THE NATION’S future is in the hands of American voters (Shutterstock).

Another close presidential election finish looks likely as the nation heads into the final days of the 2024 campaign. An average of of polls shows Vice President Kamala Harris – the Democratic nominee – leading by 1.1 percent of the popular vote over former president Donald Trump – the Republican nominee.

The estimates of the Electoral College outcome – which actually selects the president and vice president – is just as close. The seven “swing states” show that six of them are “even” as in the margin of one percent or less, with the exception of Georgia (2 percent edge for Trump).

An estimated 60 million Americans have already cast their ballots, either by mail or early voting. Another unknown is what the turnout will be, especially among “key” groups such as ethnic minorities and first-time voters.

Changes in election ballot-processing may mean that the outcome of the election may not be known on Tuesday, or for several days after.

Were Trump’s remarks a threat?

An investigation is being launched about a statement by former president Donald Trump about former Congresswoman Liz Cheney that she claims is a threat of violence.

LIZ CHENEY

According to United Press International, Trump said of the daughter of former Republican vice president Dick Cheney “She’s a radical war hawk. Let’s put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, OK. Let’s see how she feels about it, you know, when the guns are trained on her face. You know, they’re all war hawks when they’re sitting in Washington in a nice building saying, oh, gee, we’ll, let’s send 10,000 troops right into the mouth of the enemy.”

The investigation was announced by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat. The Trump campaign says that the comment was taken out of context.

It’s time to “fall back” and sleep in

Daylight savings time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, which means you should probably set your clock (clocks?) back an hour before heading off to bed.

Standard” time continues until March 9 when we all get to “spring forward” when Daylight Savings Time reappears.

Our switching program isn’t universal. Most nations don’t bother with it and Arizona and Hawaii don’t either.

Weather: Here comes the sun

The new month is bringing us sunny skies well into Election Day. The forecast for our West Orange County cities on Saturday is for sun with an afternoon high of 69 and an overnight low of 52. Sunday will warm slightly to 70 (52), then on Monday skip up to 76 (47). Tuesday will be a big cooler, dropping to 73 (52).

Great Thoughts

“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.”  ― Groucho Marx