Trump and Harris in Tight Race According to New Polls

A Reuters/Ipsos poll on July 23 showed Harris with 44% support, while Trump had 42%. This poll was conducted after Biden announced his support for Harris as the Democratic candidate. In a PBS News/NPR/Marist poll on July 22, Trump led with 46% to Harris's 45%. Additionally, when third-party candidates were included, both tied at 42%.

The PBS poll also indicated that 87% of respondents approved of Biden's decision to step down, with 41% believing it increased the Democrats' chances in the November election.

Both polls were conducted after Trump survived an assassination attempt during a campaign event in Pennsylvania on July 13 and received the Republican nomination days later.

According to RealClearPolitics, Trump holds a narrow average lead of 1.6% over Harris.

Series of Challenges Kamala Harris Faces on Her Path to the White House

Endorsement by President Biden: Despite President Biden's endorsement, Kamala Harris faces numerous challenges to secure the Democratic nomination and defeat Donald Trump.

Biden’s Withdrawal: President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate to run against former President Donald Trump.

Harris's Determination: Harris expressed her gratitude for Biden's support and her determination to win the nomination, unite the Democratic Party, and defeat Trump.

Challenges for Nomination: Securing the Democratic nomination requires a majority vote from state delegates at the party convention. Biden’s withdrawal has freed delegates to support other candidates, creating uncertainty for Harris.

Support and Opposition: While many Democratic members have endorsed Harris, some call for an open selection process at the party convention. Potential competitors like Gavin Newsom, J.B. Pritzker, Gretchen Whitmer, and Pete Buttigieg have emerged, some expressing support for Harris.

Party Unity: If these candidates enter the race, Harris's position may be uncertain. Harris has been in contact with potential competitors to seek their support, aiming for unity within the party.

DNC Process: Jaime Harrison, Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), stated that the convention organization and candidate selection process would be announced soon. The deadline for selecting a nominee is August 7 to comply with Ohio’s ballot laws.

Republican Criticism: Harris faces increased criticism from the Republican Party. Trump's campaign has accused her of misleading the public about Biden’s mental health and contributing to the administration's failures, particularly in handling immigration issues.

Polling Data: Polling indicates Harris has similar support to Biden, with no clear advantage over Trump. For instance, a recent Economist/YouGov poll showed Biden at 41% and Trump at 43%, while Harris stood at 39% against Trump's 44%.

Democratic Hopes: Democrats hope Harris’s nomination will mitigate concerns about the candidates' ages, as both Biden and Trump are among the oldest candidates. Harris’s identity as a woman of color presents both an opportunity and a challenge in the election.

Support within the Party: Harris has significant support from DNC members, with many publicly endorsing her. She also has access to the campaign funds raised by the Biden-Harris campaign, totaling $96 million as of late June, compared to Trump’s $128 million.

Fundraising Success: ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform, reported a significant increase in donations following Harris's announcement, marking the largest single-day fundraising total of the 2024 election cycle.

Party Unity and Key Issues: Many Democrats believe Harris has enough party support and would cause division if sidelined. Harris is also a strong advocate for abortion rights, a key issue in the current political landscape.

Conclusion: Despite challenges, Harris is gaining support within the Democratic Party, and there is a growing sense of unity following Biden’s withdrawal. Her campaign aims to address key issues and unite the party for the upcoming election.