With just two months until Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris has gained a slight lead over former President Donald Trump in national polls. This shift comes after a series of polls conducted following the Democratic National Convention (DNC), where Harris officially became the Democratic nominee for president following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal. The post-DNC momentum has boosted her standing in several crucial swing states, creating a tighter race than expected.
Polls Show Harris Gaining Lead Over Trump In Post-DNC Surge
Several national polls now show Harris slightly ahead of Trump. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Thursday shows Harris with 45% of the vote compared to Trump’s 41% among registered voters nationwide. The poll highlighted Harris’ significant lead among women and Hispanic voters, two key demographics that are proving vital to her campaign’s success.
Additionally, a Wall Street Journal poll from the same day indicates a tighter race, with Harris leading Trump 48% to 47% in a head-to-head matchup. The USA Today/Suffolk University poll echoed these findings, placing Harris at a 48% to 43% lead. These numbers reflect a marked improvement for Harris since the conclusion of the DNC, during which her campaign ramped up efforts to engage voters.
Focus On Swing States
Both campaigns are concentrating heavily on swing states that will likely determine the outcome of the election. The race is close in several of these battleground states, including Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, North Carolina, Michigan, and Nevada. While Trump continues to hold a slight lead in some states, Harris has made advances in others, keeping the competition tight.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll suggests that Trump has a narrow 45% to 43% lead in these key battleground states. However, a Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll shows Harris either leading or tied with Trump in many of the same areas, indicating that the race is far from decided. Both campaigns are deploying resources and holding events in these crucial states in the final stretch leading up to Election Day.
Issues Important To Voters
When it comes to the issues that voters care about most, Harris and Trump are appealing to different voter bases. Harris is favored on issues like healthcare, reproductive rights, and uniting the country. She is particularly strong among women voters, who see her as more aligned with their concerns on healthcare and abortion rights. In contrast, Trump is more trusted on issues like immigration, border security, and handling the economy, according to the latest polling data.
A Fox News poll also revealed that voters believe Harris would be more likely to accept the results of the election compared to Trump, a significant concern in this polarized political climate. Harris holds a 68% to 29% advantage on this question, reflecting concerns about Trump’s previous comments regarding election integrity.
The RFK Jr. Effect
The decision by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to drop out of the race and endorse Trump has also raised questions about how it will impact the election. Early polling shows that much of Kennedy’s remaining support is shifting toward Trump, potentially giving the former president a boost as the election nears. According to Fox News, three-quarters of voters who previously had a favorable view of Kennedy now support Trump.
Conclusion
While the race remains extremely close, Kamala Harris has gained an edge over Donald Trump following the Democratic National Convention. Her post-DNC surge, particularly among women and Hispanic voters, has put her in a competitive position in several swing states. However, with the election just two months away, both campaigns are expected to continue battling fiercely for every vote. As the polls indicate, this race could come down to the wire.
