Harris Gains Edge Over Trump in Latest Poll, Energizing Democratic Base

A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals Kamala Harris leading Donald Trump by 4 percentage points among registered voters, signaling a shift in the U.S. presidential race. The survey, conducted over eight days ending August 29, 2024, shows Harris with 45% support compared to Trump's 41%.

Harris's campaign has gained momentum, particularly among key demographic groups. The poll indicates a 13-point lead for Harris among both women and Hispanic voters, with 49% support compared to Trump's 36%. This represents a significant increase from previous polls, where Harris held a 9-point lead among women and a 6-point lead among Hispanic voters.

While Trump maintains his advantage among white voters and men, his lead among voters without a college degree has narrowed to 7 points, down from 14 points in July. The electoral landscape remains competitive, with Trump holding a slight edge in seven crucial swing states that were closely contested in the 2020 election.

The poll reveals a surge in Democratic enthusiasm, with 73% of registered Democratic voters expressing increased excitement about voting in November following Harris's entry into the race. This enthusiasm contrasts with earlier polls that showed many Biden supporters primarily motivated by opposition to Trump.

Aimee Allison, founder of She the People, commented on the shift: "We see it in this poll that people are more motivated about the future than the past. They see Kamala Harris as the future, and Republicans see this election as just about Trump."

On key policy issues, voters favored Trump's approach to managing the U.S. economy by 45% to 36%. However, Harris held a significant advantage on abortion policy, leading Trump 47% to 31%. The abortion issue remains salient for many voters, with 41% expressing concern about the possibility of a national abortion ban under the next president.

"It's obvious that running against Harris is more challenging for Trump given the shift in these numbers, but it's certainly not insurmountable."

The poll, which surveyed 4,253 U.S. adults, including 3,562 registered voters, has a margin of error of 2 percentage points. It's worth noting that the survey period partially overlapped with the Democratic National Convention, where Harris formally accepted her party's nomination.

As the November 5, 2024 election approaches, both campaigns will likely intensify their efforts in battleground states, where the Electoral College system ultimately determines the winner. The race remains fluid, with Harris's recent gains demonstrating the potential for significant shifts in voter sentiment in the coming months.