The race for the 2024 presidency is tightening, with recent polls revealing both a potential lead for Vice President Kamala Harris and a near-deadlock with Republican candidate Donald Trump.
In a nationwide Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from September 21-23, Harris emerged with a slight edge, garnering 46.6% support among registered voters compared to Trump’s 40.48%. This represents an expansion of Harris’ lead from the previous poll in September, where she was ahead by five points. Among likely voters, the gap widens further, with Harris leading by a 50%-46% margin. This improvement is attributed to voters’ growing confidence in Harris’ economic leadership. While Trump still holds a slight advantage in terms of voters’ perception of his economic approach, Harris has narrowed the gap significantly since entering the race.
However, a CNN poll conducted from September 19-22 paints a different picture. This poll, conducted among a random nationwide sample of 2,074 registered voters, shows a nearly even race among likely voters, with Harris leading by a narrow margin of 48%-47%. This suggests that the race remains extremely close, with both candidates vying for a significant share of the electorate.
The economy has emerged as the top issue for voters, making it a crucial battleground for both candidates. Trump appears to have a stronger hold on this issue, with the CNN poll revealing that voters trust him over Harris to handle the economy by a 50%-39% margin. He also enjoys a lead on handling immigration and foreign policy. Interestingly, even among those who view Trump’s views and policies as too extreme, a significant number still trust him over Harris on economic and immigration matters.
Harris, on the other hand, enjoys strong support among younger voters and independents. The CNN poll shows her leading Trump by a 55%-38% margin among voters under 30 years old. She also holds a 45%-41% lead among independent likely voters, particularly among independent women voters. This suggests that Harris’ appeal lies in her ability to connect with younger generations and independent voters, who are increasingly crucial in determining the outcome of elections.
Despite these promising signs for Harris, the race remains tight and unpredictable. With the economy dominating voter concerns, both candidates are focusing their strategies on presenting their economic plans to the electorate. The upcoming months will likely see a fierce battle over policy details and messaging, as both campaigns strive to convince voters that they are the best choice to lead the country.
