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In India, Children’s Day is celebrated on November 14, while International Children’s Day, established by the United Nations, is observed globally on November 20. India initially marked Children’s Day on November 20, but this changed after the passing of Pandit <keyword id="6360386" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jawaharlal-nehru" source="Orion">Jawaharlal Nehru</keyword>, the country’s first Prime Minister and a prominent leader in the freedom movement. An anti-colonial nationalist, social democrat, and author, Nehru was instrumental in India’s independence struggle and a champion of parliamentary democracy, secularism, and advancements in science and technology. He served as Prime Minister for 17 years, guiding India’s post-independence growth and development. During his leadership, India maintained a neutral stance amid Cold War tensions and made significant strides in education and other key areas, shaping the nation’s future trajectory. Nehru had a deep affection for children and placed immense trust in their potential. He saw them as invaluable treasures and the nation’s future, capable of transforming the country’s future. Because of this belief, he emphasised the importance of their education, upbringing, and development, seeing their growth as vital to the nation’s progress. Children lovingly called him "Chachaji," a name by which he is still fondly remembered as "Chacha Nehru" by both children and adults today. Children’s Day also serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritising children’s well-being, ensuring that every child—regardless of economic, social, or political background—enjoys a safe and fulfilling childhood. This includes access to basic necessities like shelter, education, healthcare, and sanitation. Beyond these essentials, safeguarding children’s human rights is crucial. It’s our collective responsibility to protect them from harmful practices such as abuse, trafficking, and child labour. Given that millions of children in India are orphans, it is essential to protect and nurture their present to secure a bright future for them and for the nation. To celebrate this day with your loved ones, here are heartfelt wishes and messages that will bring joy and positivity this Children’s Day. <h2>Children’s Day Wishes</h2><ul><li><keyword id="1451428" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Happy-Childrens-Day" source="Orion">Happy Children’s Day</keyword>! May you sparkle and shine with happiness always! </li><li>To the joy-bringers, the dreamers, and the pure-hearted—Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>May your childhood be filled with love, laughter, and endless joy. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Every child is a miracle. You are our little star. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>May you grow up to achieve all that you dream and more! Happy Children’s Day. </li><li>Wishing you the happiest, brightest Children’s Day ever! </li><li>May your innocence and laughter light up the world. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Here’s to the magical, carefree years of childhood! Enjoy it to the fullest. </li><li>Happy Children’s Day! May you always have a reason to smile. </li><li>Childhood is precious. Live every moment and make beautiful memories. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Wishing you oceans of joy and a sky full of dreams. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>You are the stars of tomorrow. Shine bright, little ones! Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>May your imagination lead you to magical places. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Happy Children’s Day to the sweetest kids who make our world so much brighter! </li><li>To the wonder-makers, the adventurers, the joyful souls—Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>May your life be filled with dreams, love, and laughter. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Here’s to the laughter, the smiles, and the endless joy of childhood! </li><li>May every little child feel special, cherished, and loved. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Wishing all the happiness and joy to the little hearts of the world! </li><li>May you always have a smile on your face and a song in your heart. </li><li>You bring joy to the world just by being you. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Every child is a treasure, and you are the most precious. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>May your days be filled with colour, joy, and wonderful memories. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>You are the hope of tomorrow, and you bring so much joy today. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Wishing you laughter, play, and endless joy. Have a fantastic Children’s Day! </li><li>To the world’s sweetest souls, may you always find happiness. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Here’s to a day filled with dreams, games, and smiles. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>Keep shining, keep laughing, and keep being amazing! Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>May you live every day with the wonder and joy of childhood. Happy Children’s Day! </li><li>To the most wonderful part of life—children! Have a beautiful Children’s Day! </li></ul><h2>Messages for <keyword id="23888689" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Childrens-Day-2024" source="Orion">Children’s Day 2024</keyword></h2>On this day, let’s honour Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s legacy and nurture the future of India—our children. Happy Children’s Day! November 14 is a reminder to cherish childhood and encourage the potential within every child. Wishing all a joyful Children’s Day! Let’s promise to protect, care for, and empower every child, giving them a happy, healthy future. Happy Children’s Day! This Children’s Day, let’s remember that every child has the right to education, love, and a life of happiness. November 14, a day to celebrate the joy of childhood and the dream of a brighter future. Happy Children’s Day! Happy Children’s Day! Let’s make every child feel safe, loved, and cherished not just today but always. Today let’s dedicate ourselves to creating a world where every child feels valued and heard. Happy Children’s Day! Celebrating the laughter and dreams of children across India on this special day, November 14. On this Children’s Day, let’s embrace the spirit of innocence, joy, and hope that every child brings to the world. Children are our tomorrow; let’s make sure they grow up with love, respect, and opportunities. Happy Children’s Day! SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/webstories/10-kid-friendly-heritage-trips-for-childrens-day-2024/slidelist/115210134.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">10 kid-friendly heritage trips for Children’s Day 2024</a>

Happy Children’s Day 2024: Messages and heartfelt wishes for kids

If you're a salaried employee or a business owner who can't leave for a trip whenever you want and need to plan ahead, August is a great time for a vacation. In <keyword id="21604710" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="August-2024" source="keywords">August 2024</keyword>, there are some exciting long weekends thanks to holidays like Independence Day, Raksha Bandhan, and Janmashtami. This means it's a perfect time for you to plan a trip! If you plan your leave carefully, you can get up to five days off in a row. We're here to help you plan your August holidays and suggest some great travel options. We'll tell you about the top destinations you can visit near <keyword id="66" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi" source="Orion">Delhi</keyword>, <keyword id="6358070" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mumbai" source="Orion">Mumbai</keyword>, and <keyword id="6354321" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bengaluru" source="Orion">Bengaluru</keyword> during these long weekends. <h2>Here's a breakdown of the long weekends in August:</h2> <div type="image" title="Calender" msid="112289713" hostid="261" sizebytes="143659" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Breakdown of the long weekends in August 2024.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Now, let's look at great places to visit near Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru during these weekends. <h3>Near Delhi:</h3>Jaisalmer, Rajasthan Known as the "Golden City," Jaisalmer is famous for its stunning sandstone architecture and desert landscapes. Explore the Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, and the picturesque Sam Sand Dunes, where you can enjoy a camel safari and witness a beautiful sunset. Munsyari, Uttarakhand A hidden gem in the Kumaon region, Munsyari offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. It's a paradise for trekkers, with routes like the Milam Glacier and Khaliya Top. The quaint village atmosphere and stunning natural beauty make it a perfect escape. Pushkar, Rajasthan A small town known for its sacred Pushkar Lake and the famous Brahma Temple, Pushkar is a spiritual and cultural destination. The vibrant Pushkar Bazaar is great for shopping, and if you're visiting in November, don't miss the famous Pushkar Camel Fair. <h2>Near Mumbai:</h2>Goa A popular beach destination, Goa offers a mix of sun, sand, and vibrant nightlife. Visit the beautiful beaches of Baga, Anjuna, and Palolem, explore historic churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, and enjoy water sports. Goa's rich Portuguese heritage and delicious seafood are added attractions. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="109562865" title="Things to do in Goa in monsoon to make the most out of your trip" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Alibaug A coastal town with beautiful beaches, Alibaug is ideal for a relaxing weekend. You can visit Kolaba Fort, enjoy water sports, or just unwind at the various beaches like Alibaug Beach and Nagaon Beach. Matheran A charming hill station free of vehicles, Matheran offers peaceful walks through nature. The views from Panorama Point and Charlotte Lake are breathtaking. You can also explore the many viewpoints that offer stunning landscapes. <h2>Near Bengaluru:</h2>Hampi, Karnataka: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Hampi is renowned for its ancient ruins and temples from the Vijayanagara Empire. Explore the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple with its iconic stone chariot, and the Hampi Bazaar. The landscape of giant boulders and ancient structures makes Hampi a unique and fascinating destination. Chikmagalur: A paradise for coffee lovers, Chikmagalur is a hill station surrounded by coffee plantations. You can trek to Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, visit the serene Hebbe Falls, and explore ancient temples. Mysuru: A city rich in history and culture, Mysuru is famous for its magnificent Mysore Palace. You can also visit Chamundi Hill, St. Philomena's Church, and the vibrant Devaraja Market. The Mysore Zoo and Brindavan Gardens are other popular attractions. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/webstories/10-most-beautiful-hill-stations-to-visit-in-north-india-this-august/slidelist/112213767.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">10 most beautiful hill stations to visit in North India this August</a>

Plan the perfect August 2024 long weekend: Getaways from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru

Days after Trump won his way to the White House, becoming the 47th President of the United States, the US Federal Reserve slashed the interest rates by 25 basis points, bringing them within the range of 4.5-4.75%. This is the second time this year that the Fed has lowered the interest rates, after cutting them down by 50 basis points in September 2024. u Fed chair Jerome Powell noted that monetary policy remains tight as inflation remains elevated at 2.4% as of September 2024, slightly above the 2% mark set by the commission. However, the Fed remained optimistic about the current state of the economy. "The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at 2% over the longer run. The Committee judges that the risks to achieving its employment and inflation goals are roughly in balance. The economic outlook is uncertain, and the Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate," the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) noted in its press release. The rate cut was along widely anticipated lines, although experts were wary of the Fed's way ahead, given that Donald Trump has been elected as the US President. In the past, he has, on multiple occasions, expressed his desire to yield greater influence on the Fed, apart from publicly criticizing Powell. However, Powell continued to stand his ground, noting that Trump cannot legally sack him. He believed in keeping the Fed independent, at least until his tenure as governor ends in 2028. He highlighted that even if he is explicitly asked by Trump to quit, he won't do so. <h2>Trump's regime to inch up inflation?</h2> Trump's electoral promises, if translated into policies, could spell disaster for the Fed's effort to curtail inflation. Reportedly, Trump has promised to levy aggressive tariffs against US trading partners, particularly China, and even extend his 2017 tax cuts. This could mean higher levels of the federal deficit, which would push up prices, wages, and hence, inflation, even as the Fed tries to consistently bring it under control. Apurva Sheth, Head of Market Perspectives and Research, SAMCO Securities, notes that it wasn't a surprise when the US Fed cut interest rates by 25 basis points (bps) to 4.75%. The Fed had given enough clues, and the market too had anticipated these rate cuts. "However, what was surprising was how the <keyword id="23863852" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="US-10-year-bond-yields" source="keywords">US 10-year bond yields</keyword> moved over the last one and a half months, which have been rising relentlessly from 3.6% to almost 4.5% despite the 50 bps cut in the last Fed meeting. It seems that the market is anticipating slower rate cuts going ahead, and maybe there are even chances of inflation rising. The bond yields have cooled off and slipped below the 4.335% mark. This should be bullish for emerging markets like India," he added.

