Vice President Harris is gaining momentum nationally, but the competition remains fierce in critical swing states, recent polls revealed. Her lead seems to be growing due to increased support from female voters and registered Democrats, as well as her ability to close the gap with President Trump on key issues concerning Americans.
A new NBC News national poll shows Ms. Harris leading Trump by five points, with 49 percent to 44 percent. This marks a significant shift from the previous poll conducted while President Biden was still the presumptive Democratic nominee, which had Trump in the lead by two points.
Ms. Harris’s personal popularity has also seen a sharp increase since July, with her favorable rating jumping from 32 percent to 48 percent. This surge in popularity has contributed to her lead over Trump, marking the most substantial increase in favorable ratings for a national politician since the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
Pollster Jeff Horwitt of Hart Research Associates noted the shift in favor of Ms. Harris, stating that the political winds are now blowing in her direction. She has managed to close the gap with Trump on key issues and is perceived as more prepared for the presidency, both mentally and physically.
Despite these gains, Ms. Harris still trails Trump by nine points on the issue of inflation and the cost of living, which is a top concern for American voters this year. However, she has made significant strides in other areas, such as winning over key demographics like female voters, young voters, and black voters.
Her running mate, Governor Walz, also enjoys a positive favorable rating, which could be contributing to Ms. Harris’s overall support. On the other hand, Senator Vance, Trump’s running mate, has a significantly lower approval rating, making him the least popular vice presidential pick in decades.
While Ms. Harris’s national support has seen a boost, the battleground states tell a different story. In the seven most crucial swing states, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and North Carolina, Ms. Harris leads by only two points collectively. The race is tight in these states, with Pennsylvania tied and Trump leading in Georgia by a slim margin.
Despite the challenges in battleground states, Ms. Harris’s growing support nationally indicates a shifting tide in American politics. With more Americans feeling confident about the country’s future, there is a sense of optimism that could benefit Ms. Harris in the upcoming election. While the road ahead remains uncertain, it is clear that the race for the presidency is heating up, and Ms. Harris is emerging as a strong contender.