Kamala Harris’s Camp Remains Hopeful Despite Trump’s Lead in US Presidential Election

Vice President Kamala Harris‘s campaign remains optimistic about her chances in the US presidential election, despite Republican candidate Donald Trump consolidating his lead in several key states. Trump has won the first of the swing states, North Carolina, and has also secured victories in Florida and Texas, earning him 227 electoral college votes so far.

Harris’s campaign director, Jen O'Malley Dillon, expressed confidence in an email to campaign staff, stating that they “feel good about what we’re seeing” in the Blue Wall swing states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. These states are seen as Harris’s “clearest path” to victory, although she is currently trailing in all three.

Despite the challenging outlook, Harris had planned to address students at Howard University, her alma mater, on election day. However, she canceled her appearance at an election party as Trump’s lead became more apparent. The atmosphere at Howard University, which had been filled with excitement and hope earlier in the day, turned to unease as Trump’s victories were announced.

Harris, who would become the first woman president of the United States if she wins, had spent part of her day in radio interviews encouraging voters to cast their ballots. Her campaign has highlighted strong support from women, who have been turning out in unprecedented numbers, but this has not yet translated into sufficient electoral gains to overcome Trump’s lead.

The election has also been marred by disruptions, including bomb threats in several swing states that were later determined to be hoaxes originating from Russia. These threats added to the tension and uncertainty of the election day proceedings).