In Washington D.C., businesses are fortifying their storefronts against the threat of violence, as election night looms amid escalating political tensions. Business owners fear another “January 6” incident will occur. Polls show Trump’s slight advantage in swing states.
Businesses Brace for Possible Unrest
Businesses throughout Washington, D.C., are taking precautionary measures ahead of election night by boarding up their storefronts. This effort marks a direct response to the deeply rooted political turmoil that has surrounded recent election cycles, reminiscent of similar actions taken in 2020. Photographer Andrew Leyden witnessed these preparations firsthand near significant landmarks like the White House and other downtown establishments, signaling a city on high alert.
As election day approaches, emotions are running high, with both political parties anticipating potentially volatile demonstrations. Boarded-up businesses tell a story of a city and nation divided, emphasizing the challenges and unpredictability faced by owners who simply want to protect their livelihoods from the threat of civil disorder.
DC businesses BOARDING UP in preparation for election CHAOS
Photos: @PenguinSix pic.twitter.com/3KsK2Aq9dy
— Resist the Mainstream (@ResisttheMS) October 31, 2024
Early Voting Insights: Republican Momentum
Recent data provides insight into potentially shifting political landscapes. In battleground states like North Carolina, the early voting patterns are indicative of strong Republican turnout. Voters identifying as Republicans and independents are casting ballots at a rate surpassing that of Democrats. Various polls project Donald Trump with a slight edge in critical swing states, including Michigan, where a Suffolk/USA Today survey highlighted growing support.
“250 million people are not garbage,” expressed Trump, turning President Biden’s recent remarks into a rallying cry for his supporters. Trump’s campaign hasn’t missed a beat in capitalizing on Biden’s comment by using it to galvanize the base.
Trump telling the story of the garbage truck and the orange vest on stage is absolutely hilarious. He’s a billionaire with the instincts and timing of a standup comedian. He’s 100% American made. pic.twitter.com/zEnVOAzhcU
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) October 31, 2024
Political Rhetoric and Public Response
The rhetoric surrounding this election has reached a boiling point. President Biden’s controversial reference where he called Trump supporters “garbage” underscored tensions that the Trump campaign eagerly manipulated. During a rally in Wisconsin, Trump arrived in a garbage truck, explaining the gesture was “in honor of Kamala and Joe Biden,” and igniting fervor among attendees. Such theatrics emphasize the combative nature of modern politics and its impact on public perception.
The current political climate continues to push business owners and citizens into a state of constant vigilance. As election night approaches, the sight of boarded-up businesses across the nation’s capital serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing partisan divisions challenging America’s democratic processes.