US Fed cuts interest rates by 25 bps, Powell notes Trump's victory to have no impact on policy decisions

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Former President Donald Trump's actions on January 6, 2021, are back in the news.</li><li>Vice President Kamala Harris is also elevating one of Trump's biggest critics, former Rep. Liz Cheney.</li></ul>With roughly 30 days left before Election Day, Vice President <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/blockbuster-jobs-report-kamala-harris-election-trump-inflation-economy-2024-10">Kamala Harris</a> and her allies are amplifying their focus on the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and former President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election.Trump, for his part, has really never stopped talking about the 2020 election. He brings it up at almost every rally. But Harris' final rebuttal is shaping up in the form of a closing argument delivered by former Congresswoman <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/liz-cheney-voting-for-kamala-harris-for-president-2024-9">Liz Cheney</a> and top Trump aides."Our republic faces a threat unlike any we have faced before — a former president who attempted to stay in power by unraveling the foundations of our republic, by refusing to accept the lawful results confirmed by dozens of courts of the 2020 election," Cheney said Thursday night in Ripon, Wisconsin, the birthplace of the Republican Party.The Harris campaign's efforts to remind voters of Trump's final days in office will get a boost next week when an outside group will host <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cassidy-hutchinson-back-out-bombshell-testimony-jan-6-hearing-enough-2023-9">Cassidy Hutchinson</a>, the former Trump aide whose searing testimony was at the forefront of the House January 6 committee, Cheney, and two other former Trump aides at an event in Pennsylvania. While that is not an official Harris rally, her campaign has already made waves in the key battleground by airing an ad featuring a local couple who previously supported Trump."I voted for him twice, I won't vote for him again," Bob Lange says in the ad entitled "Not Again." "January 6 was a wake-up call for me." Former Trump 2020 staffer Matt Wolking said the Harris' campaign focus on January 6 illustrates a return to the core of what made Biden's campaign struggle."What happens when you run a vibes campaign like Kamala has, devoid of most other substance and then you run out of vibes?" Wolking told Business Insider. "Well, you return to old crutches, and this is an old crutch that is leftover from the Biden campaign. The January 6 campaign strategy is the Biden campaign strategy from earlier this year."Voters have given Harris better marks than Biden, but the topic still does not have the sheer weight that the economy does.<h2 id="9fea5b3b-3415-4795-ab61-8624c8955edd">The economy is still the most important issue in the race.</h2>Voters have long said the economy is the most important issue in the race, lending some slight risk to focusing on the 2020 election. Polls have shown that Harris has closed Trump's commanding lead on the economy. But the broader theme of democracy hasn't been forgotten. A recent PBS News/NPR/Marist poll found that 95% of voters say the economy is a factor in their vote. The same survey found that 89% of voters would say the same about "preserving democracy," including 64% who say it would be a "deciding factor" in their decision. (The poll of US adults was conducted from September 27 through October 1, 2024. Marist interviewed 1,628 adults via phone, text, and online. The margin of error for registered voters is +/- 3.5 percentage points.)Trump's campaign blamed the media for the renewed focus on January 6."The media is desperate to talk about anything other than the issues Americans are facing today — from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, to the crisis at our border, migrant crime, inflation, and the ongoing port worker strike — because the problems of today prove Kamala Harris is the worst vice president in history," Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement issued on Thursday. On Thursday night, port workers and the United States Maritime Alliance announced the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/striking-dockworkers-return-to-work-amid-ongoing-negotiations-cnn-2024-10">suspension of the strike</a> until January 15 as contract negotiations continue.Both campaigns have tried to lean into democracy-related appeals. Trump has claimed that it's the Democrats who are the true threat, arguing without evidence that they are responsible for his assassination attempts. He also repeatedly claimed that the White House is orchestrating the criminal cases against him, another claim that doesn't hold up.There's ample evidence that Trump should be concerned if voters cast their ballots with 2020 in mind. Voters thoroughly rejected his allies who echoed his concerns about 2020 during the midterm elections two years later. Most notably, those setbacks occurred in Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Arizona, all four states that remain battlegrounds in the presidential race.According to a recent Washington Post poll, most of the voters in Pennsylvania, widely believed to be race's biggest prize, believe Biden won the 2020 race fair and square. The numbers are different for Republicans, but the rejection of election denialism is clear among Democrats and, most critically, independents.<h2 id="07baf555-3b4c-414d-b4a3-f164a7d84702">Harris' efforts aren't the only reason 2020 is back in the news</h2>Special counsel <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/judge-releases-prosecutors-evidence-against-trump-in-election-interference-case-2024-10">Jack Smith's 165-page filing</a> was released earlier in the week, providing new details about Trump's actions as rioters stormed the Capitol. Smith's team says it is prepared to call a top Trump aide to testify that only the then-president himself could have sent out his infamous tweet attacking Vice President Mike Pence for lacking "courage" by refusing to help overturn the results."The defendant personally posted the tweet on the afternoon of January 6 at a point when he already understood that the Capitol had been breached," Smith's team wrote in the filing.Sen. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/jd-vance-donald-trump-january-6-vp-debate-tim-walz-2024-10">JD Vance</a> of Ohio refused to answer directly to Gov. Tim Walz during Tuesday's vice-presidential debate when he pressed Trump's running mate about who won the 2020 election."Tim, I am focused on the future," Vance replied. "Did Kamala Harris censor Americans from speaking their mind in the wake of the 2020 COVID situation?"Harris' campaign soon cut what Walz described as Vance's "damning non-answer" into an attack ad.Asked again about his views on the 2020 election, Vance remained defiant after a Friday rally. The GOP vice presidential nominee accused journalists of being so interested in the last election because "they don't care a lick about what happened afterwards.""I'm from Ohio, I am not from the South, but I think there's a phrase that really works — bless your heart," he said. "We are focused on the future in this election and in this campaign."

