Harris Gains Edge Over Trump in Latest Presidential Poll
Vice President Kamala Harris leads former President Donald Trump by 5 points in a recent poll, with voters favoring her debate performance. The survey highlights the importance of battleground states in the upcoming election.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates that Kamala Harris has gained a slight advantage over Donald Trump in the race for the U.S. presidency. The survey, conducted over two days and concluding on September 12, 2024, shows the Democratic Vice President leading her Republican opponent by 47% to 42% among registered voters.
This poll, which surveyed 1,690 U.S. adults including 1,405 registered voters, comes in the wake of a debate between the two candidates that took place on September 10. Among those who were aware of the debate, 53% believed Harris emerged victorious, while 24% favored Trump's performance. Notably, 52% of respondents perceived Trump as less sharp during the debate, compared to 21% who held a similar view of Harris.
The Electoral College, established by the U.S. Constitution in 1787, plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of presidential elections. With 538 electors in total, a candidate needs to secure 270 electoral votes to claim victory. This system underscores the significance of battleground states, where the major political parties have comparable levels of support.
It's worth noting that Harris, who became the first woman, first African American, and first Asian American vice president in 2021, has been actively participating in debates, a practice that has been a regular feature of U.S. presidential campaigns since 1976. On the other hand, Trump, who served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021, faces the challenge of regaining his political footing.
While national surveys provide valuable insights into voter sentiment, the state-by-state results ultimately determine the winner. The U.S. employs a "winner-take-all" system in most states, where the candidate who wins the popular vote in a state receives all of that state's electoral votes. This system has been in place since the concept of "battleground states" gained prominence in American politics during the 1960s.
As the November 5, 2024, election approaches, both candidates will likely focus their efforts on these key battleground states. The outcome of this election will not only determine the next president but also shape the future of America's two-party dominant political system, which has long been characterized by the competition between Democrats and Republicans.
