Harris Leads Trump by 3 Points Nationally; Candidates Tied in Key States

According to a recent poll, Vice President Kamala Harris holds a narrow 3-point lead over former President Donald Trump nationally. As both candidates compete vigorously in the crucial battleground states, the survey indicates that they are nearly tied in these key areas.

The poll, conducted by CBS News and YouGov, reveals that Harris has the support of 51 percent of registered voters compared to Trump’s 48 percent. This marks another survey showing Harris gaining traction since she joined the race last month.

In battleground states such as Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, both candidates averaged around 50 percent support. This reflects the competitive nature of the race as it advances toward the general election.

The timing of this poll release is significant, as it comes just a day before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. At the convention, Harris is expected to maintain the momentum for both her campaign and the Democratic Party. She and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, will formally accept their nominations and deliver important addresses during the event.

Since taking over as the Democratic nominee, Harris has energized the party and diminished the lead that Trump enjoyed for several months in the presidential contest. Her campaign appears to resonate well with a diverse voter base, particularly among women.

While Harris has gained ground, Trump continues to lead on certain critical issues, particularly concerning the economy. Voters who prioritized economic concerns favored Trump by 8 points over Harris. However, the poll highlights that Harris has notably improved her appeal among female voters compared to President Biden during the previous election cycle.

Additionally, Trump secured a favorable rating among voters who indicated they are not doing well financially, which underscores his enduring connections with segments of the electorate experiencing economic hardships.

The trends observed in this poll align with findings from other surveys, which indicate that Harris is steadily closing the gap with Trump in both national and swing state perspectives. The aggregate polling average from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ shows Harris maintaining a 1.8-point advantage over Trump, based on an extensive analysis of 120 polls.

Furthermore, an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll published on the same day indicates that Harris enjoys 49 percent support nationally versus Trump’s 45 percent. This consistent pattern of polling underscores the strategic importance of the upcoming campaign events and public engagements.

Conducted nationwide from August 14 to August 16, the CBS News/YouGov survey sampled 3,258 registered voters and carries a margin of error of 2.1 percentage points. As the political landscape evolves, both candidates will be keenly aware of the shifting sentiments among voters heading into the election season.

This polling data not only highlights the dynamic interplay between the candidates but also signals the various challenges each will face as they approach the election. With both sides ramping up their campaigns, the next few months will be critical in shaping the political narrative leading up to the elections.