Trump Gets Unexpected New Boost
Recent polling data has revealed some troubling signs for Vice President Kamala Harris, indicating that her initial boost in popularity may be fading.
A recent New York Times/Sienna survey, conducted from September 3 to 6, shows former President Donald Trump leading Harris for the first time in a major national poll since Harris’s rise began in July. Although the margin is narrow and within the margin of error, Trump is slightly ahead with 48% compared to Harris’s 47%. The two candidates are closely matched in key battleground states.
In critical states like Arizona, North Carolina, Georgia, and Nevada, both candidates are tied at 48%. Harris holds a slight lead in Pennsylvania (49% to 48%), Michigan (48% to 46%), and Wisconsin (49% to 47%).
Harris’s struggle is partly attributed to declining support from core Democratic groups, including women, younger voters, and Latino communities. These groups are not backing her with the expected enthusiasm.
The upcoming debate could play a crucial role in the race, as 28% of likely voters say they need more information about Harris, compared to just 9% regarding Trump. Knoxville business owner Dawn Conley, 48, voiced her concerns, stating, “I don’t know what Kamala’s plans are. It’s challenging to make a decision without understanding the other party’s platform.”
Despite her progressive credentials, Harris is seen as lacking the capacity for significant change. While 60% of voters believe the next president should be a clear break from President Joe Biden’s administration, only 25% view Harris as a viable agent of change. In contrast, 53% believe Trump can provide that change.
Additionally, Harris faces criticism for being perceived as too liberal by 47% of likely voters, compared to 32% who view Trump as too conservative. Democratic efforts to discredit Trump based on character issues appear to have limited impact, with 54% viewing him as a risky choice, nearly equal to the 52% who hold the same view of Harris.
On a positive note for Harris, Democratic enthusiasm remains high, with 91% of Democrats expressing excitement about her candidacy, compared to 85% of Republicans who are enthusiastic about Trump. The poll, which included responses from 1,695 registered voters across the country, has a margin of error of +/- 2.8%.
