The 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be a tight race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, with both candidates locked in a battle for key battleground states. As they prepare for their first debate on Tuesday, a new CBS News poll reveals that Harris holds an edge in the “excitement factor” among voters in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
According to the poll, a significant majority of Democrats in these states – 89% in Michigan, 82% in Pennsylvania, and 87% in Wisconsin – express excitement about Harris’ campaign. In comparison, Republicans are less enthusiastic about Trump, with 78% in Michigan, 75% in Pennsylvania, and 76% in Wisconsin reporting excitement about his campaign.
The dynamics of the race shifted following President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the campaign in July, leading to a reshuffling of the Democratic ticket. Democrats are now working to maintain the momentum and excitement generated by the change as they head towards the November election.
Despite the enthusiasm among Democratic voters, Trump maintains a lead in certain key issues, particularly the economy and inflation. A national survey conducted before Harris formally accepted the nomination highlighted the excitement among Democrats for the vice president, with a surge in voter turnout since her nomination. The Harris campaign also reported impressive fundraising numbers, raising $540 million in August, nearly triple the amount raised by Trump.
One notable shift in voter perception since the last election is the view of cognitive and mental health in the candidates. In all three battleground states, Harris is seen as having the cognitive and mental health to serve, with larger margins than Trump. This contrasts with previous polling that showed a higher percentage of voters believing Trump had the necessary cognitive abilities.
As the campaign intensifies, the Harris team is working to manage expectations, acknowledging the challenges ahead despite the positive indicators of enthusiasm and support. Campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon emphasized the need for hard work and determination, recognizing the uphill battle they face as they enter the final stretch of the race.
The upcoming debate between Trump and Harris will be a critical moment in the campaign, offering voters a chance to hear directly from the candidates on their policies and visions for the country. Both candidates will be looking to make a strong impression and sway undecided voters in the key battleground states.
In the lead-up to the debate, both campaigns are ramping up their efforts to connect with voters and make their case for why they should be elected. With the race tightening in crucial states, every interaction and message from the candidates could make a significant impact on the outcome of the election.
As the election draws nearer, the focus will be on mobilizing supporters, reaching out to undecided voters, and making a compelling case for why their candidate is the best choice for the country. The stakes are high, and the outcome of the 2024 presidential election will have far-reaching implications for the future of the United States.
