The 2024 US presidential election is heating up, with Kamala Harris currently holding a national lead over Donald Trump, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll. The survey, published on September 24, reveals that Harris, the Democratic nominee and current Vice President, enjoys the support of 47% of registered voters, while Trump, the Republican nominee and former President, garnered 40%. This gives Harris a 7-point advantage nationally.
The poll highlights Harris’ success in diminishing Trump’s edge on economic issues, a traditionally strong point for the former president. While Trump still holds a slight lead on voter perception of who has the better approach to the economy, unemployment, and jobs, Harris has narrowed the gap significantly compared to July, indicating a shift in public sentiment.
While the national polls paint a picture of Harris’ lead, the race remains tight in key swing states that are crucial to winning the Electoral College. These battleground states are essentially neck-and-neck, with neither candidate holding a decisive advantage within the margin of error. Notably, a separate poll by NYT/Siena College suggests Trump may be ahead in Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina.
The economy is clearly the top issue on voters’ minds. This is reflected in the Reuters poll, which found that around 43% of respondents favored Trump’s approach to economic issues, while 41% chose Harris. However, Harris has made significant progress in closing this gap since July, suggesting a potential shift in voter sentiment.
Beyond the national picture, Harris enjoys a strong advantage among Asian American voters, according to a poll by NORC at the University of Chicago. The poll reveals that a whopping 66% of Asian American voters plan to vote for Harris, compared to 28% who support Trump. This significant lead underscores Harris’ strength among this key demographic. Furthermore, Harris’ running mate, Tim Walz, also fares better than Trump’s partner, JD Vance, among Asian American voters, suggesting a wider Democratic appeal within this community.
The race is still very tight, with the outcome ultimately dependent on the swing states. However, the latest polls indicate that Harris is making progress, particularly on economic issues and among Asian American voters, while Trump’s lead on economic issues has diminished. The coming months will be crucial in determining the direction of this election.
