After President Joe Biden’s departure from the re-election race and endorsement of Kamala Harris, a Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Harris leading Donald Trump by 44% to 42%, a two-percentage-point advantage. This contrasts with Biden’s previous two-point deficit against Trump.
The poll, conducted after the Republican National Convention where Trump accepted his nomination and Biden announced his exit, reflects Harris’s slight edge within the 3-percentage-point margin of error. Earlier polls had shown a tie or slight Trump lead.
Read more: Trump Claims That Defeating Kamala Harris Would Be Easier Than Defeating Biden
Although nationwide polls are significant, key states often determine the Electoral College outcome. Trump’s campaign downplayed the poll’s findings, suggesting Harris’s boost might be temporary due to media coverage.
Typically, candidates expect a rise in support following party nomination conventions, but the poll did not indicate a significant bump for Trump. The results support Biden’s decision to step down and Harris’s new candidacy.
Harris is perceived as more astute compared to Biden and Trump
Approximately 56% of registered voters believe Kamala Harris, 59, is “mentally sharp and able to handle challenges,” while 49% view Donald Trump, 78, similarly. Only 22% think Joe Biden, 81, possesses these qualities.
Biden ended his re-election bid after a debate where he struggled to counter Trump’s attacks effectively. Among Democratic voters, 80% favor Biden, compared to 91% who favor Harris. Three-quarters of Democrats support rallying behind Harris, while only a quarter believe in multiple candidates competing for the nomination.
In a hypothetical ballot including independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Harris led Trump 42% to 38%, with Kennedy garnering 8% support. Harris recently campaigned in Wisconsin, receiving backing from key party figures.
Attention now shifts to her choice for a running mate. The poll revealed limited voter awareness of potential candidates for the position. The survey, which included 1,241 U.S. adults, found varying levels of familiarity with these candidates.
