This November 5, the United States is holding elections marked by the competition between Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, and Donald Trump, the Republican Party candidate. Harris took up the Democratic candidacy with the backing of Joe Biden and has chosen Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Trump, for his part, has Senator J.D. Vance as his vice-presidential candidate, having surpassed Nikki Haley in the Republican primaries.
Both candidates have outlined their slogans and approaches. Harris has focused on progressive issues such as climate change, expanding healthcare coverage, accessible education, and defending civil rights, including LGBTQ+ rights and gun control. In foreign policy, Harris seeks to strengthen the U.S.’s global alliances, particularly NATO, and to reinforce support for Ukraine. On the other hand, Trump is running on the slogan “Peace through Strength,” advocating for a more interventionist foreign policy and aiming to curb China’s influence. Domestically, he promises restrictive policies on immigration, «patriotic education,» and a strict anti-abortion stance, leaving decisions to the state level.
The campaign has been surrounded by controversy, but many artists have joined in, mostly supporting Kamala Harris. Beyoncé, for instance, gave an emotional speech on women’s rights to make decisions about their bodies: “I’m not here as a celebrity, I’m not here as a politician. I’m here as a mother,” she said. “A mother who cares deeply about the world my children and all of our children live in, a world where we have the freedom to control our bodies, a world where we’re not divided.”
Jennifer Lopez also publicly criticized a crude joke by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe (‘Kill Tony’) at a Trump rally in Madison Square Garden, where he stated, “There’s a lot going on. Like, I don’t know if you know this, but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico.” Lopez responded at Harris’s rally at Madison Square Garden: “At Madison Square Garden, he reminded us who he really is and how he really feels,” Lopez said of Trump. “It wasn’t just Puerto Ricans who were offended that day, OK? It was every Latino in this country, it was humanity and anyone of decent character.”
Cardi B took a similar stance on women’s rights at a rally in Milwaukee. “Did you hear what Donny Trump said the other day? … He says he’s going to protect women whether they like it or not.” She continued, “Well, if his definition of protection is not the freedom of choice, if his definition of protection is making sure our daughters have fewer rights than our mothers, then I don’t want it!”
Various entertainment figures have voiced their opinions, including Bad Bunny (who has also been actively supporting his homeland, Puerto Rico), Billie Eilish, and Taylor Swift, encouraging the public to stay informed about the current state of the country and vote.
On the other side, some public figures have opted to support Trump. Latin stars like Anuel AA, who stated that Trump was “the best president the world has ever seen, the best the country has ever seen,” alongside Justin Quiles, have drawn attention. Nicky Jam, despite Trump mistakenly referring to him as a woman at a rally, was eager to endorse him: “We all know it. The world knows it. Everyone has experienced it. The best president the world has seen, that the country has ever seen. His name is President Trump,” he declared, though he recently withdrew his support after Trump’s ‘garbage’ joke about his homeland, Puerto Rico.
Other notable supporters include Kid Rock, Mel Gibson, Amber Rose, Sexxy Red, Azealia Banks, and Elon Musk, who has become a significant backer in Trump’s campaign. Musk, one of the wealthiest people in the world, has built an extensive campaign apparatus in support of Trump, including a social media megaphone and a $1 million sweepstakes for voters in contested areas.
Although the election takes place on November 5, it may take some time to determine the winner, which could reshape the direction of the United States and perhaps the world. The final result might take several days to arrive, as it did four years ago, when it took four days to officially declare Joe Biden the victor. However, some clarity may emerge during the day about who is more likely to win.
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