The US: Tails from the Peanut gallery

Also: Canada, India, Cuba, Ukraine, Russia, and Qatar.

“To the Woods!”, Clifford Berrryman, 1906, cartoon from unidentified publication, Berryman Political Cartoon Collection, US National Archives, Washington DC.

In today’s dispatch:

• UNITED STATES. In a tight race, small things could change the outcome.

• CANADA. INDIA. Modi’s indignation will unlikely yield results.

• CUBA. Another hurricane makes its way towards Havana.

• UKRAINE. RUSSIA. A series of warnings appear all at once.

• QATAR. A gas-rich emirate prepares an election to end all elections.

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UNITED STATES. Tails from the Peanut gallery

In a tight race, small things could change the outcome.

Confected outrage over the death of a New York squirrel, Peanut, continued to be in focus for Donald Trump’s allies on social media Monday. A host of pop stars joined Kalama Harris’s final rallies across Pennsylvania. Polls remained tight.

INTELLIGENCE. The White House could be decided by a few thousand voters. Trivial stories, like the euthanising of a charismatic half-tailed rodent, could matter more than the major issues. Most Americans have either voted or made up their minds. Those still undecided and based in swing states (a minority within a minority) are less likely to be careful appraisers of policy than unengaged voters influenced by last-minute trends, especially if they’re cute or shiny.

FOR BUSINESS. Gen Zs are a particular swing cohort. Establishing their political identity early has been a focus for both parties. The Democrats have young women as their target. The GOP young men. It explains Harris's focus on celebrity endorsements, abortion, and terms like "joy" and "brat". It explains Trump's focus on memes, crypto, and "bros” like Joe Rogan and Elon Musk. It also explains why the race has become so obnoxious to anyone over 28.

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CANADA. INDIA. Of hide and Sikhs

Modi’s indignation will unlikely yield results.

Narendra Modi said Monday violence outside a Toronto temple was "deliberate" amid the "appalling" and "cowardly" intimidation of Indian diplomats. Ottawa last week said India's home minister was behind a series of alleged plots.

INTELLIGENCE. Modi’s supporters have accused Justin Trudeau of exploiting Sikh separatism, which has found a Canadian home since