2020 is back on the 2024 campaign trail

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Election Day is just 100 days away.</li><li>It is now almost certain that Kamala Harris will face Donald Trump in a tight race on November 5.</li></ul>It is just 100 days until Election Day. And if the last month is any indication, it'll be a chaotic sprint to the finish line between Vice President <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kamala-harris-might-trigger-trumps-biggest-vulnerability-women-2024-7">Kamala Harris</a> and former President Donald Trump.The United States has seen upheaval in past presidential races, notably with the incumbent Lyndon B. Johnson standing aside as a Democratic candidate in his party's 1968 primaries amid growing tensions over his handling of the Vietnam War.But this year's contest has been a race like no other.President <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/joe-biden-dropping-out-what-happens-next-2024-7">Joe Biden's decision</a> last week to withdraw from the 2024 race risked throwing his party into chaos. Instead, led by Biden, Democrats have quickly rallied around Harris. There's enthusiasm for her historic candidacy and the reality that November won't feature a 2020 rematch that voters had <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-trump-november-election-abortion-israel-gaza-swing-states-2024-5">long said</a> they did not want.Biden's announcement came nearly a month after a disastrous June debate performance that elevated concerns around his age and fitness to campaign effectively in the final months of the campaign. Over the course of weeks, Biden's supporters one-by-one called on him to step aside. Then came the attempted assassination of Trump, rallying his base ahead of the Republican National Convention.It now seems almost certain that Harris will be the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kamala-harris-secured-enough-delegates-to-win-democratic-presidential-nomination-2024-7">Democratic presidential nominee</a>, but voters won't know for sure until at least early next month when Democrats are set to hold a virtual roll call ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. In the meantime, everyone is waiting to see who she will pick as her running mate.As for the Trump camp, confidence in a blow-out victory has now suddenly given way to panic since Biden stepped aside and Harris consolidated support among Democratic leaders.Trump's choice for vice president isn't helping. Sen. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-jd-vance-regret-experts-say-wrong-call-2024-7">JD Vance</a> of Ohio, a choice that cast aside any effort to balance the ticket in favor of appointing a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-trump-selected-jd-dance-running-mate-vice-president-2024-7">MAGA heir apparent,</a> initially fired up the GOP base. But Vance's debut has been so rocky that even some fellow Republicans are <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://thehill.com/homenews/4793818-vance-vp-trump-house-republicans/">nervous</a> about his potential impact on the ticket.The 2024 campaign has shifted so dramatically so many times recently that there's just no telling what the next few months will bring. Here's a look at where the contest stands and what's to come.<h2 id="91f48063-438b-4ec1-a50d-e479e16f8945">Harris opens up new potential paths to victory</h2>Since entering the race, Harris has shown momentum in early polling.The latest New York Times/Siena College survey showed the vice president essentially resetting the race and narrowing what had been a growing Biden polling deficit against Trump. In the poll, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/25/us/politics/poll-kamala-harris-donald-trump.html">released last week</a>, Trump led Harris by one point (48% to 47%) among likely voters. The <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/03/us/politics/poll-debate-biden-trump.html">previous Times/Siena poll</a> had Trump ahead of Biden 49% to 43% among likely voters.A <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/harris-erases-trumps-lead-wsj-poll-finds-e286144d">Wall Street Journal poll</a> found the national race too close to call — with Trump leading Harris 49% to 47% — after previously showing Trump with a six-point lead over Biden. A <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/24/politics/cnn-poll-kamala-harris-donald-trump/index.html">CNN-SSRS poll</a> also showed the race within the margin of error.But the best news for the vice president is further down in the data.Harris is eclipsing Biden's performance among Black and Latino voters. This improvement could drastically expand the Democratic Party's <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/battleground-states-2024-presidential-election-road-white-house-2022-12">path to 270 Electoral College votes.</a> Before Biden dropped out, Democrats' best hope seemed to be to run the table in the so-called "Blue Wall" states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania while holding onto the Omaha-area 2nd congressional district in Nebraska.That left Biden little room for error. This became worrisome for the Biden campaign as warning signs flashed in states like Virginia and New Hampshire. If <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-post-debate-reelection-map-worse-new-mexico-virginia-maine-2024-7">the bottom fell out</a>, there were even some concerns that states like Minnesota and New Mexico could move toward Trump.If Harris can maintain her support among Black voters, a state like North Carolina, where Democrats have wanted to go on the offensive, could become more competitive. Harris could also perform better in Georgia, which Biden narrowly carried in 2020.Harris' potential strength in the Sun Belt means Democrats may not have to bet it all on the "Blue Wall." There are also early signs of potential relief in New Hampshire, as Harris — in a recent <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.anselm.edu/about/anselmian-hub/news/saint-anselm-college-survey-center-july-poll-finds-harris-currently-leading-trump-6-points-among-new-hampshire-registered-voters">Saint Anselm College survey</a> — held a solid six-point lead over Trump in the state.Trump's campaign, meanwhile, has tried to get out ahead of the shift.His campaign is convinced this is only a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trumps-team-harris-poll-surge-campaign-2024-7">Harris "honeymoon" period</a> and a temporary high. But with so little time left before Election Day, Harris has several opportunities to generate more enthusiasm. She will likely name a vice president in early August. The Democratic National Convention is on August 19. And then there's a scheduled debate in September, a month before the election.It's hard to say how much the convention will help Harris. In 2000, Vice President Al Gore received a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-aug-19-mn-7142-story.html">significant post-convention bounce</a> in his race against then-Gov. George W. Bush. But, in recent years, such a surge in support has been less dramatic. In 2020, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/30/politics/trump-biden-post-convention-polling/index.html">neither</a> Biden nor Trump received a major bump after their respective conventions. However, Biden maintained a steady national lead throughout that contest.The positive early polling is a great sign for the vice president, but it isn't the only metric that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kamala-harris-raises-81-million-in-24-hours-breaks-record-2024-7">shows momentum</a>. Since Biden dropped out, Harris' campaign has raised over $126 million. Over 1.4 million of those donors have given small donations. It's a historic pace that makes certain her campaign will be well-funded down the stretch.<h2 id="3fab04d6-f89b-44c9-a51b-a9f69e5e2d28">Trump's pick for vice president makes things interesting</h2>Vice presidential picks are far from guaranteed to help a presidential hopeful win a state. But, at the very least, they should avoid damaging their chances.Vance is off to a rough start. At this point, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/jd-vance-lowest-vice-president-approval-rating-republican-convention-2024-7">he's already set a record </a>for the worst polling for a vice presidential nominee.<div type="image" title="Trump Vance" height="3088" width="4631" msid="112081366" hostid="261" sizebytes="278008"></div>The first-term GOP lawmaker has faced a torrent of criticism over old comments criticizing "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/jd-vance-struggling-trump-vice-president-couch-childless-cat-ladies-2024-7">childless cat ladies.</a>" It didn't help matters that he applied this label to Harris, who became a co-parent to two teenagers when she married now-second gentleman <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/doug-emhoff-jd-vance-kamala-harris-childless-cat-lady-response-2024-7">Doug Emhoff</a> in 2014.Trump threw out the traditional playbook by selecting Vance.Typically, presidential nominees select a running mate who balances the ticket, either regionally or ideologically. Mike Pence, for example, signaled Trump's desire in 2016 to appeal to traditional conservatives. Some Trump advisors also urged the president to tap a more diverse pick. Instead, the former president elevated a like-minded conservative.Vance, who is 39, would be the first millennial vice president. He is also the first military veteran to be on a ticket since 2008 when then-Sen. John McCain of Arizona was the GOP presidential nominee.There was hope that Vance could help Trump appeal to white working-class voters in swing states like Michigan and Pennsylvania. But the Ohio Republican has only run a single campaign. And in his 2022 Senate race, Vance <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/jd-vance-rust-belt-appeal-ohio-gop-trump-senate-ryan-2024-7">vastly underperformed</a> compared to other Ohio Republicans on the ballot that year.<h2 id="2ca9cf9b-b249-451d-a81c-21270c48b090">Harris' pick for vice president could further shake things up</h2>Harris is likely to pick a vice president who can help move a swing state into her column, the sort of move that Republicans would fret over given <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-haley-suburbs-gop-problem-north-carolina-virginia-2024-3">Trump's struggles with suburban voters</a> and the reluctance of many independents to back his third White House bid.<div type="image" title="Kamala Harris" height="2400" width="3600" msid="112081364" hostid="261" sizebytes="1137242"></div>Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona and Govs. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Tim Walz of Minnesota appear to be Harris' leading choices, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-27/kamala-harris-vice-presidential-search-focuses-on-3-candidates?srnd=homepage-americas">according to Bloomberg</a>.Other <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/names-floated-kamala-harriss-veep-if-biden-drops-out-election-2024-7">potential running mates</a> include Govs. Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, JB Pritzker of Illinois, and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan; as well as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.A wild card pick like former Rep. Cedric Richmond of Louisiana, who <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/07/24/who-is-cedric-richmond/74524206007/">has reportedly been vetted</a> as a potential choice, also may be on the table.Harris will likely prioritize a running mate with an established track record of winning in a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/battleground-states-2024-presidential-election-road-white-house-2022-12">battleground state</a>. It may not guarantee her a state's electoral votes, but it could prove essential in helping move undecided voters into her column in a race where every vote will matter.The top candidates on Harris' shortlist all have unique strengths. Kelly, a former Navy combat pilot and former astronaut, has the sort of appeal that could boost the Democratic ticket in purple Arizona. Shapiro is a highly regarded governor in a must-win state for Democrats. And Walz, a former congressman, could help attract Midwestern voters in key states like Michigan and Wisconsin.With Biden out of the race, Democrats will likely seek to tie the election — anchored by Harris' candidacy — to the party's future. And in a contest with Trump, Democrats are banking that their ticket will be able to present itself as a mainstream choice in an election race that has at times gone of the rails, seems never-ending, but is just months away from being over.

We are 100 days from the 2024 presidential election. Here's where things stand.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Many Gen Z Americans are prioritizing financial savviness, aiming for early retirement.</li><li>Young Americans invest more than previous generations; two-thirds save for retirement early.</li></ul>Gen Z is becoming more <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-most-financially-savvy-generation-retirement-saving-investing-2023-11">financially savvy</a> — and many are doing whatever they can to retire early.Many more young Americans are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cfainstitute.org/about/press-releases/2023/finra-cfa-institute-gen-z-research">investing</a> compared to their parents in their early- and mid-20s, and two-thirds of Gen Z has already started <a target="_blank" href="https://www.transamericainstitute.org/docs/default-source/research/post-pandemic-retirement-realities-multigenerational-workforce-report-july-2023.pdf">saving for retirement</a>, according to the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies.Four Gen Z Americans told Business Insider they've followed the principles of the FIRE — <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/millennials-retiring-early-fire-movement-financial-independence-millionaire-savings-work-2024-5">financial independence, retire early</a> — movement to achieve a high net worth before their 30th birthdays. These include <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-xers-financial-independence-retire-early-fire-started-saving-late-2024-6">cutting back on spending</a>, investing in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/financial-planners-suggest-index-funds-start-investing-2024-5">index funds</a> and real estate, having passive income from <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/side-hustle-recommendations-jobs-to-try-this-year-concerts-surveys-2024-3">side hustles</a>, and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/how-much-do-i-need-to-retire#:~:text=You%20can%20maximize%20your%20retirement,out%20your%20retirement%20accounts%20first.">maxing out retirement accounts</a> early.Some said they don't intend on following the "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/early-retirement-overrated-financial-independence-fire-return-to-office-balance-2024-6">retire early</a>" part of the acronym and instead want to pursue their passions while making money doing so.Their stories vary widely, from a serial entrepreneur, to a Boeing engineer, to an enlisted sailor in the Navy. But all four emphasized that their sacrifices and risks earlier in life may be the key to their financial stability down the road.<h2 id="259eb44a-82f4-4e95-8a7c-7a266ae95f9b">Cody Berman, entrepreneur and "passive income expert"</h2><div type="image" title="cody berman headshot blue background" height="3123" width="4164" msid="111730410" hostid="261"></div>Cody Berman, 28, hit <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-worst-national-parks-states-financial-independence-retire-early-fire-2024-7">financial freedom</a> at 25 but has no plans to retire early. He started a handful of businesses in college, some of which failed. He achieved success with his disc golf manufacturing company."I had always thought of 'rich' people being people who made a really high dollars per hour — doctors, lawyers who make $200, $300 an hour," Berman said. "Then I realized that you didn't actually have to trade your time for money on a linear basis. You could trade your time, your energy, your money, for things were going to pay you perpetually, whether or not you're working on them."He got a corporate job as a commercial real estate lender but worked on <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-change-careers-freelancing-side-hustle-earn-six-figures-2024-3">side hustles</a> each morning and night, sometimes working 15-hour days. He left his job after seven months and went all in on freelancing, digital products, blogging, and podcasting.At 25, he made about $400,000 in a year from side hustles, which is when he considered himself financially independent. He saved about 90% of his income, investing most of his money into index funds and his portfolio of 11 rental properties."I'm not in the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/financial-independence-not-retiring-early-millennial-fire-seattle-modest-living-2024-7">FIRE movement</a> for the RE part," Berman said. "I love building businesses."His net worth is about $2.8 million, but he drives a 2015 Nissan truck approaching 100,000 miles. He and his wife live in a one-bedroom property and rent out a four-bedroom property next door. Cutting back on housing costs allowed him to spend almost $10,000 a month in travel, dining, and concerts.Berman co-founded <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://goldcityventures.com/">Gold City Ventures</a>, which helps others launch Etsy businesses selling printables through workshops and courses. Berman said they've seen people quit their corporate jobs and make much more through online selling.<h2 id="4b47ae11-acf6-4bf0-9809-810562964fea">Jubilee Bosch, engineer taking a sabbatical</h2><div type="image" title="Jubilee Bosch at a museum." height="1110" width="1480" msid="111730412" hostid="261"></div>Jubilee Bosch, 26, has worked as an engineer in St. Louis since graduating from college, though with over $190,000 in net worth, she's taking a sabbatical.Bosch was raised in a lower-middle-class family in California by a stay-at-home mom and military father who worked three jobs until starting a house-cleaning business. Though raised to be frugal, she never learned how to invest.After attending community college and a four-year college, she got a mechanical engineering degree and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/earned-thousands-in-scholarships-graduated-college-debt-free-2023-4">graduated debt-free</a> due to merit scholarships, college jobs, and some assistance from her parents.After an internship, she was hired full-time by Boeing, making $64,000. She struggled to transition to the corporate world and burned out quickly, but she kept rising up the ranks, negotiating a promotion and a salary increase to $95,000 a year. Around this time, she read about strategies for reaching <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/financial-independence-retire-early-fire-millennial-income-wealthy-business-owners-2024-4">financial independence</a>, and increased her investments while helping her friends open Roth IRAs.She kept expenses to about $22,000 a year and put most of her savings into the market. She moved into a smaller space with her partner, strategically meal-prepped, and got travel credit cards to lower out-of-pocket flight expenses."I was starting to realize I probably didn't want a traditional career, and I'm sure I'll probably have gaps in my life where I don't have a regular job, so I can roll those over and be tax efficient," Bosch said.She had enough investments and savings to take a year off from work, so she eased up on investing to build a cash cushion. She realized she didn't need to be "hyper-frugal" anymore and could spend on things that mattered to her. She now anticipates retiring between 45 and 55, as she wants to try different career paths."I started to spend more in areas that brought me a lot of joy and realized that some lifestyle creep is worth it and changes the bottom line very little," Bosch said.<h2 id="d1eaf570-5105-4828-808c-817293adc94c">Amber Smith, tech worker-turned-online reseller and content creator</h2><div type="image" title="Amber Smith on a boat" height="2268" width="3024" msid="111730406" hostid="261"></div>Amber Smith, 27, has a net worth of about $250,000 and quit her tech job earlier this year to pursue her side hustles full-time.Smith, who lives in West Des Moines, said her parents sold things on eBay for extra money and stressed the importance of side hustles. She got a full scholarship at college and stumbled into a financial planning internship. She read finance blogs and received training from her manager on how to help others — and herself — best prepare for the future."Here I was in my first real office job, and I thought I could do this for another 40 years of my life, or I could save aggressively now and cut that timeline much shorter," Smith said.After graduating, she did contract work with her local government and a bank. She landed at a startup making $78,000 two years out of college, then transitioned to a financial tech company making about $100,000. However, she was laid off from two jobs back to back, and when she landed in an insurance role, she felt stressed and directionless.She quit her insurance job to grow her side hustles, as she had a large enough nest egg to avoid the office for a few years. She turned down recruiter interviews and focused on monetized <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/top-ways-to-make-money-as-content-creator">content creation</a> and reselling secondhand clothing.She made $30,000 to $50,000 a year reselling part-time while at her previous companies. She brought in more from brand deals and influencing in the first five months of 2024 than in all of 2023. Content creation hasn't been as consistent, though she made $2,800 once for a brand deal and accepted others paying over $1,000.Though her savings are down this year because of the drop in income after leaving her corporate job, she said she's been smart about her investments and isn't too worried since her net worth continues to grow."I want a way to pay my bills and afford my life, and I want to do that in a way where I'm not stressed out," Smith said. "The peace of it is such a big part, even if I am making less than I was in my insurance job."<h2 id="1e1475eb-db83-4014-8a04-395e1251ab06">Cory Sarkisian, enlisted sailor in the Navy pursuing a financial planning role</h2>Cory Sarkisian, 27, has been an enlisted sailor in the Navy for eight years, saving and investing $375,000 in the process. He and his wife, who have two kids, have been a single-income household for the last six years, moving between San Diego, Hawaii, and Connecticut.Sarkisian had $10,000 saved by the time he joined the Navy, and for his first three years, he didn't have to worry about food or housing, allowing him to save most of his earnings. In 2016, he bought a four-year-old Honda Civic in cash and still drives it.In 2018, he moved out of government quarters and got married. He was given a housing stipend of $2,700 a month, the set amount for someone of his rank, and he and his wife found an apartment for $1,700 a month and kept the rest. He has also never had to pay for healthcare, which is free through the military.In 2020, he began investing in index funds through his Roth IRA and Thrift Savings plan, and he and his wife put 10% down on a condo with a 15-year loan and 1.75% interest rate. He was forced to move to Connecticut two years later, though they sold the condo for $70,000 more than they paid, which they used to start funding their kids' 529 plans, purchase a used car, and put more into brokerage accounts.They've put $180,000 into their Roth accounts, $125,000 in after-tax brokerage accounts, $45,000 in savings, and $21,000 in 529s. With their savings, they traveled to four Hawaiian islands and New Zealand. Sarkisian said he's looking to pursue financial planning after his time in the Navy."We don't feel like we are depriving ourselves," Sarkisian said. "Maybe early on, we endured some deprivation, but we think we have found a pretty good balance."Are you part of the FIRE movement or living by some of its principles? Reach out to this reporter at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:nsheidlower@businessinsider.com">nsheidlower@businessinsider.com</a>.

