Donald Trump vs Kamala Harris. Photo: AP/Reuters.
The electoral prospects of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris have seen a significant boost in the latest Presidential election surveys, as she leads former President Donald Trump by two points.
This shift comes in the wake of President Joe Biden's announcement of his withdrawal from the presidential race, along with his endorsement of Harris as his successor.
Latest Polling Results
According to a survey conducted by Reuters/Ipsos on July 22 and 23, Harris garnered 44% support from registered voters in the U.S., while Trump obtained 42%.
It's important to note that this survey carries a margin of error of three percentage points, making the results quite competitive. This survey was conducted shortly after Trump officially received the Republican nomination on July 18.
Earlier polling data indicated that both Biden and Harris were in a weaker position, with Biden trailing Trump by two points before his withdrawal.
Shift in Support
The findings from the recent poll reveal a significant shift in support. In a survey conducted just a week earlier (July 15-16), both Harris and Trump stood at 44%. On July 1-2, Trump had a narrow lead of one point.
Nevertheless, other polls released concurrently showed mixed results. For instance, a PBS News/NPR/Marist poll indicated that Trump held a slight edge with 46% compared to Harris's 45%.
Analysis from Trump's Campaign Team
The Trump campaign team has downplayed the polling results that indicate rising support for Harris. They argue that Harris's popularity might experience a temporary spike due to the intense media focus surrounding her candidacy.
Tony Fabrizio, a polling expert, stated, “The surge will likely start to become visible in the next few days and will persist for some time.”
Public Perception
Despite the varied poll results, the Reuters/Ipsos survey highlights that 56% of registered voters agree that Harris is "mentally sharp and capable of facing challenges." Comparatively, only 49% of voters feel the same about Trump.
While the polling results suggest a rising tide of support for Kamala Harris, it's crucial to remember that poll results can vary widely depending on the context, particularly in competitive states that will influence the final outcome in the Electoral College.
