office and even sent the Russian leader scarce COVID test kits during the pandemic.
Trump’s team strongly denies the book’s claims, calling Woodward “demented.” But the book does include on-the-record criticism from former top officials like ex-Joint Chiefs chair Mark Milley.
The Road Ahead
Both campaigns are making every effort as Election Day approaches. Harris is leaning into her youth and energy while hammering Trump on character issues. Trump is doubling down on immigration while working to energize his base.
Natural disasters, health concerns, and last-minute controversies are shaping the final weeks of this intense race. Buckle up—it’s sure to be a wild ride to November 5th.
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