Trump Closes Gap on Harris in Final Election Stretch
As the US election campaign enters its final weeks, recent polls indicate that former President Donald Trump is narrowing the gap with Vice President Kamala Harris. Two polls released on October 16, 2024, show a significant shift in voter sentiment, with Trump catching up to Harris's lead among likely voters. According to an ABC News-Ipsos poll conducted from October 4-8, Harris leads Trump by just two points, 50% to 48%, a decrease from her previous lead of five points the prior month. Similarly, an NBC News poll shows both candidates tied at 48% among registered voters. These results highlight a competitive race as both candidates prepare for the November 5 election.
In battleground states, the competition is even fiercer. A CBS News/YouGov poll indicates Harris holds a slim 51% to 49% lead over Trump among likely voters in these critical areas. However, the margins are within the polls' margins of error, suggesting that either candidate could potentially take the lead as early voting continues across the country.
Immigration and Economic Concerns Favor Trump
Recent polling data also reveals that Trump has gained a confidence advantage among voters regarding immigration issues. The ABC News-Ipsos poll indicates that 56% of Americans now support deporting all undocumented immigrants, a significant increase from previous years. Trump's messaging has leaned heavily into anti-immigrant rhetoric, which appears to resonate with a segment of the electorate. Additionally, concerns about the economy are influencing voter preferences, with 59% of respondents indicating they believe the economy is worsening. Among those voters, Trump leads Harris by a substantial margin of 74% to 21%.
Harris's campaign is actively working to engage Latino voters, a demographic where her support has dipped compared to the 2020 election. A New York Times-Siena College poll found that only 56% of likely Hispanic voters support Harris, a notable drop from Biden's 62% support among this group in 2020. The campaign's strategy includes targeted messaging to appeal to undecided Latino voters, particularly focusing on the gender divide in voter sentiment.
In the meantime, both candidates are intensifying their outreach efforts in key states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Michigan, where the race remains tightly contested. Harris is expected to participate in an event with former Republican officials who have distanced themselves from Trump, while Trump will hold town halls aimed at both female and Latino audiences. As the election date approaches, voter turnout and engagement will be crucial in determining the outcome of this closely watched race.
