Political scientists warn that together, Hurricane Helene, violence in the Middle East, and a major strike could impact voters' decisions.
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The Lede
Violence in the Middle East, a massive labor strike among East Coast and Gulf Coast dockworkers, and the devastation of Hurricane Helene all struck with only five weeks before the 2024 presidential election. When events such as natural disasters and geopolitical crises happen, voters usually either blame or reward the party in charge, depending on how that chaos shakes out.
Key Details
- Experts said the incumbent party — the Democrats, in this case — is typically blamed for negative external events ahead of an election, which would put Vice President Kamala Harris at greater risk.
- This election, however, is anything but typical. What's more, Americans aren't choosing between a traditional incumbent president and a challenger.
- Pollsters said it was a brewing economic crisis from the dockworkers strike that stood to really disrupt the presidential race.
