The 2024 presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is heating up, according to the latest polling from CBS News. The race remains a close contest, with both candidates having a chance to win. However, recent developments such as the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates and a decrease in gas prices have led to an uptick in the number of voters who believe the economy is in good shape. This positive economic outlook, coupled with a debate that voters perceived as favorable for Harris, has given her a slight edge in the battleground states and a 4-point lead nationally over Trump.
Harris’s support is strongest among voters who have a positive view of the national economy and their own financial situation. She also attracts voters who believe the economy is improving and those who have seen a decrease in gas prices in their area. Despite these gains, a significant portion of voters still do not believe the economy is in good shape, and many of these voters are siding with Trump.
One of the key challenges for Harris is narrowing the deficit with Trump among voters who prioritize the economy as a major factor in their decision-making. The recent debate seems to have helped solidify her support, particularly among those who said it made them more likely to vote for her and who had previously supported President Biden in 2020.
When it comes to the factors influencing voters’ decisions, there is a clear divide between those who prioritize personal qualities and those who prioritize policies. Harris is favored among voters who value personal likability, while the policy-focused voters are evenly split between her and Trump. Interestingly, many of Trump’s supporters do not view him favorably on a personal level but prioritize his policies over his personal qualities.
Trump’s base remains loyal to him, despite controversial statements he has made, such as the unfounded claims about immigrants eating pet dogs and cats. While most voters believe these claims are false, a majority of Trump supporters consider them to be at least partially true. This divisive issue reflects broader attitudes towards immigration, with Trump’s supporters generally viewing immigrants negatively and supporting harsh measures like mass deportation.
The issue of violence and threats to democracy is also a significant concern in the current political climate. There is a perception among voters that supporters of both parties engage in rhetoric that could encourage violence, with Trump’s recent assassination attempt in Florida potentially rallying support for him among his base. Both sides fear increased violence if their candidate loses, highlighting the tense and polarized nature of the political landscape.
Overall, both Trump and Harris supporters believe that the tone and civility in American politics have deteriorated, and there is a sense of democracy being under threat. These concerns have been persistent throughout the campaign and reflect a broader anxiety about the state of democracy in the country.
The CBS News/YouGov survey conducted with 3,129 registered voters nationwide provides valuable insights into the current political landscape. The margin of error for registered voters is ±2.2 points, and the battleground states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin are key areas to watch in the upcoming election. The survey underscores the high stakes of the 2024 presidential race and the deep divisions among American voters.
