A recent ABC News/Ipsos poll suggests that Vice President Kamala Harris currently holds a slight lead over former President Donald Trump in the race for the 2024 presidential election. The poll, conducted between August 23 and 27, found that Harris enjoyed a four-point lead among Americans planning to vote in the November election. This advantage is roughly in line with the lead she held before the Democratic National Convention in August.
While Harris’s supporters are generally enthusiastic, with 64% expressing strong support, a significant portion, 18%, support her with reservations. Another 19% support her primarily because they dislike her opponent. Trump’s support is more polarized, with 60% strongly supporting him, 31% supporting with reservations, and 9% supporting him due to dislike for other candidates.
Despite her current lead, Harris faces challenges on key issues. Trump holds a significant edge over Harris on issues such as the economy, inflation, and immigration. Voters perceive Trump as more capable of handling the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border, managing the economy, and addressing inflation.
However, Harris has a strong advantage in other areas. Voters believe she is more trustworthy in protecting democracy and making Supreme Court appointments. She also holds a decisive advantage over Trump in perceived mental and physical fitness, with a significant majority believing she is in better shape both mentally and physically.
The poll also found that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s suspension of his independent campaign and endorsement of Trump had minimal impact on voters. A majority of Americans stated that Kennedy’s actions made no difference in their voting decisions.
In conclusion, while Harris maintains a lead in the polls, she faces challenges on issues that are crucial to voters. Her strong performance in other areas, particularly on trustworthiness and fitness, could be crucial in winning over voters in the months leading up to the election.
