The 2024 presidential race continues to heat up, with new national polls offering glimpses into the shifting dynamics between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. A recent Wall Street Journal survey released on Wednesday indicates that Trump has a slight edge over Harris in the national race, garnering 47% support among likely voters compared to Harris’s 45%. This represents a shift from the Journal’s previous poll in late August, which had Harris ahead by two points. However, it’s important to note that the difference falls within the survey’s margin of error, leaving the outcome uncertain.
While Trump may be gaining ground nationally, the race for the White House isn’t determined by the national popular vote, but rather by the electoral votes of individual states. And when it comes to key battleground states, the polls paint a much tighter picture. The latest Fox News poll, for instance, reveals that Harris holds a six-point advantage over Trump in the seven crucial battleground states that decided the 2020 election. This suggests that the race for the presidency could ultimately hinge on which candidate can effectively mobilize voters in these key states.
In addition to the national and battleground state polls, another important indicator of the race’s trajectory is fundraising. On this front, Harris continues to hold a significant financial advantage over Trump. The latest federal filings show that the Harris campaign raised a staggering $221.8 million in September, more than triple the $63 million brought in by the Trump campaign. This trend has been consistent throughout the campaign, with Harris consistently outraising and outspending Trump. Her campaign’s largest expense has been on paid media, particularly advertising. This financial edge gives Harris a significant resource advantage as the campaign enters its final weeks.
The latest polls and fundraising data offer a snapshot of the evolving political landscape, but the outcome of the 2024 election remains far from certain. The race is tightening, and the final weeks will likely see intense campaigning efforts from both sides, focusing on key issues and targeting voters in battleground states. Ultimately, the victor will be the candidate who can most effectively connect with voters and mobilize them to cast their ballots.