In Final Sprint for White House, Harris, Trump Woo Undecided, Latinos, First-time Voters

Nume Ekeghe just back from Atlanta

As the United States presidential election enters its final stretch, the contest between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is shaping up to be one of the tightest and most polarising in recent memory, as both leading contestants push to woo undecided, first-time voters, as well as Latin American voters (Latinos).
With only three days remaining, voters from diverse backgrounds and political viewpoints are weighing in, voicing concerns over key issues such as immigration, economic policies, social programmes, and America’s role on the global stage.

Harris and Trump have been pushing for Latino and Arab-American voters. Trump assured Latino voters he had their best interests in mind, and Harris attempted to lock down the demographic crucial to her candidacy.
Harris and Trump also crisscrossed the South-west on Thursday, making stops in Arizona and Nevada to make their case to Latino voters, a key demographic in the two states that could shape the election outcome. Still, both candidates took very different approaches to court the key demographic.

The Sun Belt swing comes as both Trump and Harris are dealing with controversy surrounding their campaigns. Trump, dealing with the fallout from a comedian’s controversial joke calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage” at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally in New York last weekend, while Harris works to clean up a comment made by President Joe Biden on a video call in which he called Trump’s supporters “garbage” in response to the joke told at Trump’s rally.
In Arizona, Latinos make up 25 per cent of the eligible voter population, while in Nevada, they represent just over one in five eligible voters, according to the Pew Research Center.
Historically, Democrats have been dominant with this demographic, but polling has shown Trump has been erasing the advantage, particularly among Latino men.
Jennifer Lopez introduced Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris at a rally in Las Vegas on Thursday night, imploring the audience to take a hard look at the stark differences between the sitting Vice President and Trump.

Lopez noted that her parents were born in Puerto Rico and moved to New York before she was born, saying, “We are Americans. I am a mother. I am a sister. I am an actor and an entertainer and I like Hollywood endings. I like when the good guy, or in this case the good girl, wins. And with an understanding of our past and a faith in our future, I will be casting my ballot for Kamala Harris for president of the United States proudly.”
However, few voters who agreed to speak to THISDAY in the United States noted that the race would be tight and regardless of what the media had been portraying, noting that Americans are resolute in their decisions on who to vote and were taking policy statements by the respective candidates seriously.
Among Harris’ supporters is Diana, a Nigerian-American in her 30s, who firmly believes Trump’s policies on policing and immigration have been damaging.

“Trump is not honest and is a crook,” she said passionately, criticising his stance on police immunity.
“He supports police brutality and is canvassing for immunity for trigger-happy officers. Another fascinating part is how he rides on Christianity but spreads hate,” she said in an interview with THISDAY.
Diana noted how the Trump administration, in her view, represented nepotism and favoritism at its peak. Diana who has already cast her vote said: “His immigration policy is selective and unfair. My vote went to Harris because we need someone who can bring fairness and integrity to the office.”
 However, others like Nengi Paul, a Nigerian-American man, gave found reasons to support Trump despite some disagreements with his policies.

“Trump’s immigration stance makes it difficult for people like me to file for family members who want to come to the United States,” he acknowledged, highlighting the obstacles faced by immigrant communities. Nevertheless, he questioned Harris’ progressive stance on social issues, saying, “Kamala’s plan to use taxpayers money to fund gender transitioning in prisons doesn’t sit right with me. Also, I think the welfare system needs to do more to encourage hard work, rather than dependency.”

For Osahon Osagie, a Nigerian-American business owner who employs over 30 staff in the US, Trump’s focus on supporting businesses has won his vote. He appreciates the former president’s pro-business policies, which he believes empower entrepreneurs to grow and sustain jobs. “Trump’s policies support small businesses,” he stated simply, emphasising how these policies have provided critical support in challenging economic times.

Timothy Gill, an ardent Harris supporter, expressed strong disapproval of Trump’s demeanor and conduct. “He is insane; he is off his hinges,” she remarked. “I don’t care about his policies. He is not what America needs. Harris may not be perfect, but she is the better choice.” Timothy  was particularly disheartened after witnessing Trump’s rally in New York, describing it as a display of “terrible human behaviour.”
Some, like Rashid, a Pakistani-American who has resided in the U.S. for 28 years, see Trump as a stabilising force for the nation’s economy and international influence.

“Biden-Harris policies for businesses don’t make sense,” Rashid commented, voicing concerns over rising inflation and economic policies he believes harm businesses. “If Trump wins, the economy would be back on track, and we’d see world peace. America would indeed be great again.” He added that Trump’s approach would likely avoid international conflicts, which he believes would benefit not only the U.S. but the world.

Joseph Witz, an American of Mexican heritage, admitted that Trump’s proposed border wall was controversial for his community, but he still backs Trump. “Yes, I am of Mexican heritage, and the wall is about my people,” he said, acknowledging the complex feelings that come with Trump’s immigration policy. However, Joseph believes immigration should be orderly and controlled. “The economy has deteriorated under Biden, and I believe a Trump presidency would improve things.” On a personal note, Joseph said, “I am a Christian, and the moral standards of the Biden-Harris administration don’t align with my beliefs. Certain values should not be compromised.”

In Washington, D.C., Katherine, a Caucasian woman at a local bookshop, was vocal in her support for Harris. “Kamala is going to win,” she repeated loudly, unafraid to express her political stance in public. Katherine observed that many people were cautious about discussing politics in today’s climate but remain undeterred. “I want to show support openly. It’s about standing for what I believe until Election Day.” She explained that while the political climate feels tense, she’s hopeful her confidence in Harris will inspire others to vote.

Meanwhile, Zachary, a Caucasian man, offered a blunt response when asked about his stance. “I’m voting Trump, and that’s it,” he said, declining to elaborate but reflecting the straightforward loyalty of many Trump supporters who feel no need to justify their choice.

As Americans from varied backgrounds cast their votes and voice their concerns, the tight race between Harris and Trump underscores the high stakes of this election. Voters are engaging with issues that deeply affect their lives, from economic opportunities to social values, reflecting a nation sharply divided yet deeply invested in its future direction.