This is very big!
Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for the upcoming election, stands on the verge of making history by potentially winning the popular vote—a feat that hasn’t been achieved by a GOP candidate in two decades. According to election analyst Harry Enten, recent polls indicate that Trump is in a virtual tie with Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee.
While the popular vote doesn’t determine the election outcome due to the Electoral College system, which allocates electoral votes from each state to reach the critical 270 needed for victory, winning the popular vote remains a significant milestone. For Trump, securing this victory would mark a remarkable turnaround, especially considering he lost the popular vote in both 2016 and 2020.
In 2016, Trump lost to Hillary Clinton by about 3 million votes, despite winning the presidency through the Electoral College with a count of 304 to 227. Similarly, in 2020, he was defeated by President Joe Biden, who outperformed Trump by approximately 7 million votes while winning 306 electoral votes to Trump’s 232.
Enten pointed out that if Trump wins the popular vote, it would not only represent a personal achievement for him but also a significant moment for the Republican Party. The last GOP candidate who won the popular vote was George W. Bush in 2004, and prior to that, it was his father, George H.W. Bush, in 1988.
Current polling data reflects a competitive race, with recent surveys showing varied results. A New York Times/Siena College poll indicates that both candidates are tied at 48 percent among likely voters, while other polls present differing leads for Trump and Harris. Notably, Trump appears to be gaining ground in traditionally blue states like California and New York, while maintaining strong support in red states such as Florida and Texas.
As the election approaches, it is crucial for Republican supporters to recognize the importance of not only the Electoral College but also the popular vote, as both play a role in showcasing the electorate’s preferences. This election could be a pivotal moment, potentially setting the stage for a renewed Republican resurgence at the national level.