Seasoned Politician Jason Altmire Speaks of Tight Race in US Election, Underscores Candidates’ Differences on Key Issues

With the US presidential election less than two months away, political experts are closely watching the race between former President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Kamala Harris.

In a dramatic series of events underlining the hectic political landscape in the USA, Donald Trump has been the target of two apparent assassination attempts in the last nine weeks:

• The first one emerged at a campaign rally in western Pennsylvania. A gunman, identified as Thomas Crooks, fired shots from a rooftop position, injuring several people including Trump, who was struck in the ear. The shooting killed one person, while the gunman was fatally shot by Secret Service agents. The incident prompted the resignation of Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle amid criticism of the agency’s response.

• The latest assassination attempt took place just a day ago at Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida, where the former president was playing golf. A suspect, identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, was apprehended after a Secret Service agent noticed a rifle barrel protruding from the perimeter fence surrounding the course. Though no shots were fired, authorities recovered an AK-47 type assault rifle, two backpacks, and a GoPro device hidden near the scene, suggesting a planned attack.

In an exclusive interview with Wyoming Star, Jason Altmire, an experienced political analyst, who served three terms in the United States House of Representatives, shared his insights on the current state of the campaign and potential implications for the US’s global role.

• What can you say about the current situation in general – what are the chances of victory for the Republican camp and the Democrats in the November election?

This election could go either way. Both candidates have sizable and passionate bases of support, and we can expect the race to be hard fought right through the finish line.

Trump is more well known and has less opportunity to change the minds of supporters, while Harris is still being defined, both by her campaign and her detractors.

• Why do you think Trump and Harris are tied in the election polls from the last week (48%-47%) respectively after several weeks of Harris leading?

This election was always going to be close and will probably come down to the wire. It is no surprise that, after her initial bump, Harris has returned to the traditional close partisan split that has defined the country for many years.

• How do you assess the September 10th debate between Harris and Trump?

The two candidates preformed as expected. I think those who supported Trump before the debate will continue to do so, while those who supported Harris will still support her. The campaign will remain close and hard fought through Election Day.

• What are your predictions regarding the situation in the Middle East? What are the US interests there, and which candidate has a better strategy for policies in this region?

It is undeniably in the US interest to have a stable Middle East. The conflict between Israel and Gaza could potentially still spill over into neighboring countries in the region, so the US leadership will continue to be important.

Trump would be more likely to support Israel in a forceful and one-sided way, while Harris would likely seek a negotiated solution.

• What can be expected from the Harris and Trump administrations regarding the war in Ukraine?

This is an issue where there is a substantial policy disagreement between the two candidates. The key difference would be the support for financial and arms assistance from America to Ukraine.

A Harris administration would likely continue to American policy of support for Ukraine. Trump would be more likely to question the value of further support for Ukraine, potentially cutting of US funding and overall support entirely.

 

It is obvious that stakes are sky-high in this year’s US election. Every vote matters, as the outcome will reshape the nation’s future, both at home and abroad. From economic policies to social issues, and even the country’s role on the world stage, this election will have a profound impact.

But with political tensions at a fever pitch, it’s anyone’s guess who will emerge victorious in November. One thing is certain: this election will be a defining moment for the United States, and the decisions made will have lasting consequences.