Polls Favor Harris as Trump Campaign Unintentionally Exposes Itself

A new set of polls indicates that Vice President Kamala Harris is gaining significant ground against former President Donald Trump in critical swing states.

The latest USA Today/Suffolk University poll reveals Harris holding a five-point edge over Trump. This marks a notable eight-point turnaround from a previous survey in June, where President Joe Biden was at a disadvantage. Particularly striking is Harris’s remarkable 23-point lead among individuals earning $20,000 or less, a demographic where Trump previously led by three points.

While nationwide surveys can have limited significance due to the Electoral College system, Harris’s advancements in various battleground states suggest a shifting political landscape.

A Fox News poll also indicates that Harris is leading Trump by a single point in Arizona, by two points each in Georgia and Nevada, and is just one point behind in North Carolina. Trump had previously been ahead in these states during earlier surveys when he was still the leading Democratic contender.

Harris, alongside her running mate Tim Walz, is currently touring rural Georgia and recently hosted her first major rally in Atlanta. Shortly after announcing Walz as her running mate, she campaigned in Arizona and Nevada. In North Carolina, she delivered her first significant address focusing on economic and housing issues, which could potentially uplift her campaign given the significance of the gubernatorial race there.

If Harris were to secure victories in these four states, she may not necessarily need to win in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, or Michigan, although winning these states could increase her chances in the Midwest.

Another poll from Emerson College provides a slightly less favorable outlook but still shows Harris in a favorable position. It indicates she holds a slight edge in Georgia, Michigan, and Nevada, though she trails in Arizona, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, while being tied with Trump in Pennsylvania.

Trump’s campaign appears visibly concerned by these polling results. In response to the declining numbers, they released a statement criticizing Fox’s polling as “atrocious.”

“President Trump continues to outperform polling from past cycles,” the campaign asserted, noting that he is performing better now compared to where he was at this time in the 2020 election cycle in states like Arizona and Nevada.

The timing of this public relations effort comes as Trump finds himself navigating scrutiny surrounding his actions during a recent visit to Arlington National Cemetery with families of service members killed in a terrorist attack during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. In an attempt to manage the fallout, his running mate, JD Vance, suggested the media was exaggerating the issue, further complicating the narrative.

Republicans have long speculated that the favorable reception for Harris may soon diminish. However, her positive momentum and increased fundraising, paired with a strong support base, appear to be sustaining her popularity as she moves into this crucial phase of her campaign.

If Harris’s rise to the forefront of the ticket represented the initial stage, her choice of Walz as a running mate can be viewed as part of a “mini-primary” that led to an effective convention. As she enters this next phase of campaigning, a pivotal 68 days lie ahead.

This evening, Harris and Walz will hold a rally in Savannah, Georgia, with CNN airing a joint interview with the candidates—a crucial opportunity for Harris as it marks her first major news station interview since being named the Democratic nominee.

Historically, Harris has faced challenges in sit-down interviews, notably during her widely criticized NBC Nightly News interview in 2021. Nevertheless, this engagement offers her a chance to mend her relationship with the media.

Looking ahead, next week will see Harris embark on a tour through Detroit and Pittsburgh, cities known for their strong union presence, to capitalize on her backing from major labor organizations.

The subsequent week will feature one of the most significant moments of her campaign: a debate with Trump, followed by Walz’s debate with Vance. There remains speculation regarding Trump’s participation, creating a mix of anxiety and anticipation among his supporters. In response to Trump’s provocations, Harris expressed her intent for him to “say it to my face,” heightening public interest.

As early voting approaches in the swing states throughout September and October, Harris faces the challenge of keeping voter engagement steady, which is essential for maintaining momentum leading up to Election Day.

At present, the dynamic seems to favor Harris, and there are few indications that Trump has found a way to stem her momentum.