This Week in Politics
State of the Presidential Race
After agreeing to 2 debates with incumbent President Joe Biden former President Donald J. Trump became ambiguous whether he would debate the new Democratic presumptive nominee Vice President Kamala Harris. He stated that he "probably" would, however, could "make a case for not." The move proved damming among voters; months of pressuring Biden into debating culminated in Trump being the one pressured. His sudden questioning of the need to discuss can be interpreted as Kamala Harris being viewed as a more formidable opponent. Yet just like the president Trump has caved, agreeing to a Fox News debate on September 4. It will be a chance for redemption among Democrats and an opportunity to prove himself for Trump.
Moreover, the recent surge in Democratic support; making states such as Arizona and Georgia within reach for Democrats is worrying news for Republicans who had hoped to steamroll Biden in the Electoral College. The newfound enthusiasm among voters for Kamala Harris is a sign of strength and her focus on painting this election as prosecutor v. felon has proved an effective means of showcasing contrast. Lastly, her above-Biden polling among independents and moderates is pivotal for her election bid.
The current Vice President is, moreover, in need of a Vice Presidential candidate of hers. Governors, Senators, and even Secretaries of Departments are on the shortlist for her ticket. The decision could change the dynamics of the race, either putting Trump on the defense on his road to 270 with states like Georgia, with 16 electors, or Arizona, with 11 electors, or forcing the Trump Campaign to fight an uphill battle against a Rust Belt governor that could carry the region in so doing dwindling the Trump-Vance ticket. Simply the progressive, Harris, historically would pick a moderate to attract a broader base of voters. Whoever Kamala Harris decides on they are likely to add opportunities to win swing states such as those in the Rust Belt or Sun Belt.
Scottish Tories Search for a new Leader
After Douglas Ross resigned from the leadership the Scottish Tories began a process of finding a new leader, before the end of September. The members of the Scottish Parliament Russell Findlay and Brian Whittle have thrown their hats in the ring in an attempt to renew support for the party, following in the footsteps of the national Tory party attempting to reinvigorate itself after 14 years of government ended in major unpopularity. The Conservatives in Scotland struggled in the general election and were only saved by the collapse of the SNP. Moreover, during Ross' tenure, the party has failed to effectively challenge the SNP in elections, showcasing an unwanted, by the Tories, continuity.
