Recent surveys have unveiled a substantial lead for former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris in the hypothetical 2024 presidential matchup. This significant shift comes in the wake of President Joe Biden’s recent announcement that he would not seek reelection and instead endorsed Harris as his successor for the Democratic nomination.
Newsweek reported on an On Point Politics/SoCal Research survey conducted the day after Biden’s announcement. This poll surveyed 801 probable voters and revealed that Trump is leading Harris by a notable margin, with 51% of respondents indicating support for Trump and 43% for Harris. The remaining 6% of respondents were undecided. Interestingly, despite Harris’s campaign receiving a substantial influx of donations immediately after Biden’s withdrawal, her polling numbers have not shown significant improvement. This consistency in polling data echoes the findings of a similar survey conducted by On Point Politics/SoCal Research on July 17. In that poll, Trump was supported by 52% of voters compared to Harris’s 44%. At that time, Biden was still a contender, and he also trailed Trump by a small margin, with Trump receiving 51% of the support and Biden 45%.
Another survey by Morning Consult reinforced these findings, showing Trump ahead of Harris by a narrow margin of 47% to 45%. These consistent results underscore Trump’s strong position in the race, even as Harris steps into the spotlight as the potential Democratic nominee.
The endorsement of Harris by Biden, along with support from other prominent Democrats such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has been a key factor in her current position. Pelosi, a fellow Californian, emphasized her support for Harris, recalling the decision she made in 2020 to select Harris as Vice President as one of the most positive choices she made during her tenure. Pelosi’s call for party unity highlights the necessity for Democrats to rally behind Harris to effectively challenge Trump in the upcoming election.
However, Biden’s exit from the race has been shrouded in controversy. Frank Biden, one of the President’s younger brothers, publicly suggested that Joe Biden’s deteriorating health played a significant role in his decision to step aside. This statement, reported by CBS News, suggested that Biden’s health issues were a major factor in his decision not to seek reelection, making him the first incumbent president to withdraw from a reelection bid since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968.
In a twist, Biden’s family later distanced themselves from Frank’s comments, labeling him as unreliable due to personal issues, including allegations of alcoholism. They disputed Frank Biden’s claim, arguing that it did not reflect the true reasons behind the President’s decision. This family discord has added another layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
In the wake of Biden’s endorsement of Harris, Trump’s campaign swiftly launched a new ad targeting Harris’s performance, particularly focusing on her handling of the southern border. The ad opens with a provocative warning that it may disturb those who prefer not to confront criticisms of Harris and the Biden-Harris administration. It criticizes Harris’s role as “border czar” and highlights the administration’s perceived failure to manage the southern border effectively. The ad features a clip of Harris from an interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt, where she admitted she had not visited the border, a comment that has been used to criticize her handling of immigration issues.
The ad further emphasizes Harris’s distinctive laugh, which critics have often used to mock her responses to difficult questions. The ad claims that under Harris’s leadership, the number of illegal immigrants crossing the southern border has surged to unprecedented levels. It presents dramatic figures to underscore the severity of the situation, portraying Harris as ineffective in addressing the immigration crisis.
As the 2024 election approaches, the political landscape remains dynamic and contentious. Trump’s substantial lead in the polls presents a significant challenge for Harris, who must navigate both the endorsement and criticisms to solidify her position as the Democratic nominee. The ongoing scrutiny of Biden’s decision to withdraw and the subsequent attack ads from Trump’s campaign add to the complexity of the electoral race.
In summary, the recent polls reflect a strong lead for Donald Trump over Kamala Harris, highlighting the challenges Harris faces as she steps into the role of the potential Democratic nominee. The endorsement from Biden and support from key Democratic figures are counterbalanced by controversies and criticisms surrounding Biden’s exit and Harris’s performance. As the race for the presidency heats up, both candidates will need to address these challenges head-on to secure their positions and appeal to the electorate in the 2024 election.