Trump Closes Gap on Harris in Final Weeks of US Election Campaign
As the US election campaign enters its final stretch, recent polls indicate that former President Donald Trump is narrowing the gap with Vice President Kamala Harris. Two significant polls released on October 15, 2024, show a tightening race ahead of the November 5 election. An ABC News-Ipsos poll conducted from October 4-8 shows Harris leading with 50% to Trump’s 48%, a shift from the previous month where she held a 51% to 46% advantage. Similarly, an NBC News poll reveals an even split at 48% support for both candidates among registered voters.
In battleground states, the race remains close, with Harris holding a slight edge of 51% to 49% in a CBS News/YouGov poll conducted from October 8-11. However, all leads are within the margin of error, suggesting that both candidates have a viable path to victory. The Washington Post’s average of presidential polls indicates Harris maintains a narrow two-point lead nationally, but the dynamics are shifting as the election day approaches.
Key Issues and Voter Dynamics
Trump’s recent campaign strategy has heavily focused on immigration, resonating with a significant portion of the electorate. The ABC News-Ipsos poll found that 56% of Americans support deporting all undocumented immigrants, a stark increase from previous years. Trump also enjoys a 10-point advantage over Harris in handling immigration, suggesting a shift in voter sentiment towards his policies.
Economic concerns are also influencing voter preferences, with 59% of respondents indicating they believe the economy is worsening. Among these voters, Trump leads Harris with 74% support. This economic narrative is crucial as both candidates seek to sway undecided voters, particularly within the Latino demographic, where Harris faces challenges compared to Biden’s 2020 performance.
In a bid to capture the Latino vote, Trump is actively courting this essential demographic, holding forums on platforms like Univision. Meanwhile, Harris is attempting to solidify her support among Hispanic women while addressing the concerns of Hispanic men, who show more divided opinions between the two candidates.
As the election nears, both candidates are intensifying their campaigns in seven key states: Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Nevada, which are critical to determining the next president. Early voting has already begun, with record turnout in Georgia signaling high voter engagement.
In a notable move, Harris is airing an ad during Trump’s town hall on Fox News, highlighting her stance on abortion rights in contrast to Trump’s policies, particularly following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This strategic approach aims to appeal to voters concerned about reproductive rights as part of her broader campaign strategy.
With less than three weeks to go until the election, the battle for undecided voters intensifies, making every campaign event and poll result pivotal in shaping the outcome of this closely contested race.
