After a dizzying couple of weeks for the U.S. presidential race, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have found sure footing. Buoyed by renewed energy emanating from fans, they are confidently leaning into who they are, their strengths and personalities.
Right away, Harris connected with the youth vote with Beyoncé granting Harris’ camp permission to use her song “Freedom” at rallies. The freshness, the excitement, the promise of Harris as president is palpable.
Reminds us of Barack Obama’s start when he was new on the national political scene.
Trump’s faithful remain solidly behind him, even more fortified after the assassination attempt on his life. Some have said his survival means he’s meant to be president. God-given, even.
Despite Trump’s blunders, saying Americans won’t have to vote again in another four years and suggesting Harris had decided to “turn Black” recently for political gain, his base could not love him more.
Harris and Trump are neck-and-neck in the race to the White House. And Americans are swept up in the momentum and what our preferred candidate would bring.
Domestic issues will likely determine the outcome of the November election. The economy, immigration, abortion, voting. Our democracy.
Yet, the next presidential term will be strongly foreign-policy facing, with the newly elected commander-in-chief pivoting to insert diplomatic influence to prevent – or stop – a full-scale war in the Middle East.
Unless something happens fast, the Gaza War between Israel and Hamas is ratcheting up to include the Lebanese militia Hezbollah and Iran.
What seems on some days to be a world away, this escalation would involve the U.S. and has potential to pull in our armed forces.
Consider this as Harris and Trump fire comical barbs at each other.
Worsening the chance for a Gaza cease-fire were two assassinations in the Middle East.
On Tuesday, Israel killed a Hezbollah commander, Fuad Shukr, in an airstrike near Beirut. Israeli military blamed Shukr for an assault on Saturday that killed 12 children and teens in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. Hezbollah denied carrying out the attack.
Since the 34-day war in 2006 between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hezbollah is better prepared with more precise rockets, better weapons, more fighters, drones and new technology, thanks to Iran. Hezbollah is a formidable foe against Israel.
Hours after Shukr was killed, the political leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, died in a rocket blast to his room in Iran. Israel has no comment on this attack.
On Wednesday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered a direct hit on Israel in retaliation.
What’s next? These enemies stand on a precipice.
Warfare between now and the election will determine what will be expected from our next president. Domestic concerns could very well be overshadowed.
This prioritizes qualities for an American president – smarts, poise, analysis, decisiveness. Global leadership.
Something to think about in this giddy phase of our election cycle, as we warm in the glow of our presidential candidates.
