Former US President Donald Trump is currently ahead by a narrow margin over Vice President Kamala Harris in the ongoing race for the White House, according to recent polling conducted by both Wall Street Journal and Forbes/HarrisX. The latest polls showcase Trump’s lead despite Vice President Harris gaining momentum after becoming the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race and his subsequent endorsement of Harris.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll released at the beginning of this week indicated a two-point lead for Kamala Harris over Trump. However, more recent surveys have shown a reversal in this ratio. The Wall Street Journal survey published last Friday revealed Trump holding a slim advantage with 49% to Harris’s 47. This particular poll was conducted between July 23rd and 25th and included the responses of 1,000 registered voters.
Similarly, an online poll carried out by Forbes/HarrisX between Monday and Wednesday also revealed a two-point gap in favor of Trump, who received 47% support compared to Harris’s 45. This survey involved 3,013 registered voters and additionally highlighted overwhelming support (81%) for Biden’s decision to step down from the race.
According to HarrisX CEO Dritan Nesho, Vice President Kamala Harris has been successful in energizing the Democratic base, expanding her lead among suburban women, and closing the gap with independent voters. However, she is still facing challenges in garnering support from African American men, while Trump enjoys a more consolidated voter base overall.
Nesho further argued that Biden’s decision to withdraw his candidacy has made the race “competitive” again. President Joe Biden announced the end of his reelection campaign on July 21st amid growing concerns among Democrats and party donors regarding his declining health and ability to defeat Trump in November. Initially defiant, Biden maintained that stepping down was a necessary move given the high stakes of the election: “Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition,” he stated during his address from the Oval Office on Wednesday.
In the wake of President Joe Biden’s endorsement, Kamala Harris’ campaign has experienced a surge in donations, receiving $81 million in contributions within the first 24 hours following Biden’s announcement. It is anticipated that the Democratic Party will officially nominate Harris during their convention scheduled for next month.