How 4 Gen Zers are reaching financial independence

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Trump has promised to do a variety of different things on "Day One" of his second term.</li><li>Much of his agenda will take time to implement, but there are things he could start immediately.</li></ul>Over the past two years of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump">President-elect Donald Trump's</a> third presidential campaign, he frequently promised to enact certain promises on "day one" of his new administration."Many things will be done on day one," Trump said at a town hall with Tucker Carlson in Phoenix in late October. "Your head will spin when you see what's going to happen."Some aspects of Trump's agenda, particularly his <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tax-cut-tariff-plan-outlook-presidential-election-scenarios-harris-trump-2024-10">promises</a> to eliminate taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits, will require Congress to act.But much of his signature promises can be set into motion via executive orders, which he will be able to issue as soon as he enters office. He will also be able to issue pardons and fire government officials as early as day one.<h2 id="b28818a4-c79e-4982-8ef7-724240a430af">Executive orders: Immigration and likely legal challenges</h2>Some of Trump's most readily achievable promises are related to immigration, an area where the White House and Executive Branch have a significant say. In the closing days of the campaign, Trump underlined his commitment to getting to work right away on building "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-harris-immigration-jobs-arizona-economy-mass-deportation-employment-wages-2024-10">the largest deportation force</a>" in the nation's history. The American Civil Liberties Union and other organizations have said they would challenge Trump's actions in court, meaning that anything begun on Day One will only be the beginning of a potentially long legal fight.Trump also repeatedly promised to curtail <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2023/0120/Immigration-parole-What-is-it-and-who-s-getting-it#:~:text=Unlike%20asylum%20and%20refugee%20status,benefits%2C%20though%20there%20are%20exceptions">parole</a>, which allows immigrants to temporarily live in the US, often for humanitarian reasons. He also pushed debunked claims about secret "migrant flights," which he also promised to ban on day one.Trump has promised to issue several executive orders when he takes office, though some of them are likely to be challenged in court.For example, Trump has pledged to sign an executive order revoking birthright citizenship, which is enshrined in the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution.During the Republican primary, he pledged to take executive action "banning schools from promoting critical race theory or transgender insanity."It's likely that such an action could mirror an executive order President Joe Biden revoked after taking office, which at the time prohibited the federal government and federal contractors from conducting workplace trainings on "divisive concepts." A federal judge later blocked prohibitions on certain trainings.<h2 id="95350b5b-0e65-4724-a668-327eaf0fb4cb">Pardons and personnel decisions: Firing Jack Smith, pardoning January 6 rioters</h2>Some of Trump's promises are more simple and involve firing government officials he does not like.That includes Special Counsel Jack Smith, who is currently leading the Department of Justice's prosecution of Trump for his role in the January 6 insurrection and Trump's mishandling of classified documents. Smith is already <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jan-6-justice-department-classified-documents-01c2d54177d7c949f62a15604a27b3e0">reportedly</a> looking into winding down those investigations in order to comply with a longstanding department policy that sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted."I would fire him within two seconds," Trump told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt in late October. "He'll be one of the first things addressed."At a Bitcoin conference in July, Trump also <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-bitcoin-stance-2024-7">pledged to fire</a> Gary Gensler, the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, on "day one" and appoint a replacement. Gensler has angered many in the cryptocurrency community, which Trump and his campaigned courted ahead of the 2024 election.Trump has also <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/donald-trump-says-absolutely-pardon-jan-6-rioters-rcna164565">pledged</a> to pardon January 6 rioters "if they're innocent," which he would be able to do as soon as his first day in office.<h2 id="c3a47c27-7a7a-4054-aee5-a4613822eeb6">"Day One" promises that Trump may not be able to fulfill</h2>Some "day one" commitments are simply not possible.At times during the campaign, Trump pledged to "end inflation" just hours after taking office. But no one, including the president, can single-handedly lower broad price levels set across the entire US economy.The Federal Reserve, the nation's central bank, is tasked with monitoring inflation and adjusting interest rates up or down as needed, and the Fed takes its <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/powell-wont-resign-federal-reserve-step-down-trump-election-2024-11">political independence seriously.</a> Far from ending inflation, economists are worried that Trump's expansive tariffs could lead <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-election-victory-impact-investments-costs-housing-taxes-childcare-2024-11">prices spiking even higher.</a>"Starting on day one of my new administration, we will end inflation and we will make America affordable again because the prices are too high," Trump said at a rally in Wisconsin in October.Prices reached record highs earlier in the Biden administration, but since then inflation has continued to cool.

