News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/19th August 2024
A recent Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll reveals that U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris holds a slim lead over former President Donald Trump in the race for the White House. According to the survey, Harris garners 49 percent of the support compared to Trump’s 45 percent, marking a notable shift from earlier polls which showed a tight contest between Trump and then-presidential nominee Joe Biden. When factoring in third-party candidates, Harris’s support stands at 47 percent, Trump’s at 44 percent, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at 5 percent.
This slight edge for Harris comes at a crucial time as the Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago. Harris is set to formally accept her nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate during the convention, which could be a decisive moment in her campaign. The vice president arrived in Chicago on Sunday, preparing for what could be a pivotal week in her bid for the presidency.
Despite Harris’s current lead, the race remains highly competitive, particularly in seven critical swing states: Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada. These states are expected to play a significant role in determining the outcome of the November election.
Harris’s recent surge in the polls has energized the Democratic Party, reflecting a significant shift from the previous month’s deadlock between Trump and Biden. During her journey to Chicago, Harris made a strategic stop in Pennsylvania, a vital battleground state that swung between Trump in 2016 and Biden in 2020. She conducted a day-long bus tour through the state to maintain her momentum and engage with voters.
Despite the positive poll numbers, Harris remains cautious and acknowledges the challenges ahead. With just 79 days left until the November 5 election, she has emphasized the need for continued effort to win over the American electorate. Harris has described her campaign as facing an uphill battle, noting the importance of working hard to secure votes.
In contrast, Trump, who is 78 years old, has resorted to personal attacks in response to Harris’s rising profile. At a recent rally in Pennsylvania, Trump labeled Harris as a “lunatic” and compared his looks favorably against the 59-year-old vice president. Such remarks reflect the tense and personal nature of the current electoral contest.
As the Democratic National Convention progresses, Harris’s keynote speech will be a critical moment for her campaign. She is expected to present a compelling vision for the future, contrasting her plans with a potential second term for Trump. Harris will also share the stage with Biden during his convention address, a significant development given that Biden had anticipated delivering this speech as the Democratic nominee just a few weeks ago.
In summary, while Kamala Harris holds a narrow lead over Donald Trump according to the latest poll, the race remains highly competitive. The upcoming convention and the strategic moves made by both candidates will be pivotal in shaping the final outcome of the presidential election.
