Sean Whelan

Washington Correspondent

Kamala Harris crossed the stage to where Donald Trump was standing, her arm stretched out almost demanding the handshake

Trump gets distracted as Harris goads, picks and provokes

For several weeks now, virtually every political pundit here has been offering the same analysis of what Kamala Harris would have to do to if she was to stand any chance against Donald Trump in the presidential debate: She would have to provoke him into an outburst of angry, intemperate rhetoric.

Analysis and Comment • 11 Sep 24

Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris will face each other in a TV debate this week

Debate could prove vital in tight US Presidential race

The US Presidential election has come down to a "game of inches", with both candidates hoping to land a spectacular score on their opponent and establish themselves as the top quarterback for the nation, writes Sean Whelan.

Analysis and Comment • 10 Sep 24

The sculpture combines a Celtic trinity shape intertwined with a heart

Choctaw Nation unveils 'eternal' sculpture to Ireland

Choctaw tribal members, tribal leaders and dignitaries from Oklahoma and Ireland have gathered at the Choctaw Capitol Grounds in Tuskahoma, Oklahoma, to unveil a new sculpture honouring the Choctaw-Irish connection.

US • 01 Sep 24

Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic presidential nomination from US President Joe Biden this week

Irish-American issues feature in busy US politics week

Another wild week in American politics - this one with Irish-American bookends.

Analysis and Comment • 25 Aug 24

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are both appealing to middle-income earners

Harris and Trump push populism to target middle America

Kamala Harris is vulnerable on the cost of living. As an incumbent politician, she owns the nasty price rises that have racked the US over the past three and a bit years. That's the way it goes in politics.

Analysis and Comment • 18 Aug 24

Donald Trump was fortunate to have been out of office over the last three-and-a-half years, so he could dodge the blame for inflation

Trump holds one key advantage in this race: the economy

Donald Trump has one great advantage in this election: the economy. More specifically, the cost of living.

US • 11 Aug 24

A Philadelphia introduction: Tim Walz enters the race

The Minnesota governor's reputation as a good communicator was on the line last night – a big introduction to the US nation for a politician hardly known outside his home state, writes Sean Whelan.

Analysis and Comment • 07 Aug 24

It is less than 100 days until the US goes to the polls to elect it's next president

US elections - what are the polls saying now?

Although it is only two weeks since Joe Biden withdrew from the race for the White House, Washington Correspondent Sean Whelan writes that there are already polls to reflect Kamala Harris facing Donald Trump in the 5 November contest.

Analysis and Comment • 05 Aug 24

US President Joe Biden announced he is dropping out of his re-election battle with Donald Trump

Time against Democrats to pick nominee in wild campaign

Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential contest was sudden, but not unexpected.

Analysis and Comment • 22 Jul 24

Joe Biden occasionally strayed into long, rambling answers

Biden gaffes matter in states with razor-thin margins

Joe Biden is facing a tipping point, and with razor-thin margins in key battleground states, gaffes such as calling Volodymyr Zelensky "President Putin" matter, writes Sean Whelan.

Analysis and Comment • 12 Jul 24