Vice President Kamala Harris has shown a significant improvement in polling numbers against former President Donald Trump, narrowing the gap between them with just over 100 days left until Election Day. A poll released by The Wall Street Journal found Harris trailing Trump by just two points in a head-to-head matchup. When independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy is included, Harris overtakes Trump with a slight lead. President Joe Biden, who endorsed Harris after dropping out of the race, was previously losing to Trump by wider margins in similar polls taken earlier in the month. Harris has seen gains in other polls of battleground states and among young voters, indicating a positive momentum for her campaign.
Political experts such as Dan Lamb of Cornell University and Grant Davis Reeher of Syracuse University believe that Harris has positioned herself well in terms of speeches, social media presence, endorsements, and fundraising. They suggest that her performance and viability as a candidate have improved, leading to a tightening race against Trump. While Harris may face challenges in battleground states, recent polling data shows her gaining ground in some key demographics. The momentum may continue to favor her as the campaign progresses, particularly with the upcoming Democratic National Convention and delegate voting.
Despite Harris’ recent gains, Trump continues to hold an overall polling advantage in the race for the presidency. Some polls indicate that Trump is leading in battleground states such as Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. However, newer polling data suggests that Harris is making headway in states like Wisconsin and New Hampshire. Additionally, a poll of young voters showed Harris with a significant lead over Trump in the 18-34 age group. While early enthusiasm for Harris’ candidacy may boost her standing, experts caution that perceptions about her policy positions, particularly on issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, could influence her chances in the general election.
As the campaign progresses, both candidates will likely continue to gain and lose ground in the polls. Trump remains the favorite among bookmakers, with a higher chance of winning the election compared to Harris. The upcoming DNC convention and speeches by both candidates may provide further insight into their positions and strategies going into the final stretch of the election season. While Harris has seen a recent surge in polling numbers, the race for the presidency is still fluid, and both candidates have time to make their case to voters and secure the support needed to win in November.