What Trump might do on Day One of his presidency

<ul class="summary-list"><li>On <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-to-watch-for-election-day-harris-trump-congress-2024-11">Election Day 2024</a>, both parties are eyeing their pathways to victory.</li><li>Vice President Kamala Harris is facing former President Donald Trump.</li></ul>Over the past two decades, the road to the White House — once dominated by Florida and Ohio — has evolved.While bellwethers like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin remain a critical part of the calculus for Democratic and Republican presidential nominees in reaching the 270 electoral vote threshold for victory, the Sun Belt region has also grown in importance.For Vice President <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a> and former President <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, who are facing each other in 2024 presidential election on Tuesday, every vote will be crucial in what is considered a tight race.Both campaigns have been targeting a narrow band of seven swing states to capture the White House: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.Democrats — who defied conventional political wisdom in 2022 by retaining their <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/live-results-us-senate-midterm-elections-2022-11">Senate majority</a> and minimizing major losses in the House despite losing control of the lower chamber — are working hard to hold the White House as they face voter unease over the economy and pushback over the Israel-Hamas war.Before President Joe <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/joe-biden-dropping-out-presidential-race-2024-7">Biden dropped out</a> of the race for reelection in July 2024, Republicans believed that he would be a liability for Democrats. But the GOP's political calculus for the race evolved after the emergence of Harris as the Democratic nominee.And Republicans have had myriad struggles over the last two years as their stewardship of the House has not exactly worked out how they had hoped. They elected a speaker (<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kevin-mccarthy-lost-speakership-cbs-interview-angered-democrats-votes-2023-10">Kevin McCarthy</a> of California) who was subsequently removed and have struggled to enact an agenda under a new speaker (Mike Johnson of Louisiana) with a razor-thin majority. The series of events created a "chaos" narrative around the party, which doesn't help at the top of the ticket.The GOP must also contend with the toxicity of Trump's political brand among a sizable contingent of voters, especially among suburbanites and Independents who are likely to decide the election.One major issue that has continued to weigh down Republican candidates is <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/abortion-rights-ohio-virginia-kentucky-elections-gop-roe-v-wade-2023-11">abortion rights</a>, especially as voters in an array of states have rejected several anti-abortion measures following the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Democrats have won big in urban and suburban districts over the issue — from congressional races to local elections — and they've even made inroads in some GOP-leaning areas where blocs of Republicans support some form of abortion rights.Trump has been eager to take credit for installing three conservative justices on the Supreme Court, and in April 2024 he stated that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-said-abortion-bans-should-be-left-states-2024-4">abortion was now an issue to be determined in the states</a>, frustrating many conservatives who have sought a national abortion ban.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/streaming/where-to-watch-election-results-live-stream-2024">Election results</a> are set to start coming in on Tuesday night, but it could take days before a winner is called.Here's what to know about the seven battleground states that will ultimately determine who wins the race.<h2 id="898f6da7-6aef-4802-9d80-a0b3bf74da20">Arizona</h2>2012 margin: Romney +9.0%2016 margin: Trump +3.5%2020 margin: Biden +0.3%Between 1952 and 2016, Arizona backed the Republican presidential nominee in every election except for 1996 — when then-President Bill Clinton won the state over former Kansas Sen. Bob Dole by a little over 2 points.Long associated with Barry Goldwater, the conservative political icon who was the Republican presidential nominee in 1964, the Grand Canyon State for decades had a decidedly red lean in federal races.But as the population of Arizona has swelled, its political orientation has also shifted.In 2012, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney easily won the state over then-President Barack Obama, but former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton whittled the GOP margin of victory down to just under 4 points in 2016.Biden, buoyed by gains among the state's burgeoning <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/young-latino-educated-voters-helped-biden-flip-arizona-trump-election-2020-11">Latino population</a>, narrowly won the state over Trump in 2020 by a little under 11,000 votes out of nearly 3.4 million ballots.Democrats remain encouraged by their performance in Arizona in the 2022 midterms.Not only did Secretary of State Katie Hobbs defeat MAGA-infused <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/results-katie-hobbs-kari-lake-arizona-governor-election-2022-11">Kari Lake</a> in the gubernatorial race, but Sen. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/results-mark-kelly-blake-masters-arizona-senate-election-2022-11">Mark Kelly</a> won a full six-year term over Republican Blake Masters. Adrian Fontes was also elected to succeed Hobbs over state Rep. Mark Finchem, who repeatedly questioned the 2020 presidential election results.Harris will have to recreate a win in a state where Republicans have long been the dominant party. And Lake is now running in the state's marquee Senate race, where she's facing Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego.<h2 id="2db802c5-f372-4aac-a96d-982425694dbf">Georgia</h2>2012 margin: Romney +7.8%2016 margin: Trump +5.1%2020 margin: Biden +0.2%For decades, Republicans could easily depend on the Peach State's electoral votes falling into their column. No more.While GOP politicians were enjoying double-digit wins in statewide races, former Democratic state House Minority Leader <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stacey-abrams-bio-georgia-joe-biden-democrats-voter-registration-election-2020-11">Stacey Abrams</a> — who saw the possibility of a more politically competitive Georgia — worked behind the scenes to build a turnout organization that could rival that of the Republican Party.In 2018, Abrams came within 55,000 votes of winning that year's gubernatorial election.Two years later, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/joe-biden-wins-georgia-democratic-party-south-presidential-election-2020-11">Biden won Georgia</a> by roughly 12,000 votes over Trump, followed by the dual <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/raphael-warnock-jon-ossoff-georgia-senate-shifting-demographics-religion-stimulus-2021-1">2021 runoff victories</a> of Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff over Republicans Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, respectively.The exponential growth of the Atlanta suburbs, driven by new Black, Asian, and Latino residents, has given the state a purple veneer — but the 2022 midterms also showed the limitations of Democratic gains.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/raphael-warnock-herschel-walker-georgia-senate-runoff-election-results-2022-12">Warnock won</a> a full six-year term in a December runoff after fending off a challenge from Republican Herschel Walker, becoming the only Democrat to win statewide in the midterms. But Walker, aided by robust support in the state's rural counties, still won 48.6% of the vote in the runoff, despite a candidacy that some Republicans saw as deeply flawed.And Republicans were victorious in every other statewide election, led by Gov. Brian Kemp, who defeated Abrams in a rematch of their 2018 contest by nearly 300,000 votes.This year, both parties will <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/georgia-biden-trump-swing-state-election-atlanta-jump-ball-2024-4">have fought hard</a> to capture the state's 16 electoral votes: Democrats have focused heavily on turning out Black voters and suburban voters in metro Atlanta, while Republicans looked to boost their traditional support in the state's rural stretches.Translation: Georgia has remained on everyone's mind this year.<h2 id="746ed130-5944-4a3b-a75d-e8b8a536f565">Michigan</h2>2012 margin: Obama +9.5%2016 margin: Trump +0.2%2020 margin: Biden +2.8%Michigan has long been a critical part of the electoral calculus for Democrats, as they carried the state in every presidential race from 1992 to 2012 by appealing to voters in Detroit and its middle- and upper-middle-class suburbs, while also enjoying support among union households and moderates in the exurban and rural stretches of the state.But the party was stunned by Trump's narrow 2016 win in the longtime blue state, as the Republican made significant inroads with the base of white working-class voters who had been slowly drifting away from Democrats cycle after cycle.In 2020, the party put a premium on flipping the Wolverine State back into its column, which Biden did, winning by nearly 3 points over Trump.And in November 2022, Democrats in the state boasted some of their party's most impressive victories in the entire country.Gov. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/results-gretchen-whitmer-tudor-dixon-michigan-governor-election-2022-11">Gretchen Whitmer</a> won reelection by nearly 11 points, while state Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson easily won their races. The party also flipped control of both houses of the Michigan legislature, and a referendum enshrining reproductive rights into the state Constitution was approved by voters.Still, despite the Democratic wins, the state's 15 electoral votes have been a sought-after prize for both parties in 2024.A major caveat: Biden has faced enormous pushback from the state's Arab American community over his handling of the conflict in Gaza, which led more than 100,000 Michiganders to vote "uncommitted" instead of selecting the president in the March Democratic primary. It remains unclear how these voters will respond to Harris' candidacy.<h2 id="662fa2f3-defd-4355-9bae-934ddc230f86">Nevada</h2>2012 margin: Obama +6.7%2016 margin: Clinton +2.4%2020 margin: Biden +2.4%Democrats have been victorious on the presidential level in the Silver State since 2008, when Obama won by nearly 13 points, followed by his victory of nearly 7 points in 2012.But Clinton and Biden both won the state by a little over 2 points, as Republicans have seen the fast-growing Western state as one that can be flipped into their column, especially if they can make inroads in Democratic-heavy Clark County.In the 2022 midterms, Republicans got a huge boost in the state when their gubernatorial nominee, Clark County Sheriff <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/results-steve-sisolak-joe-lombardo-nevada-governor-election-2022-11">Joe Lombardo</a>, defeated incumbent Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak.But Democrats also notched a major win by reelecting Sen. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/results-catherine-cortez-masto-adam-laxalt-nevada-senate-election-2022-11">Catherine Cortez Masto</a> to a second term over former state Attorney General Adam Laxalt, who had been strongly backed by Trump. And after state Democrats approved congressional maps that some in the party saw as especially risky in a GOP wave year, all three of the party's House incumbents — Dina Titus, Steven Horsford, and Susie Lee — won their respective races.The ticket-splitting in the midterms once again showed the critical nature of Nevada in national politics. Both parties are looking to win the state in 2024, especially as the economy remains at the forefront of voters' minds.<h2 id="4e302a43-e844-46e3-b75c-b5be667c5284">North Carolina</h2>2012 margin: Romney +2.04%2016 margin: Trump +3.7%2020 margin: Trump +1.3%Since 1980, Republican presidential nominees have won North Carolina in virtually every election, with the exception being Obama's razor-thin 2008 victory over then-Arizona GOP Sen. John McCain.And no presidential candidate has secured a majority of the vote in North Carolina since Romney won 50.4% of the vote in 2012, making this once solidly-red presidential state a real battleground.Democrats have focused heavily on North Carolina this year, given the close nature of the results in 2020, as well as the fact that the party sees the state as one where they can appeal to its suburban electorate — a critical part of Biden's coalition four years ago.However, the GOP is banking on Trump's popularity in the state's rural regions, which could sway the statewide tally in the former president's favor if he's able to effectively turn out his supporters.And in addition to the presidential race is the highly-competitive gubernatorial contest between Democratic state Attorney General Josh Stein and Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, two well-known statewide figures who are angling to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.<h2 id="10b160e7-a52c-4e12-adfa-b0b6cf0da82c">Pennsylvania</h2>2012 margin: Obama +5.4%2016 margin: Trump +0.7%2020 margin: Biden +1.2%Biden's hometown of Scranton is dear to his heart so Pennsylvania was always going to be a key state for the party in 2024. And even with Biden out of the presidential race, the state remains just as critical for Democrats.Democrats carried Pennsylvania in every presidential race from 1992 to 2012, until Trump narrowly edged out Clinton in 2016, gaining support among the white working-class voters who populate the exurban and rural communities across the state.But Biden clawed back in 2020, boosted by strong returns in Philadelphia and its affluent suburbs, as well as a robust vote in Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh.And in 2022, Democrats had a huge year in the state, electing Lt. Gov. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/results-john-fetterman-mehmet-oz-pennsylvania-us-senate-election-2022-11">John Fetterman</a> to the Senate to succeed retiring GOP Sen. Pat Toomey, while also electing state Attorney General <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/results-doug-mastriano-josh-shapiro-pennsylvania-governor-election-2022-11">Josh Shapiro</a> in a landslide to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf.The party also regained control the state House of Representatives, winning back a majority they lost in the 2010 midterms.Despite the GOP losses, the party — keen on winning back some suburban voters and improving their margins in the state's rural outposts — has been making a major play for Pennsylvania this year.<h2 id="dc1790c5-fa2e-4bc3-8a48-8e88a92bbe00">Wisconsin</h2>2012 margin: Obama +6.9%2016 margin: Trump +0.8%2020 margin: Biden +0.6%Wisconsin is one of the most politically divided states in the country.Democratic presidential nominees Al Gore and John Kerry eked out statewide wins in 2000 and 2004, respectively, and Obama won the state easily in 2008 and 2012.But Trump flipped Wisconsin to the GOP in 2016, the first time it had supported a Republican presidential nominee since 1984.Democrats, stunned by the loss, regrouped and elected Tony Evers as governor in 2018 — knocking out onetime GOP star Scott Walker — while also reelecting Sen. Tammy Baldwin to a second term.Biden went on to narrowly win the state over Trump in 2020.And in November 2022, Evers was reelected to a second term over Republican businessman Tim Michels, while GOP Sen. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/results-ron-johnson-mandela-barnes-wisconsin-us-senate-election-2022-11">Ron Johnson</a> narrowly defeated then-Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes to earn a third term in the upper chamber.Both parties have been eyeing the Badger State — and looking to turn out their respective bases — in what will be another competitive race on the presidential level.

