DNC’s Last-Minute Campaign to Block Third-Party Votes
On October 28, the DNC allocated approximately $500,000 for a last-minute push in swing states. The campaign, which targets third-party candidates such as Stein and independent Cornel West, argues that their presence on the ballot could hurt Harris’ chances of defeating Trump. Both the Trump campaign and Democrats have expressed concern that Stein’s candidacy could siphon critical votes from the Democratic side, making it easier for Trump to secure victory.
Jill Stein’s 2024 Campaign and Controversial Stance
Jill Stein, who ran for president in 2012 and 2016, announced her 2024 candidacy on November 9, 2023, through a video on X. Known for her progressive policies, Stein advocates for a ceasefire in Gaza, halting arms sales to human rights violators, and ending US vetoes in the UN Security Council. She has also proposed dismantling NATO in favor of a more inclusive security framework.
International Green Parties Urge Stein to Step Down
On November 1, Green politicians from Europe voiced concerns about Stein’s impact on the election. In a statement, Green parties from Germany, France, and Italy called for her to withdraw and support Harris, emphasizing that the race was “too close for comfort.” They stressed that Harris was the only viable candidate to block Trump’s return to the White House.
Stein’s Campaign Dismisses Calls to Step Down
However, Stein’s campaign rejected the calls to end her candidacy. “We are committed to this campaign for the presidency and would never betray our legion of supporters… regardless of which anti-democratic person or group makes the suggestion,” the Green Party nominee’s team stated.
Early Election Trends Show Trump Leading
As of the latest results, Trump leads with 178 electoral votes and 52.1% of the popular vote. Kamala Harris trails with 99 electoral votes and 46.7% of the popular vote. Stein, while not securing any electoral votes, has garnered 229,300 votes, accounting for 0.4% of the popular vote.