As the 2024 US presidential race heats up, Vice President Kamala Harris has taken a significant lead over her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump, according to a recent poll by Ipsos. The poll, conducted between August 2-7, 2024, shows Harris leading Trump by a margin of 42% to 37%, marking a five-point increase from the previous poll in July.
Harris Gains Momentum
Harris, who stepped into the Democratic candidacy after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, has managed to shift the momentum in her favor. The previous Reuters-Ipsos poll from July 22-23 had Harris trailing closely behind Trump, with 37% support compared to Trump’s 34%. The latest poll indicates a significant swing in her favor, solidifying her position as a strong contender in the upcoming election.
Decline in Support for Independent Candidate
The poll also reveals a decline in support for independent candidate Robert Kennedy Jr., whose backing has dropped from 10% in July to just 4% in August. This shift further consolidates the race between Harris and Trump, with Kennedy’s dwindling support suggesting that voters may be rallying behind the two primary candidates.
Swing States Favor Harris
In a separate Ipsos poll focusing on key swing states—Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Nevada, Michigan, Georgia, and Arizona—Harris continues to hold an edge over Trump. The poll indicates a 42% to 40% lead for Harris in these crucial battlegrounds, which were closely contested in the 2020 election.
Harris Outperforming Biden
Notably, Harris appears to be outperforming Biden’s previous polling numbers against Trump. Throughout the 2024 campaign, Biden’s polling was often close to Trump’s, with little margin separating the two. Harris’s recent surge suggests that she may be able to attract broader support than her predecessor, particularly in light of Biden’s declining approval ratings.
Public Perception of Trump and Harris
The Ipsos poll also delved into public perceptions of the candidates. Voters frequently associated Trump with the term “patriot,” a word he has often used to describe himself in campaign speeches. On the other hand, the word “weird” has been linked to Trump by Harris’s supporters in recent weeks, reflecting the increasingly polarized nature of the race.
As the November 5 election date approaches, Harris’s lead in the polls positions her as a formidable candidate against Trump. However, with several weeks still to go, the race remains dynamic, and both candidates will continue to campaign vigorously to sway undecided voters and secure victory.
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