Last month will go down in American history as one of extraordinary political events. First, former president and 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt while speaking at a rally.
His rival, Democratic President Joe Biden, called for unity, but soon felt betrayed by some in his own party after he put in a disastrous debate performance against Trump and several big names called for him to withdraw. Eventually, he did.
Kamala Harris, his vice president, was quickly nominated. Once known as the ‘President’s shadow,’ she has been pushed quickly and suddenly to the forefront, to compete with Trump in the all-important race to the White House.
A fierce campaign is now set to unfold. Even Democratic voters might have found it hard to vote for the 81-year-old Biden, but Harris has speedily narrowed the polling. Yet whoever wins will presider over a nation divided.
The world’s fascination with American elections is nothing new, given Washington’s significant influence on global decisions. In 2024, social media and the dramatic events of July have both served to increase the intrigue.
All of which makes the upcoming US presidential elections in November an ideal cover story for our August edition.
Read more:
1. Amal Mudallali asks: How a President Harris might approach the Middle East?
2. Ibrahim Hamidi asks: Who will lead a divided America and what world will they lead it in?
3. Paul Salem assesses: The effects of a Trump or Harris presidency on the Middle East
