Sunday, 13 Oct, 2024
By: Muskan Agrawal
Source: Getty Images
As the race for the presidency heats up, new polling data reveals a tightening contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Both candidates are now neck and neck in several key battleground states, signaling a highly competitive election season.
The 2024 presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is shaping up to be a fierce and contentious contest especially in key swing states- Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Georgia. Both candidates, with their distinct political legacies and policy stances, are battling for the top position in what promises to be a closely watched election.
VP Harris is gaining notable traction in pivotal states like Arizona. Recently, nearly two dozen current and former mayors in Arizona endorsed her presidential bid. This wave of endorsements underscores her growing appeal and support among local leaders in a state critical to the election outcome.
Harris also made significant strides on the issue of abortion rights. She is likely to garner significant support from pro-abortion groups following her vocal opposition to Iowa's new abortion law, which bans most abortions after 6 weeks. Harris labeled the law a "Trump abortion ban," directly linking it to her opponent and framing herself as a defender of reproductive rights.
On the other hand, former President Donald Trump continues to be a polarizing figure, rallying his base with strong stances on immigration and constitutional amendments. Campaigning alongside Arizona GOP Senate candidate Kari Lake, Trump criticized VP Harris' record on illegal immigration, attempting to sway voters in a state deeply affected by border issues. Trump also renewed his controversial pledge to end birthright citizenship, a right enshrined in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In a campaign video released in 2023, he vowed to sign an executive order on the first day of his presidency to prevent children of undocumented immigrants from being recognized as U.S. citizens. This proposal is likely to mobilize his core supporters but may also alienate moderate and independent voters.
Despite his efforts, Trump's favorability rating saw a significant decline. His favorability dropped from 40% to 36%, indicating a challenging path ahead. Additionally, enthusiasm for his candidacy lags behind Harris, with only 39% of Americans feeling enthusiastic about his potential nomination.
Meanwhile, Harris saw an upswing in her favorability ratings, particularly among independents. According to a recent ABC News/Ipsos poll, her favorability among adults stands at 43%, with 44% of independents viewing her positively, a substantial increase from the previous week. Her unfavorability rating among independents also dropped slightly and the enthusiasm for her potential nomination is robust, with 48% of Americans expressing excitement about her candidacy.
As the election approaches, both candidates will need to intensify their efforts to sway undecided voters and solidify their positions in key states. The narrowing gap in the polls highlights the importance of each campaign's strategy in addressing pressing issues and connecting with the electorate. The race remains unpredictable, promising a dynamic and intense lead-up to election day.