The 2024 presidential election may come down to swing states' results. Here's where Trump and Harris lead in the polls.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>An organization says it has rescued women who were sex trafficked around the Paris Olympics.</li><li>Some experts say major sporting events can increase the risk of human trafficking.</li></ul>As the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/paris-2024-olympics-opening-ceremony-important-moments-explained-2024-7">2024 Olympics Games</a> plays out in Paris, some nonprofits are warning of a dark reality looming over the sporting event.Young women and teens are actively being sex trafficked around the Paris Games, according to the head of Rahab's Daughters, a US-based nonprofit organization that works on the ground to prevent human trafficking and help victims of the illicit industry.Sam Wijeyakumar, the founder of Rahab's Daughters, told Business Insider in a recent interview that her organization is aware of hundreds of reports of trafficking around the ongoing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/olympians-calling-paris-food-disaster-more-eggs-meat-coming-2024-7">Olympics</a>, including some involving minors.The anti-trafficking advocate explained that her organization takes reports over its hotline and has workers on the ground in Paris conducting interviews with survivors."We also get anonymous tips from hotel workers and other people who are interested in stopping trafficking that alerts us to where it's happening and how it's happening so we can provide reports to law enforcement," Wijeyakumar said.According to Wijeyakumar, Rahab's Daughters have received reports of teenage refugees between 13 and 16 years old "having to basically trade sex for food and trade sex for shelter."Wijeyakumar said that her group notifies the national hotline for human trafficking and law enforcement when they are alerted to underage cases in Paris.Major sporting events like the Olympics tend to attract partying, alcohol, and people looking to pay for sex, leaders of several human trafficking prevention and outreach organizations told BI.Some of that sex, they said, is with vulnerable people who are not willingly participating in sex work, but who are victims of exploitative sex trafficking operations."Survivors that we work with tell us that they were brought to major sporting events because there is such a spike in the demand for commercial sex there," Lauren Hersh, the national director of the US-based nonprofit World Without Exploitation, told BI. "So there's a lot of money to be made."Wijeyakumar said that on July 27, volunteers from Rahab's Daughters rescued a 23-year-old Syrian refugee who reached out to the group for help that day.The woman, according to Wijeyakumar, said she was lured to Paris with the promise of a modeling job, but instead, she was exploited in a sex trafficking operation.Wijeyakumar told BI the woman said she was raped after she was taken to parties following last month's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/olympic-games-paris-best-looks-celebrities-wore-fashion-photos-2024-7">opening of the Paris Games</a>. Volunteers from Rahab's Daughters found the woman safe housing, where she remains, said Wijeyakumar."She was trafficked in and brought for the specific purpose of working sex trafficking in a hotel chain in Paris. And so she didn't realize that," Wijeyakumar said of the woman, who she said remains in direct communication with Rahab's Daughters' volunteers.Business Insider did not speak with the woman directly.When asked about measures to address sex trafficking, Paris police told BI in a statement that it has ramped up efforts to crack down on "pimping" amid the Olympic Games."The goal of these operations is to determine a clearer picture of the practice…and to gather information to help result in the dismantling of these networks," Paris police said.Wijeyakumar said Rahab's Daughters had distributed pamphlets ahead of the Paris Olympics at a local refugee camp. When the woman fled there, she messaged the organization via WhatsApp, Wijeyakumar said."Our volunteers were deployed to collect her from a safe place, and she is now in temporary housing while we work out a plan for the long term," Wijeyakumar said.She said the woman hadn't reported her experience to law enforcement, and declined to provide the WhatsApp messages to BI, citing privacy concerns for the survivor."She doesn't think law enforcement is going to do anything for her," said Wijeyakumar. "She's an adult, so we can't force her to speak to law enforcement."<h2 id="caa9ebbf-7db5-4fae-91ae-3786de88438d">Experts warn of labor and sex trafficking risks around major events</h2>Hersh, who is also a former sex crimes prosecutor, said major sporting events "bring together a number of men, men who are partying and drinking, and when there are those factors at play, oftentimes, the purchase of women, girls, and other vulnerable populations comes into play."Wijeyakumar, who said she's a survivor of human trafficking, founded Rahab's Daughters in 2015. She said the group began deploying outreach workers to Paris in October to conduct interviews, surveys, and field reports in preparation for this year's Olympics.Survivors' stories and reports are among the data collected by the organization. Wijeyakumar said the group plans to share a full impact report publicly following the Olympics.In the months leading up to the Olympics, Wijeyakumar said the organization has logged more than 1,000 reports of both labor and sex trafficking, with the majority being for labor trafficking. BI could not independently confirm this number.Wijeyakumar said she expects to continue to receive trafficking reports as the Olympics continues.The organization rescued two Ukrainian women several weeks ago who were trafficked through Poland, Germany, and then into France "for the specific purpose of being sex trafficked at the Olympics," Wijeyakumar said. The advocate would not provide further information about the survivors, citing their privacy and safety.Labor and sex trafficking are considered forms of modern-day slavery.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ghislaine-maxwell-sentenced-20-years-prison-sex-trafficking-jeffrey-epstein-2022-6">Sex trafficking</a>, according to the US Department of State, "encompasses the range of activities involved when a trafficker uses force, fraud, or coercion to compel another person to engage in a commercial sex act or causes a child to engage in a commercial sex act." This differs from sex work in which the person involved chooses to willingly engage.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/human-sex-trafficking-exploitative-labor-in-ukraine-russia-2022-7">Labor trafficking</a>, on the other hand, involves "force, fraud, or coercion to exploit the labor or services of another person," according to the State Department. Rahab's Daughters has identified labor and sex trafficking occurring mainly within the manufacturing, construction, retail, and hospitality industries in Paris.The <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.antitraffickingreview.org/index.php/atrjournal/article/view/404/336">Anti-Trafficking Review</a>, a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to researching human trafficking, has noted that studies show that there was no significant increase in human trafficking around events like the World Cup and the Olympics.The US National Human Trafficking Hotline explains on its <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/human-trafficking">website</a>, however, that human trafficking is "notoriously underreported." This is in part due to victims' fear, language barriers, and the fact that victims may not realize they're being trafficked until they are outside of the situation.In recent years, some governments, including the US, and law enforcement agencies have shifted their understanding and definition of trafficking, and the dynamics that create it.The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), an arm of the US Department of Justice, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/gaps-reporting-human-trafficking-incidents-result-significant-undercounting">noted</a> in 2020, "Part of the complexity of human trafficking crimes is that, by definition, they must be the result of force, fraud, or coercion.""For a case to be prosecuted, it is usually vital that victims be able to provide information on commercial labor or sex operations that can be corroborated. However, researcher interviews of victims reflected that they are often reluctant to share information on their traffickers. In some instances, victims were not initially aware that their circumstances constituted human trafficking," the NIJ said.Stop the Traffik, a London-based prevention organization fighting human trafficking, said in a recent<a target="_blank" href="https://stopthetraffik.org/human-trafficking-and-the-paris-olympics/"> blog</a> post that the Olympics "amplifies the potential for exploitation and human trafficking."Traffickers promote their services through online escort advertisements and social media platforms, the organization said. Ads list prices as high as $300 an hour or more than $3,200 per day, according to Stop the Traffik.Wijeyakumar said traffickers could charge anywhere between $10,000 and $50,000 a victim for "high-end" escort sales. These figures are based on interviews with survivors, reports Rahab's Daughters has received, and data it has collected from online ads."We have found a correlation with exploitation and sporting events, which is that when a major sporting event happens, there tends to be a huge demand for commercial sex, and it also tends to be tied to labor exploitation," William Pinzón-Reyes, an intelligence manager at Stop the Traffik, told BI.Jonathan Machler, the executive director of the Coalition of the Abolition of Prostitution (CAP International), told BI that France has made strides in the fight against sex trafficking thanks to a 2016 law that criminalizes the buying of sex."It's a clear deterrent," he said."There is trafficking in France like in any other country," said Machler, but he said his group has not specifically observed a surge in sex trafficking around the Paris Olympics, which had its opening ceremony on July 26.Meanwhile, Paris police said a squad dedicated to the prevention of illegal sex work was beefing up its presence on the streets of the city."A work group connecting the city of Paris and the public prosecutor's office has been established to develop preventative measures and raise awareness," Paris police said.When asked about its sex trafficking efforts, a Paris Olympics spokesperson told BI that its partners in hospitality — including the hotel group Accor and Airbnb — have been working with public authorities to combat an increased risk of prostitution or other crimes.The spokesperson said that funding from the group's endowment fund is used to support local efforts."Paris 2024 does not have the means or the mandate to act directly on the issue of prostitution but supports existing local initiatives aimed at preventing prostitution," the statement said.Mark Godin provided translation services.

