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Trump leads Harris in key swing states, poll reveals

Poll shows Trump ahead in battleground states, Harris faces scrutiny

Recent national polling reveals that swing-state voters show stronger support for Donald Trump compared to the general population, shedding light on his chances against Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. Conducted from 11-13 October, the Harvard-Harris survey indicates that while the vice president holds a slim overall lead among 2,596 likely voters, the scenario shifts among 898 battleground voters in seven pivotal states.

In Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—states collectively holding 93 electoral votes—Trump leads 48% to Harris’s 46%, with 6% undecided or leaning towards a third-party candidate. Independent voters in these states favour Trump 44% to 40%. Those who have already decided overwhelmingly back Trump, 52% to 47%, while Harris finds more support among undecided voters, 41% to 28%, with 31% still unsure.

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Trump’s appeal to traditionally Democratic strongholds and demographics is notable. He garners 42% support among urban voters, challenging the notion that Republicans struggle in big cities. His support among black voters has increased to 22%, a significant rise from 13% four years ago and 12% in his 2016 win. Additionally, Trump ties with Harris among college-educated voters at 49%, a demographic that has typically supported her.

Trump is also performing well with early voters. Republicans and GOP-leaning independents appear more comfortable voting before Election Day, reversing a Democratic advantage seen during the 2020 pandemic election. While Harris leads the overall early vote by 8 points, Trump edges her 48% to 47% in the battleground states. This cycle, Democrats hold a 7-point advantage in early voting, down from a 19-point lead in 2020.

Voters express concerns about Harris’s recent interviews, including a heavily edited “60 Minutes” segment. A significant 85% of voters, including a vast majority from all political affiliations, want the full transcript released. This sentiment spans 88% of Republicans, 87% of Democrats, and 80% of independents, highlighting dissatisfaction with the Biden-Harris administration’s stance on Israel’s regional conflicts.

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Independents are particularly critical of Harris’s media strategy, which includes light-hearted interviews with shows like “Call Her Daddy” and Howard Stern. Fifty-four percent of unaligned voters believe these interviews have harmed her image, with 55% questioning her readiness for the presidency—a concerning sign for her campaign.

As the election approaches, these numbers suggest challenges for Harris, as her campaign’s optimistic message faces mounting scrutiny and anxiety, raising doubts about her capability to handle the presidency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions asked about this news

How is Trump doing in swing states compared to Harris?

Trump leads Harris 48% to 46% among swing-state voters.

What percentage of independent voters in battleground states support Trump?

44% of independent voters in battleground states support Trump.

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How much support does Trump have among black voters?

Trump has 22% support among black voters.

What is the public opinion on Harris’s recent interviews?

85% of voters want the full transcript of Harris’s ’60 Minutes’ interview released.

How do early voters in battleground states lean?

In battleground states, Trump leads early voters 48% to 47%.

Jamie Cartwright

"Jamie is a keen traveler, writer, and (English) teacher. A few years after finishing school in the East Mids, UK, he went traveling around South America and Asia. Several teaching and writing jobs, he found himself at The Thaiger where he mostly covers international news and events. "

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