Nearly two years after launching his campaign to return to the White House, former President Trump's bid to win back his old job is now in the hands of America's voters, as Election Day 2024 has arrived. Facing off against the Republican presidential nominee is Vice President Kamala Harris, who just three and a half months ago replaced her boss - President Biden - atop the Democrats' national ticket.
With roughly 75 million ballots already cast across the country in early voting, and in-person day-of voting now getting underway, both major party nominees are optimistic about their chances in this historic showdown. Harris told supporters at a rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania on Monday, 'Momentum is on our side.' Trump, also campaigning in battleground Pennsylvania, told supporters, 'We've been waiting for this. I've been waiting four years for this.'
Pennsylvania, along with six other key battleground states, holds significant importance in this election, with 19 electoral votes at stake. Both candidates have been actively campaigning in these states, with their running mates and top surrogates also making appearances to garner support.
As the campaign drew to a close, Harris focused on a positive and unified future for the nation, while Trump highlighted what he perceived as failures in the Biden administration and emphasized the dangers of unchecked immigration.
The race has been closely watched, with polls indicating a margin-of-error contest. Veteran Republican strategist and news contributor called the Harris-Trump showdown a 'coin toss,' while others pointed to voter registration shifts and early voting trends as potential indicators of the election outcome.
As Election Day unfolded, both candidates made plans to cast their votes - Harris by mail in California and Trump in-person in Florida. Trump intended to spend the day with family, friends, and staff, engaging in phone-based tele rallies to targeted spots. Harris was scheduled to make her case in radio interviews and hold her Election Night headquarters at Howard University in Washington D.C., while Trump planned his headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Throughout the final week of the campaign, Trump continued to raise concerns about potential election fraud, alleging without proof that Democrats were attempting to cheat. The nation now awaits the results of this closely contested election, with both candidates expressing confidence in their chances of victory.
