Vice President Kamala Harris has eradicated former President Donald Trump’s lead in seven key battleground states, according to the latest Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll. The survey reveals Harris is polling better than President Joe Biden was before he exited the race.
Harris now stands at 48% support compared to Trump’s 47%, a virtual tie in the swing states crucial for the upcoming November election. This marks an improvement over Biden’s prior two-point deficit against Trump. Notably, Harris has surpassed Trump in Arizona and Nevada and significantly increased Biden’s previous lead in Michigan.
The data indicates Harris may have a better chance of reassembling the voter coalition that led Barack Obama to the presidency, providing a clearer path to victory than Biden, who struggled to energize the Democratic base. The poll suggests that the Democratic Party's bold move to replace Biden is yielding positive results.
Despite the close race, Harris is experiencing a surge in enthusiasm, particularly among young, Black, and Hispanic voters. Over one-third of voters in the battleground states expressed increased likelihood to vote with Harris in the race, with numbers rising to 49% and 44% among Black and Hispanic voters, respectively. Nearly two-thirds of Black voters reported being more motivated to vote in November.
“Kamala moves the needle. People are excited,” said Robert Banks, a 47-year-old Black voter from Marietta, Georgia. Banks, who initially supported Biden, expressed relief at having Harris as the nominee, stating, “We can’t go through four more years of [Trump].”
Harris’ appeal among minority voters poses a significant challenge for the Trump campaign, which has aimed to attract young Black and Hispanic men to expand its support base. Trump’s attempts to define Harris without appearing racist or sexist have so far been ineffective, especially given his legal troubles.
The new dynamic between Harris and Trump could alter strategies for both campaigns. Harris’ candidacy has improved Democratic prospects in Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia, offering more potential paths to victory. However, she still faces challenges in northern industrial states, with Trump maintaining a lead in Pennsylvania. As Harris considers her choice for running mate, these factors will be crucial in shaping her campaign strategy.
