Los Angeles — As the 2024 presidential race heats up, television host Bill Maher has made a bold prediction on his HBO show “Real Time with Bill Maher,” forecasting a defeat for former President Donald Trump. This prediction comes amidst a backdrop of national anxiety, with recent polls showing a razor-thin margin between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
During a recent episode, Maher confidently told panelists, including Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari, writer Fran Lebowitz, and political consultant Ian Bremmer, “No, not at all. Yeah, no, no, no, he’s definitely going to lose. You just feel it.” His statement reflects a certainty that contrasts sharply with the mixed signals from recent voter surveys.
Despite Maher’s assertive forecast, a Yahoo News/YouGov poll from mid-September reveals that 67% of Americans are anxious about the November election, with worries ranging from potential political violence to the economic repercussions following the election.
Polls show the 2024 presidential race could be exceptionally close. A New York Times/Siena College survey early in September indicated Trump with a slight lead of 48% to 47% over Harris among likely voters on a national level. The battle is even more intense in key battleground states, where both candidates have viable paths to victory.
Trump shows signs of strength in states like Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina. In these battlegrounds, he leads Harris by margins ranging from three to five percentage points. Conversely, Harris seems to hold an edge in states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, crucial areas traditionally known as swing states.
Voter priorities are clearly delineated along party lines, with a Pew Research Center survey highlighting the economy as a critical concern for 81% of registered voters. Among Harris supporters, major issues include healthcare, Supreme Court appointments, and abortion rights, whereas Trump backers are heavily focused on immigration and violent crime.
The issue of election integrity also looms large, as evidenced by a Gallup poll showing a stark 56-percentage-point division between Democrats and Republicans in their confidence in the electoral process. This gap underscores the polarized environment in which the 2024 election is unfolding.
Maher, known for his past critical stance on Trump, points to his track record as lending credence to his current predictions, remarking, “I’ve already put my marker down on that.”
However, GOP pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson cautions against dismissing Trump’s electoral chances, noting his resilience in key states despite widespread familiarity—and often controversy—surrounding his policies and character.
The countdown to the election sees both campaigns intensifying their efforts in these crucial swing states, preparing for what may be a tightly contested and potentially disputed outcome. With the shortest presidential campaign period in recent history, every moment and move becomes critical for swaying the electorate.
As November approaches, the 2024 election remains a focal point of national attention, promising significant impact on America’s immediate future and its handling of pressing issues from economic policy to foreign relations. Engaging and unpredictable, the race not only tests the candidates but also the resilience of American democracy itself.