Known devils but the details must emerge

July 31, 2024

NEW DELHI – The withdrawal of Joe Biden from the race for the American presidency has altered the dynamics of the forthcoming elections. Biden was considered weak and debilitated when compared to a pushy Donald Trump. Bookies, who until recently had almost confirmed a Trump victory, now have doubts on who the next occupant of the White House would be. While a few continue to project a Trump victory, others believe his chances have reduced. It will no longer be a walkover for Trump.

These are still early days as Kamala Harris’s formal campaigning has yet to commence. She held her first rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Trump and J D Vance, his running mate, were nominated in a Republican rally. The attendance of over 3,000 was the largest at a rally in 2024. Harris is 18 years younger than Trump, a former public prosecutor and not one who would be intimidated by his claims in debates. Her campaign strategy would be simple, ‘prosecutor versus felon,’ seeking to continue highlighting Trump’s convictions. While Trump has picked his running mate in Vance, Harris has yet to decide. This will be a priority as some states would be voting soon. She already has support from the AfricanAmerican as also Indian-American communities.

Trump’s sympathy votes, on his alleged assassination attempt, would lose their impact by the time elections come about in November. The bandage on his ear, which reminds voters of the attempt on his life, would no longer be there. The public has a short memory and hence would have forgotten the assassination attempt. The resignation of the Secret Service director, Kimberly Cheatle, over her failure in Trump’s security, would put the matter to rest. Trump would now shift focus from