A recent poll conducted by Change Research reveals that former President Donald Trump enjoys a lead over Vice President Kamala Harris among veterans, active service members, and their families. The poll, conducted from August 23-29, surveyed 1,703 individuals within these demographics, with a margin of error of 2.5 percentage points.
Among veterans, Trump leads Harris by 10 percentage points, with 51% of veterans expressing support for Trump compared to 41% for Harris. This represents a decrease in Trump’s lead since the 2016 election, where he enjoyed a 19-point advantage among this group. While Trump still holds a significant lead, the narrowing margin suggests a potential shift in opinion among veterans.
The poll also reveals that Trump leads Harris among active-duty members, guardsmen, and reservists, with a 49% to 44% margin. However, the margin is narrower among family members of veterans, with Trump edging out Harris by 2 percentage points, 47% to 45%.
When asked why they no longer support Trump, 53% of those who voted for him in the past cited his comments, attitudes, and policies towards veterans and service members as the primary reason. This highlights a growing concern among some veterans about Trump’s stance on military issues.
This poll comes at a crucial time as the 2024 election season heats up. President Joe Biden is set to accuse Russia of attempting to interfere in the upcoming election, emphasizing the importance of election security. Meanwhile, Trump has been vocal about his concerns regarding global conflicts, warning of a potential World War III and criticizing the current administration’s foreign policy. Vice President Harris has also been making strides in key swing states, where she has shown a lead over Trump for the first time. This development could pave the way for a potential narrow victory for Harris. Additionally, Harris is set to unveil a $50,000 tax deduction initiative for small businesses, aiming to counter Trump’s economic policies and win over middle-class voters.
The results of this poll highlight the ongoing influence of Trump among veterans and raise questions about his potential impact on the 2024 election. With the election season in full swing, it will be interesting to see how these dynamics unfold in the coming months.