The dark side of the 2024 Paris Olympics 

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Longshore workers are on strike at ports all along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico.</li><li>President Joe Biden has said he won't have the federal government intervene.</li></ul>There's a labor storm a-brewing off the East Coast — but don't expect to see President Joe Biden stepping in anytime soon.On Monday, dockworkers at 36 ports across the East and Gulf Coasts <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/longshoremen-strike-leaves-east-and-gulf-coast-ports-shuttered-2024-9">walked off the job</a>. The strike comes after negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association — which represents around 45,000 members in the region — and the US Maritime Alliance, a coalition of container carriers and port associations, failed to reach an agreement on a new contract. Workers' demands included higher wages and promises of job security amid increasing automation in the shipping industry.The labor stoppage could end up costing the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/consumer-products-most-likely-to-be-impacted-by-port-strike-2024-9">economy billions</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/dockworker-strike-what-will-be-impacted-prices-inflation-martime-longshoremen-2024-9">snarl supply chains</a> in the process. But the strike is more than just a test of the economy; it's also a test of Biden, who, if he chose to do so, could step in and use the power of government to break the strike.That's because of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nlrb.gov/about-nlrb/who-we-are/our-history/1947-taft-hartley-passage-and-nlrb-structural-changes">Taft-Hartley Act of 1947</a>, a controversial aspect of US labor law. Under that legislation, presidents are given the power to intervene and seek a court injunction to force unions to return to work and reopen negotiations in situations when they deem national health and security at risk. In 2002, then-President George W. Bush <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/09/us/president-invokes-taft-hartley-act-to-open-29-ports.html">stepped in</a> to do just that during a West Coast port strike.But don't expect Biden to do the same. Despite calls from <a target="_blank" href="https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/nrf-calls-administration-use-any-and-all-authority-end-port-strike">retailers</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://nam.org/manufacturers-call-on-president-to-invoke-taft-hartley-act-to-stop-port-strike-32188/?stream=policy-legal">manufacturers</a> to invoke the act, Biden said on September 30 he won't intervene, giving the rationale that "there's collective bargaining, and I don't believe in Taft-Hartley." It's a position consistent with his longtime efforts to support labor.Cathy Creighton, the director of Cornell University's Industrial and Labor Relations Buffalo Co-Lab, told BI that while Biden is saying he won't step in right now, that doesn't mean he won't if the strike continues. Even so, the Biden administration is likely not inclined to supersede what workers want, she said."It's an employee's decision to strike," Creighton said. "They vote. So that would mean overcoming the vote of tens of thousands of workers who wanted to strike. And so it's probably not this administration's inclination to do that."Recent history shows that if he later decided to intervene in the strike, it could infuriate workers. As Creighton noted, Biden received blowback from the labor movement after asking Congress to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/senate-votes-stop-rail-strike-no-paid-sick-days-workers-2022-12">intervene in a potential rail strike</a> in December 2022."The right to strike is fundamental and no president can claim to be pro-union unless he respects that right," Hamilton Nolan, a labor journalist and author of "The Hammer: Power, Inequality, and the Struggle for the Soul of Labor," told BI."By not intervening he will demonstrate that even large strikes in logistically important industries can play out like any other strike, and be settled to the benefit of the workers, and life will carry on," Nolan said. "If the government always cuts off the ability of unions to carry out the most impactful strike, that is a terrible and detrimental act of limiting how strong workers in this country can ever be."The ILA did not respond to BI's request for comment. In a statement, USMX said that they have "demonstrated a commitment to doing our part to end the completely avoidable ILA strike. Our current offer of a nearly 50% wage increase exceeds every other recent union settlement, while addressing inflation, and recognizing the ILA's hard work to keep the global economy running." In an <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/10/01/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-the-negotiations-between-usmx-and-the-international-longshoremens-association/">October 1 statement</a>, Biden said that he has urged USMX to present a "fair offer" to ILA workers — and that collective bargaining is the best path forward. "As our nation climbs out of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, dockworkers will play an essential role in getting communities the resources they need," Biden said. "Now is not the time for ocean carriers to refuse to negotiate a fair wage for these essential workers while raking in record profits."The longshore workers also have the strong support of Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who said Biden is "right" in not invoking Taft-Hartley to curb the strike."Dock workers are striking against excessive corporate greed," <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/SenSanders/status/1841122752272417138">the senator said on X</a>. "The shipping industry has made $400 billion in profits since 2020. It's time for dock workers to be treated with respect, not contempt."<div type="image" title="Donald Trump and Kamala Harris debate" height="683" width="1024" msid="113862339" hostid="261" sizebytes="32420"></div><h2 id="bf0ac4b1-0693-40fa-aca5-75e3e84c45dc">The strike throws another wrench into the 2024 race</h2>The strike has the potential to further upend what has already been a dizzying presidential race.Vice President Kamala Harris is now carrying the banner of the Biden administration's pro-union policies as the Democratic presidential nominee. But Harris' union ties are not as deep as those enjoyed by Biden.Last month, the Teamsters <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://teamster.org/2024/09/teamsters-no-endorsement-for-u-s-president/">declined to endorse</a> either Harris or Trump in the presidential race, a major blow to Harris' attempts to consolidate union support. It was the first time since 1996 that the Teamsters did not back a candidate in a presidential election. Trump saw the move as a victory for his campaign, as an electronic poll conducted during part of the summer showed the former president with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/aoc-teamsters-union-endorsement-harris-trump-presidential-race-2024-9">substantial support</a> among rank-and-file members.Despite the non-endorsement from the Teamsters executive board, Harris did receive the backing of Teamsters local unions in key battleground states including Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. And Harris has also been endorsed by the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://aflcio.org/press/releases/afl-cio-unanimously-endorses-kamala-harris-president">AFL-CIO</a>, the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://uaw.org/everything-the-working-class-has-ever-won-weve-had-to-fight-for-uaw-releases-new-video-endorsing-kamala-harris-for-president/">United Auto Workers</a>, and the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://m.usw.org/news/media-center/releases/2024/usw-endorses-kamala-harris-for-president">United Steelworkers</a>, which puts a considerable amount of union muscle behind her campaign.But the economic fallout from the dockworker strike throws another wrench into an already tough situation for Democrats."It's going to be a political football where Republicans are already saying that Biden needs to step in because it's an economic issue," Creighton said, "and it reveals the farcical nature of the Republican Party saying they're on the side of the workers."Harris has been eager to prove that her union bona fides are just as strong as Biden's, and has so far not strayed from the president as they both monitor the ongoing strike. But a work stoppage of a month or longer could lead to higher prices and shortages that would impact consumers on Election Day.In most major polls taken this year, voters have consistently said they trust Trump more on the economy, but <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/sep/30/harris-trump-economic-proposals-poll">Harris has cut into his lead</a> on the issue in recent weeks.So any voter frustration over the strike could be perilous for her campaign as both candidates continue to fight over who would be the better economic steward.

The dockworkers' strike is a test for Biden — and complicates an already dizzying 2024 presidential race

