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What if Trump or Harris wins? See list of historical ‘firsts’

What if Trump or Harris wins? See list of historical ‘firsts’

If Election Day 2024 approaches, important milestones lie ahead, regardless of the outcome.

The election could result in Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the first female president, or former President Donald Trump returning as the first president to serve non-consecutive terms.

GO TO: Latest polls | Trump wins | Harris wins | Election projections

Election Day 2024

Election Day 2024 is Tuesday, November 5.

The election marks a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party.

After President Joe Biden suspended his reelection campaign in July, he endorsed Harris, marking an unprecedented shift late in the election cycle. Despite Biden’s strong performances in previous primaries and caucuses, questions about his age and fitness led to political fallout, forcing Harris into campaign mode.

The election also marks a crucial shift within the Republican Party, as Trump’s election campaign polarizes the Republican Party.

TOPSHOT – US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (R) shakes hands with former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelp

Many on the right believe a Trump victory could help Republicans retain power in the Supreme Court and other key positions, while others worry it could deepen divisions within the party.

As the election date approaches, the implications of these possible outcomes underscore a transformative moment in American politics, regardless of who ultimately comes to power.

In recent national polls released on October 16, Vice President Kamala Harris is leading in four out of five surveys. The only exception is the Marquette Law School poll, where she has ties to former President Trump.

The latest polling data shows a tight race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, with Harris holding a narrow 1.2-point lead nationally. FiveThirtyEight. In Michigan, a key battleground, Harris leads by just 0.8 points, underscoring how closely contested this election remains.

A AP-NORC poll highlights public sentiment, showing that about seven in 10 Americans feel worried or frustrated about the 2024 campaign, with only about a third expressing excitement. As Election Day approaches, divided polls and uncertain forecasts indicate a race is still up in the air.

Former US President Donald Trump during a campaign event in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Trump touted his promise to provide tax breaks for car purchases, emphasizing that the benefit would only apply on vehicles that have been made

If Donald Trump secures victory, he would achieve several historic firsts:

Ffirst president to serve non-consecutive terms: Trump would become the only president to return to office after losing an election.

Oldest elected president: If Trump wins next month’s election, he would be the oldest person in American history to be elected president.

First convicted felon to hold office: Trump is currently facing felony convictions, marking a major legal first in American history.

Twice impeached president: Trump’s presidency would be notable for being the only one to face impeachment twice.

Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris listens to Stevie Wonder sing Happy Birthday to her during Divine Faith Ministries in Jonesboro, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

If Kamala Harris emerged victorious, she would make history in several ways:

First female president: Harris would break the glass ceiling and become the first woman to hold the highest office in the US

First woman of color as president: Her victory would highlight a significant shift in representation at the highest levels of government. She would also be the first president of South Asian descent.

First, first gentleman: If her husband is elected, he would be the first male wife of a female president, marking a new milestone. He would also be the first Jewish vice president.

Second president from California: Harris would be only the second president from California, after Richard Nixon.

As the election date approaches, political analysts’ predictions present conflicting views. Presidential forecaster Allan Lichtman has predicted a victory for Harris, while pollster Nate Silver is leaning toward a victory for Trump. Moreover, the betting odds are starting to tilt sharply in favor of one candidate, reflecting changing sentiments among voters.

Ultimately, Americans will decide the outcome of this historic election. For more information about their predictions, see here.

As the implications of these possible outcomes underscore a transformative moment in American politics, it is clear that the stakes are high for both candidates.