Trump and Harris Enter the Intense Final Stretch in the Tight Presidential Race
As the 2024 presidential election nears its final leg, the race between former President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is as close as ever. With their only scheduled debate approaching on Tuesday, Harris faces the challenge of swaying undecided voters who feel they still need to know more about her positions and policies. National polls reflect a neck-and-neck race, with Harris tied or holding slim leads in key battleground states that will ultimately decide the outcome.
A recent New York Times/Siena College poll of likely voters shows Trump leading Harris 48 percent to 47 percent, within the poll’s margin of error. The results indicate that his support remains firm despite a rough month for Trump following President Biden’s decision not to run for re-election. Harris, however, remains a relatively unknown figure to many voters, presenting both an opportunity and a challenge in the days ahead.
Voters Skeptical of Harris, Trump Tied in Battleground States
The poll highlights voter sentiment, showing that while Trump’s support is primarily set, many voters still need to learn more about Harris. Among likely voters, 28 percent say they need to know more about the vice president, while only 9 percent say the same about Trump. This uncertainty comes at a crucial time when both campaigns seek to lock in support ahead of the election.
Harris is tied with Trump or holding a narrow lead in the battleground states, where the race remains close. The seven swing states identified as pivotal to the election show tight margins, meaning every vote will count in one of the most competitive elections in recent history.
Project 2025 and Its Impact on the Race
A critical factor in the election has been the scrutiny of “Project 2025,” a 900-page document drafted by conservative groups outlining plans for a second Trump presidency. The document includes recommendations to criminalize pornography, dismantle key government departments, and reverse climate policies. Although Trump has tried to distance himself from Project 2025, 71 percent of voters familiar with it believe he will pursue the policies outlined within. This has significantly influenced the election dynamics.
Harris has used the document to her advantage, hammering home the risks of a second Trump presidency tied to these policies. Among likely voters, 63 percent oppose Project 2025, which has boosted Harris’s efforts to frame the election as a referendum on Trump’s potential return to power.
Voters Divided on Key Issues
The poll underscores the deep divisions among voters on significant issues. Trump leads Harris by 13 percentage points on the economy. At the same time, Harris holds a 15-point lead on the issue of abortion, which has become a central topic of the election. Harris’s advantage on abortion is particularly notable given Trump’s role in appointing three Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade.
Despite Harris’s strengths on issues like abortion, she faces scrutiny for her association with the Biden administration, particularly on economic matters and the administration’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Additionally, many voters blame her for rising prices and issues at the southwestern border, presenting challenges that her campaign must address in the final stretch.
A Pessimistic Electorate and Trump’s Resilience
Voters remain deeply pessimistic about the country’s direction, with just 30 percent believing the nation is on the right track. However, among those who think the country is headed in the wrong direction, 71 percent are optimistic about a change in leadership.
While Harris continues to build momentum, the poll shows Trump’s resilience. Voters are divided on his character and fitness for office. While 70 percent of voters said Trump had said something offensive, nearly half of his supporters said they would still vote for him despite these offenses.
Debate Crucial for Harris’s Momentum
As the debate looms, Harris must seize the opportunity to solidify her support and address lingering doubts about her candidacy. The debate could prove to be a turning point for undecided voters, many of whom are still seeking to learn more about Harris’s policies and plans for the future. The potential impact of the debate on these voters creates a sense of suspense and anticipation. With just over eight weeks left until Election Day, both candidates have limited time to sway an electorate that, while fluid, remains deeply divided.