Amid the intense campaigning and fierce exchanges defining the U.S. presidential election, there are plenty of lighter moments offering voters a touch of humor and relief.
Hippo for Trump
Thailand’s viral pygmy hippo, Moo Deng, has taken a surprising role as a “pollster” in the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. Presidential election. According to The Independent, zookeepers at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo set up an unusual prediction exercise by offering Moo Deng two watermelons labeled with the names of Republican candidate Donald Trump and his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris. In a widely shared video, the hippo chose the Trump-labeled melon, while another hippo in the enclosure took to the Harris-labeled treat. While purely for entertainment, the hippo’s choice added some lighthearted intrigue to an already intense election.
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Litchman stands by his forecast
As the U.S. presidential race reaches its final day with polling margins tighter than ever, renowned historian Allan Lichtman is standing by his prediction that Vice President Kamala Harris will win the White House. Lichtman, a professor of history at American University, has an impressive record in election forecasting, accurately predicting 9 out of the last 10 presidential races through his unique “keys to the White House” model.
In an interview with Scripps News on Election Day’s eve, Lichtman emphasized that polls are often misleading as predictors. “They’re snapshots. They are not predictors. They are abused as predictors,” he stated.
Unlike traditional polling, Lichtman’s model assesses the underlying strengths of the incumbent administration rather than relying on daily public opinion fluctuations, making it a distinctive approach that has repeatedly proven accurate over decades.
Trump Dominates Search Trends
As the U.S. approaches Election Day, search data reveals heightened voter curiosity. Google’s “US Elections in Search 2024” shows Donald Trump leading in search interest, with Kamala Harris close behind. Interest in third-party candidates like Jill Stein and Cornel West appears minimal. Market analysts note that Trump’s popularity surge aligns with trends in the betting and stock markets, which favor his potential victory.
Moore Backs Harris
Documentary filmmaker Michael Moore, known for his politically charged work, has expressed confidence in a Harris win. During an MSNBC interview, Moore described Trump as “toast” and cautioned against underestimating American voters’ readiness for change. Moore’s remarks follow his 2016 prediction of Trump’s win, which adds weight to his optimistic stance for the Democrats in this election cycle.
Trump Open to Possibility of Defeat
ABC’s Jonathan Karl recently revealed a phone conversation with Trump, in which the former president acknowledged the chance he could lose. “I guess, you know, you could lose,” Trump admitted. “But I think I have a pretty substantial lead.” His openness, albeit reluctant, reflects the unpredictable nature of this election.
Astronauts Voting from Space
For NASA’s astronauts aboard the International Space Station, voting doesn’t take a backseat. Since 1997, American astronauts have been able to vote from space via secure, encrypted electronic ballots. This year, all four NASA astronauts on the station arranged for absentee ballots. “It’s a civic duty,” said Space Station Commander Suni Williams, adding that exercising their right to vote was “the right thing to do.”
Elon Musk’s Voter Sweepstakes Approved
In a last-minute court decision, Elon Musk’s $1 million-per-day sweepstakes for voters in swing states will continue through Election Day. A Pennsylvania judge ruled the initiative, launched at a Trump rally in Harrisburg, is legally sound. Musk’s team argued that sweepstakes participants sign a petition supporting the U.S. Constitution, framing it as “core political speech.”
