Wednesday, November 6, 2024

‘Be ready for both’: Canadians prepare for any outcome as Americans head to the polls

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WASHINGTON — Millions of Americans cast their ballots Tuesday as a chaotic presidential campaign reaches its peak in a deeply divided United States, where voters in only a handful of battleground states will choose the country’s path forward.

Vice-President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump have presented starkly different visions for America’s future, but polling shows the two remain in a dead heat.

“Whatever happens in the election, I am confident in America,” said Randy Biard, who is from Tennessee, in Washington on Tuesday afternoon.

Some windows on nearby businesses were boarded up and security fences were erected outside the White House, putting some visitors to the famous building on edge about violence on election day.

Many Americans remain caught between anxiety and excitement. People were filling up bars throughout the U.S. capital to watch the results roll in.

At Union Pub near Capitol Hill, election specials included the The Dirty Walz — with Mountain Dew, vodka and grenadine — and They’re Drinking The Cats — with whiskey and sour mix served with cat straws.

Trump is set to hold a watch party at Mar-a-Lago in Florida while Harris is gathering with party faithful at her alma mater, Howard University in Washington.

“I’m very excited, nervous, but I think what’s meant to be will be,” said 20-year-old Tyette Manna at a Harris watch party for Howard students.

A shared history and 8,891-kilometre border will not shield Canada from the election’s outcome. Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to the United States, said “any election in the U.S. is important and impactful for us.”

“They are central to our economic prosperity. They are a vital security partner.”

Hillman has been travelling across America meeting with key members of the Republican and Democrat teams to prepare for any outcome. On election night, after her embassy duties are finished, she’ll be watching the results with her husband and friends — and said she’s leaning toward ordering pizza.

While the gathering with loved ones may bring solace amid the anxious anticipation, Hillman knows more than anyone the immense stakes at play for Canada.

“Whoever is sitting in the Oval Office and populating Congress is making decisions that may affect Canada, either decisions that provide us with opportunities or decisions that pose challenges for us,” Hillman said. “The job is to be ready for both.”

Both candidates have proposed protectionist policies, but experts warn if the Republican leader prevails the relationship between the neighbours could be much more difficult.

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