Kamala Harris Leads with 49% to Donald Trump’s 45%; Poll Indicates a Tight Race for November
US Vice President Kamala Harris holds a narrow lead over former President Donald Trump in the latest Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll, with Harris at 49% and Trump at 45%. This four-point advantage marks a significant boost for Democrats as they prepare for their national convention, which starts tonight. Harris will formally accept her nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate during the event.
Polling Details and Third-Party Impact
Including third-party candidates in the poll, Harris is at 47%, Trump at 44%, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at 5%. In contrast, last month’s poll showed Trump with a slight lead at 43%, compared to Biden’s 42% and Kennedy’s 9%.
Swing States and Election Outlook
Despite Harris’s current lead, the poll suggests a closely contested race in November. Key swing states—Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada—will be crucial for both candidates. Public polls indicate that Harris has gained traction in nearly all these states since President Biden withdrew from the race.
Impact of Biden’s Withdrawal
Biden’s exit from the race followed a poor performance in a debate against Trump, which led to pressure from Democratic leaders and donors for him to step down. On July 21, Biden endorsed Harris as his successor for the Democratic nomination.
Upcoming Democratic Convention
The Democrats aim to solidify Harris’s lead as they head into their convention tonight. Key figures endorsing Harris include former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton, as well as the outgoing President Joe Biden.