Ben Higgins, 35, could be your prototypical politician.Charming, handsome, and well spoken, Higgins uses his work as an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/kitchen/generous-coffee-review">entrepreneur and philanthropist</a> to help fight poverty. He's also an independent who doesn't identify strongly with either side of the political spectrum."It's very topic by topic for me," he said. "It's very much understanding the issue, hearing the story behind the issue, hearing why people believe what they believe, and then trying to make logical, rational solutions and decisions."If Higgins' name sounds familiar, it's probably because you saw him on television — and not during a debate. Higgins served as the 20th American Bachelor on ABC's long-running and wildly popular romance reality show. Higgins did somewhat attempt to use "The Bachelor" as a jumping-off point into politics; back in 2016, he was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thewrap.com/ben-higgins-bachelor-congress/">given the opportunity to run for state representative in Colorado</a> while working on his own spinoff show. But that bid was incredibly short-lived."That ran into issues over time, mostly legally, with how that was going to be filmed and who they were filming and how they were showing it. And that's ultimately why my campaign had to end," Higgins said — seemingly nodding to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.denverpost.com/2016/07/25/disney-abc-forces-ben-higgins-drop-colorado-house-race/">reports</a> that the corporate overlords at Disney, which owns ABC, did not want to televise the former Bachelor's political ambitions. (The Disney-owned channel set to air the spin-off said at the time it had concerns broadcasting a show featuring the campaign "could raise significant compliance issues under Colorado election laws.")<div type="image" title="Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell discuss &quot;The Bachelor&quot; at AOL Studios in New York on March 15, 2016 in New York City." height="2000" width="3000" msid="113455139" hostid="261" sizebytes="203656"></div>Bachelor Nation's aversion to comingling political ambitions with the TV show makes some sense. Popular culture has for years been breaking into niche after niche. You can exist in a bubble of "The Bear" watchers without ever joining the masses watching "Young Sheldon." But "The Bachelor" is different: It's perhaps one of our last monocultures, alongside stalwarts like the NFL. The show, which kicked off in 2002, has had its ratings stumbles over the years, but it has recently experienced <a target="_blank" href="https://deadline.com/2024/03/the-bachelor-joey-record-ratings-hometown-dates-abc-1235846511/">a viewership resurgence</a>, with just over <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thewrap.com/the-bachelor-season-28-finale-ratings-abc/">6.3 million people tuning in to watch the finale of Joey Graziadei's season</a> in March. "The Golden Bachelor," which featured contestants over the age of 60, delivered blockbuster ratings in late 2023, reaching the coveted <a target="_blank" href="https://deadline.com/2024/01/the-golden-bachelor-35-day-delayed-viewership-abc-1235805784/">18-to-49 market</a> while <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/05/arts/television/golden-bachelor-senior-center-watch-party.html">courting older viewers</a>. Given the franchise's relatively strong position, why risk that power by mixing in the messy, polarizing, and exhausting world of American politics?But under the surface, "The Bachelor" is already a political show. Whitewashed, vaguely Christian, and deeply heterosexual, the presentation of "The Bachelor" is a lot like the median US voter, which is also the exact audience it's long catered to. Its fandom reaches across a wide spectrum of the population in a way few other forms of mass media do, and the show itself reflects many of the broad sociopolitical themes in America. So it might be worth accepting the rose and looking at what the show tells us about the country. By understanding "The Bachelor," we can better understand the political landscape of America — and maybe even glean a little insight into this year's election.<h2>Who will win the 2024 rose?</h2>Graziadei, the Bachelor who delivered monster ratings in the spring, made a cameo in February at a different kind of rose ceremony. Instead of looking for love on his own, Graziadei was helping the second gentleman, Doug Emhoff, <a target="_blank" href="https://bachelornation.com/2024/02/14/joey-graziadei-visits-the-white-house-and-helps-the-second-gentleman-give-the-vice-president-a-rose/">present a rose to Vice President Kamala Harris</a> in honor of Valentine's Day. It was a moment that breached the fourth wall of "The Bachelor": a lead openly acknowledging and becoming a part of politics. (The White House declined to comment on the collaboration.)When Chad Kultgen and Lizzy Pace, the cohosts of the popular "Bachelor" podcast "Game of Roses" and coauthors of "How to Win The Bachelor," saw the video of Graziadei at the White House, they were stunned. Their podcast examines the game mechanics of "The Bachelor" like a sport — akin to its fellow monoculture, the NFL — and goes in deep with statistical metrics to analyze contestants' strategies and plays. Pace said she "screamed" when the video came out."I couldn't believe what I was looking at," she told us. Kultgen, for his part, theorized that it was orchestrated by Harris' people — you wouldn't see a producer or ABC reaching out to the White House for a collab."Whoever's part of putting together their propaganda is saying: We need to get 'The Bachelor' in here," Kultgen said of the strategy by the vice president's team.<div type="image" title="Joey Graziadei smiles in front of the Bachelor mansion in a blue suit, white shirt, and black tie." height="2400" width="3000" msid="113455146" hostid="261" sizebytes="213676"></div>Beyond the holiday-themed video, the Harris campaign's desire to court Bachelor Nation was also made clear by a line tucked away in a recent press release about its big plan to spend $90 million in August on advertising."Ads will be targeted to high-impact programming that reaches the voters Team Harris-Walz needs to reach to win 270 electoral votes," the press release said. "That includes local broadcast and cable programming and non-political programming like The Bachelorette, Big Brother, The Daily Show, Love &amp; Hip Hop: Atlanta, and The Simpsons."During a political season that is awash in advertising, the campaign is sending a clear signal: The demographics it can reach during breaks from the rose ceremony could be key to swinging the election.The focus on Bachelor Nation also makes sense given the franchise's viewership is dominated by one of the most crucial swing votes of recent elections: white women. A 2020 <a target="_blank" href="https://today.yougov.com/entertainment/articles/33065-bachelor-nation-profile-poll">study from the polling firm YouGov</a> found that about three-quarters of "Bachelor" fans were women and that a similar share was white. The fandom is split between younger and older viewers; about one-third of viewers were between ages 25 and 44, while roughly one-quarter were 65 or older. In the past two presidential elections, white women were the most closely split demographic subgroup tracked by major exit polls. In <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/election/2016/results/exit-polls">2016</a>, Donald Trump won over 52% of white women against Hillary Clinton's 43%, exit polls found, while Trump bested Joe Biden in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/election/2020/exit-polls/president/national-results">2020</a> among white women 55% to 44%. That relatively close divide is set to continue in 2024. In the Pew Research Center's most recent national poll, conducted between August 6 and September 2, Trump led among white women with 54% of the vote to Harris' 45%. As in the exit polls from the past two elections, that 9-point difference was the smallest among the race and gender groups studied in the poll.The close divide is even more apparent in key swing states. A <a target="_blank" href="https://poll.qu.edu/poll-release?releaseid=3904">Quinnipiac swing-state poll</a> conducted between September 4 and September 8 found a tight race between Trump and Harris in Georgia and North Carolina, and the cross-tabulations suggested that white women could be a deciding factor in each state. Trump had a strong 64% to 31% lead over Harris among white women in Georgia, but in North Carolina, Harris led among the demographic 51% to 47%. It shows how this group could decide the next election.And rather than catering to one side of the political aisle or the other, Hulu, the platform that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/streaming/where-to-watch-the-bachelorette-season-21">hosts "The Bachelor" for streaming</a>, has robust bipartisan usage. In a <a target="_blank" href="https://pro.morningconsult.com/morning-consult-intelligence">Morning Consult Intelligence</a> poll of 27,633 people from January 1, 2023, to September 9, 2024, about half of US adults said they used Hulu. As for the demographics of that usage, about 56% of Democrats and 55% of Republicans said they used Hulu — with Republicans in particular seeing a spike during the most recent season of "The Bachelorette."The overlap between the swingiest demographic and the "Bachelor" audience suggests Bachelor Nation has value to those who seek to lead our nation.<h2>A tense history of race and religion</h2>As much as "The Bachelor" can tell us about the state of the country's politics, America's shifting landscape has also been reflected back into the reality of the show. For most of its run, the show has operated within a certain framework: Politics are never overtly discussed, and neither are hot-button issues like abortion or guns. Things like a nonwhite lead or a predominantly nonwhite cast are still relatively new in the world of "The Bachelor." It's also rooted in an omnipresent but barely visible sense of Christianity. Contestants are assumed to be Christian until they're not — but skew too evangelical, and you're edited to look a little less religious."I actually find 'The Bachelor' to be very political. When I watch the show, it, to me — it is pretty obvious that it's a conservative-leaning production," Natasha Scott-Reichel, a cohost of the popular "Bachelor" and pop-culture podcast "2 Black Girls, 1 Rose," said. While the show might be aiming to be apolitical, that's a statement in and of itself."The void of diversity for so long is within itself a statement about its politics — that it is trying to cater to this Middle America that is very afraid of conversations, particularly surrounding race or sexual identity or sexual orientation," Scott-Reichel said.In the past few years, however, politics and the contestants' political identities have begun to spill into the carefully maintained middle of the road. For the Americans who have seen their loved ones — or even themselves — galvanized out of political apathy in the wake of the 2016 and 2020 elections, it's a transformation mirrored by their favorite reality show.In 2018, Claire Fallon — a cohost of the popular "Bachelor" podcast "Love to See It" — accidentally helped kick off one of the first public cracks in the "Bachelor" veneer of apoliticism. Before the Bachelorette Becca Kufrin's season even kicked off, Fallon and her cohost, Emma Gray, helped <a target="_blank" href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/bachelorette-premiere-garrett-yrigoyen_n_5b0837d9e4b0fdb2aa5342b6">corroborate accounts</a> that Garrett Yrigoyen, the eventual winner, had been liking posts from right-wing Instagram pages. Kufrin was a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bachelorette-becca-kufrin-garrett-yrigoyen-social-media-instagram-scandal-2018-5">fairly public liberal</a>, which turned the whole viewing experience from a fairytale love story into something much more realistically American: two people who were dating and did not realize they had drastically different political views. That moment was a pivotal tiptoe toward something new. Yrigoyen apologized for his likes and discussed how it strained him and Kufrin as a couple. But the conversation didn't broach the substance of those likes. The couple split in 2020, and Kufrin <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bachelorette-becca-kufrin-vote-election-2021-1">later told Business Insider</a>'s Anneta Konstantinides that if she were to become the Bachelorette again, the first thing she'd do when she walked into the house would be to ask everyone whom they voted for."There's no way in hell they'd show that conversation," she said.And while the fan base moved on to its next Bachelor — Colton Underwood, a former NFL player who later came out as gay and <a target="_blank" href="https://people.com/tv/colton-underwood-jordan-c-brown-relationship-timeline/">married a Democratic strategist</a> — Fallon said politics started to become an active topic of discussion in the parasocial world of its loyal fan base. Higgins thinks the fascination with contestants' politics and likes goes back to something at the core of the show: relatability (he believes this is why he was handed the lead role). People want to see themselves in contestants, and that includes some of their closest-held beliefs."I think people are still looking for that relatability, and so they're intrigued with, 'Well, I like you for what I see on television, but do I like you for actually what you stand for politically?'" Higgins said. The Kufrin-Yrigoyen situation was mostly quelled (or at least forgotten) in the court of public opinion, and as Fallon said, the show erected barriers against the rising tides of political polarization, working hard to keep itself out of it. But soon, the barriers were fully breached. The 25th season of "The Bachelor," which aired in early 2021, featured the <a target="_blank" href="https://people.com/tv/matt-james-official-bachelor-cast-meet-the-32-women/">franchise's first Black male lead</a>, Matt James, who was 28 when the show was filming. Rachael Kirkconnell, the season's eventual winner, caused a whirlwind of controversy when photos emerged on social media of the contestant <a target="_blank" href="https://people.com/tv/rachael-kirkconnell-dropped-out-college-greek-life-after-she-learned-formal-racist/">attending an antebellum-plantation-themed party</a> a few years prior. The reaction was furious. James' and Kirkconnell's finale, broadcast live after the pictures had come out, eschewed the traditional "Bachelor" ending of checking in on the happy couple in favor of a two-hour discussion on race in America. The franchise's longtime host, Chris Harrison, was fired after defending Kirkconnell's photos — even though she was on a tour apologizing for them. A franchise that had long aimed to sit in a happy apolitical parallel-universe America unburdened by the country's often dark history was thrust onto one of the nation's core cultural fault lines."That was a moment where the political turmoil in our country created an internal conflict for the show that it couldn't really resolve," Fallon said. Since then, it's been difficult for the show to avoid politics despite desperate attempts to steer away from them. And as Justine Kay, the other cohost of "2 Black Girls, 1 Rose," noted, it took making a Black woman the Bachelorette — the well-regarded Charity Lawson — to <a target="_blank" href="https://deadline.com/2023/08/the-bachelorette-season-20-delayed-viewing-ratings-fantasy-suites-abc-1235520103/">lure audience members back</a> to the show, which had been <a target="_blank" href="https://collider.com/the-bachelorette-season-20-successful-marriage/">dealing with its own rating slump</a>.Since then, much like the rest of America's interest in the daily machinations of Trump-run Washington, the fans' fascination with the contestants' politics hasn't evaporated but seems to have become more tempered. After all, President Joe Biden's tenure has often <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2023/11/joe-biden-2024-election-post-policy-era/676157/">been</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/political-commentary/joe-biden-2024-donald-trump-boring-important-1234723195/">deemed</a> boring, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/joe-biden-economy-is-bidenomics-working-policies-progress-unnoticed-2023-9">marked instead by quieter policy work</a>. In the same vein, over the past few seasons, prominent contestants have reportedly liked right-wing and Trump-leaning posts; those revelations haven't seemed to rock the fan base as much as in the past."Partly what we're seeing is that it feels like the battle for cultural dominance in the form of 'Bachelor,' within the franchise, is no longer a fever pitch," Fallon said. "It feels like the liberal viewers sort of won."Kultgen tied that sentiment to the larger political landscape. During the Trump administration, right-wing posts and sentiments were not given an inch of space because every moment felt like a crisis. The "Bachelor" fan base's newfound shrugging might reflect the cultural and political spotlight Trump has lost; he's a candidate who can become effectively trolled over claims around <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kamala-harris-trolled-donald-trump-about-rally-crowd-size-2024-9">how many people are showing up to watch him</a>. In the past — like in 2018 — questioning Trump support was a brave new world for Bachelor Nation. Now it's become almost the default. It's ironic that the reality-TV-show candidate has lost the reality-TV viewers. Of course, that's not to say that the "Bachelor" fan base, or contestant base, became leftist overnight. But the carving of centrist, left-leaning politics as the new base expectation is a development years in the making. This time, there was no larger-scale reckoning onstage with the ramifications of liking Trump; the show has done that, something that would've been unheard of a decade ago. And if that's where the winds of the monoculture are blowing, the Harris-Walz campaign ad spend might be a good bet.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/juliana-kaplan">Juliana Kaplan</a> is a senior labor and inequality reporter on Business Insider's economy team.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/andy-kiersz">Andy Kiersz</a> is a quantitative editor on Business Insider's economy team.

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