Trump's acknowledgment of a possible defeat reflects the high stakes of the 2024 election and the close polling between him and Harris.
The electoral system in the US allows for complex maneuvers that could lead to a contested election outcome, particularly in swing states.
The election results may hinge on the outcomes in key swing states, with the potential for legal challenges to arise if the results are close.
Trump's rhetoric regarding fraud could mobilize his base while simultaneously alienating moderate voters.
Former US President Donald Trump acknowledged the possibility of losing the presidential election during an interview with ABC News, stating, "Yeah, I think... I think it's possible to lose. That happens, right? But I think I have a pretty significant lead." He emphasized that the determination of the winner would likely occur on election night. Trump's Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, also recognized the competitive nature of the race, noting that every vote counts and that the margin could be very tight. As the election commenced on November 5, a unique tradition saw Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, open its polls right after midnight, resulting in a tie with both candidates receiving three votes each. However, incidents have already emerged; a polling employee in Georgia was detained for making threats, highlighting tensions surrounding the election.
Trump's potential strategies to contest a possible loss were discussed, particularly focusing on swing states where he could legally challenge Harris' victory. In states like Wisconsin, Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina, Republican-controlled legislatures could potentially appoint alternative electors, complicating the electoral process. If neither candidate secures the required 270 electoral votes, the decision could fall to the House of Representatives, where Republicans currently hold an advantage. This scenario raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the implications of Trump's rhetoric surrounding potential electoral fraud, a narrative he has used in previous elections.
