This is cnn immigration, the economy, abortion, and masculinity. I m michael smerconish in philadelphia. It s labor day weekend. Usually this marks the start of the final dash toward election day. But of course we haven t stopped sprinting all summer long despite all the effort and expenditures by the candidates and their campaigns, the presidential election is neck and neck several polls were released at the end of this week and they all tell a similar story a new usa today suffolk poll shows vice president harris ahead of former president trump nationally 48, 43 big shifts from hispanic, black, and young voters are helping harris. But the biggest change came from lowerincome voters they supported donald trump over joe biden by three percentage points back in june harris now leading in that demographic, 58 to 35%, casting a 23 point advantage then there s a new wall street journal poll, which also shows harris with a narrow lead over trump 48, 47. That s in a headtohead match up the n
Closer. Im Michael Smerconish in philadelphia on friday, the thirdparty group no labels ended months of speculation about whether it would field a unity ticket for the president ial race in a Virtual Convention with an 800 delegates from all 50 states voted to move forward with the process and on the heels of that news, several outlets are reporting theres a particular candidate. Now under consideration. Geoff duncan, 48 yearold, was a republican Lieutenant Governor of georgia under brian kemp from 2019 to early 2023, is a conservative republican and also a vocal critic of Donald Trumps efforts to over returned the 2020 president ial election. Duncan recently wrote an oped in the Atlanta Journal constitution titled end doesnt justify the means on trump about why he wont support trump for president. Writing quote, trump has become incapable of leading in a respectable or mature way until more of us are willing to acknowledge that pardon, truth, we will be on the outside looking in. The
What well garland do. Im Michael Smerconish in philadelphia, Attorney General Merrick Garland may eventually make a singular decision that determines the outcome of the 2024 election, whether the doj will continue to push for donald trump to be tried before election day in the federal case, premised on alleged Election Interference for months. Here, ive delivered commentaries focused on the timing of this particular prosecution because i think its most perilous to trump, and ive often done so with the assistance of elie honig will join me again in a moment. Heres the issue on wednesday, scotus granted cert and announced that the high court will hear Donald Trumps Immunity Defense i dont think the ultimate outcome is in dispute. I think trump loses that claim. In my opinion, its unlikely its illogical that the court will provide Blanket Immunity from criminal prosecution to an american president more important is the process, the timing of the courts Decision Garland told cnns evan pere
Primary. Im Michael Smerconish in philadelphia. Voting is underway now in South Carolina unless all the polls are wrong, donald trump will score a big victory over nikki haley and move one step closer to securing the gop nomination. This despite facing four criminal indictments and personal financial peril on friday in new york state, judge finalized a 355 million judgment against trump and triggered a countdown for when trump must put up cash or post bond to cover that amount. Plus the roughly 100 million in interest that he was ordered to pay. Thats a huge sum No Matter What trumps net worth might be. And it doesnt include the combined the 88 million that he owes e. Jean carroll after twice losing civil trials to her. You would think the combination of potential jail and financial collapse for the republican candidate would build confidence among his democratic detractors. And independent never trumpers and instead the opposite is true the political question on the minds of many is a
Primary. Im Michael Smerconish in philadelphia. Voting is underway now in South Carolina unless all the polls are wrong, donald trump will score a big victory over nikki haley and move one step closer to securing the gop nomination. This despite facing four criminal indictments and personal financial peril on friday in new york state, judge finalized a 355 million judgment against trump and triggered a countdown for when trump must put up cash or post bond to cover that amount. Plus the roughly 100 million in interest that he was ordered to pay. Thats a huge sum No Matter What trumps net worth might be. And it doesnt include the combined the 88 million that he owes e. Jean carroll after twice losing civil trials to her. You would think the combination of potential jail and financial collapse for the republican candidate would build confidence among his democratic detractors. And independent never trumpers and instead the opposite is true the political question on the minds of many is a