Yahya Sinwar, the White House, and Election Updates
Welcome back to Politics Explained! T-minus 18 days until Election Day! This week, we’ll have special international news coverage on the killing of Yahya Sinwar, happenings in the White House, and updates on the election. Let’s get started!
This past Thursday, the Israeli military confirmed that Yahya Sinwar, leader of Hamas and the man who planned the Oct. 7th attacks, has been killed. Although Sinwar has been a top target for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), his killing came in a surprise encounter. During an operation in Southern Gaza, a unit of trainee squad commanders unexpectedly came across a group of fighters. While in a gunfight, Israeli forces brought down part of a building that the other fighters took cover in. Upon searching the building, they found a body strongly resembling Sinwar. This Friday, Hamas confirmed Sinwar’s death. His deputy Khalil al-Hayya addressed his death, stating, “He died fighting and confronting the occupation army to his final moments,” “We are continuing Hamas’s path,” and Sinwar’s “banner will not fall.” This doesn’t leave much room for optimism regarding an end to this ongoing war.
Also this past Thursday, President Biden left for a trip to Berlin, Germany. There, President Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will discuss their countries’ support in the Ukraine war. The Biden administration has announced $425 million in military aid for Ukraine, bringing the total of the US’s aid to over $64 billion over the past two-and-a-half year war. These events also raise questions about how the upcoming election will affect the US’s role in the Ukraine-Russia war. While Vice President Kamala Harris has stuck by Biden’s side about the necessity for strong support for Ukraine, Former President Donald Trump has said he will quickly move to end the war if elected.
Finally, some quick updates on the election:
Presidential Polling
On the national level, Harris is up 2%, 49% to 47%
Swing states:
Michigan - Harris up <1%
North Carolina - Trump up <1%
Wisconsin - Harris up <1%
Pennsylvania - Harris up <1%
Georgia - Trump up 2%
Arizona - Trump up 2%
Nevada - Harris up <1%
In the Senate, eight close races are on our radar
Races in Arizona, Nevada, and Pennsylvania are leaning Democratic
Races in Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin are toss-ups*
Races in Montana and Texas are leaning Republican
A West Virginia senate seat is very likely to flip to Republican
*Definition of the Week (toss-up): In politics, races that are most competitive and either party could win.
