WEST PALM BEACH, Florida - Millions of Americans began queueing up to cast their votes on a chilly November morning, as polling booths opened in an election guaranteed to make history.
The Nov 5 election may produce the first woman to command the world's most powerful military in Ms Kamala Harris, should the Democratic Vice-President become the first person of Asian descent and the first black woman to hold the office.
Or it could be another unprecedented moment if former president Donald Trump becomes the first convicted felon to claim the White House. If the Republican candidate wins, he would also become the first president in 132 years to be elected to two non-consecutive terms.
The new president will have to move quickly to manage the two wars in Europe and the Middle East, with implications for global stability and the rules-based international order.
Trump is the favorite of Americans casting their votes based on whom they trust more to ease worries about the economy, illegal immigration and national security.
On the other hand, Ms Harris wins if the voters care more for abortion rights or the defense of democracy.
The final opinion polls put both contestants still in a dead heat across the seven swing states that will ultimately decide the race.
A winner may not emerge at the end of election day if the contest is indeed as tight as projected and ends up triggering an automatic recount.
This is possible in the key battleground of Pennsylvania, if less than half a percentage point separates the winner from the loser.
A clean sweep for either is also in the realm of possibility.
It is expected that Trump may prematurely declare victory as he did in 2020, opening the door to lengthy legal battles that both sides are prepared for.
Denne historien er fra November 06, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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Denne historien er fra November 06, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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TACKLE PLASTIC WASTE, ONE NAIL AT A TIME
Before global leaders take the problem of plastic pollution into their hands in November, Japanese manicurist Naomi Arimoto is putting it on her fingernails.
Unpacking Ireland's cultural and creative renaissance
From Sally Rooney's bestsellers to actor Paul Mescal, Ireland, which holds a general election on Nov 29, has been enjoying a cultural and creative renaissance.
Jung Ho-yeon and Lee Dong-hwi split
Squid Game (2021 to present) star Jung Ho-yeon has split from her actor-boyfriend Lee Dong-hwi after a nine-year relationship.
Dorothy's ruby slippers to go under the hammer
The ruby slippers worn by the late American actress Judy Garland in classic film The Wizard Of Oz (1939) will be sold at auction in December, nearly 20 years after they were stolen.
Artist Julie Mehretu opens solo Show in Sydney
Ethiopia-born New York artist Julie Mehretu (right), considered one of the most influential living painters, has opened her first solo show in the Southern Hemisphere in Sydney.
Wicked's renowned costume designer returns to Oz
Tony Award-winning designer Paul Tazewell first created costumes for The Wizard Of Oz in a high-school production
ULTIMATE SELF-CARE
'Tis the season to treat yourself at spas and salons, which have introduced a slew of treatments for head-to-toe pampering
Fifa using $67m legacy fund for social initiatives
LAUSANNE - Fifa launched a US$50 million (S$67 million) legacy fund for social programmes on Nov 27, in collaboration with 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar and the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
THE MARATHON BIKER GUY
Veteran Aussie has cycled over 50 courses in 12 years to ensure the route is 42.195km
Emery upbeat despite late drama against Juve
DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
