U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. August 20, 2024 and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Bedminster, New Jersey, U.S., August 15, 2024 are seen in a combination of file photographs. REUTERS/Marco Bello, Jeenah Moon/File Photo
Trump and Harris Tied in Battleground States, Trump Holds Edge on Foreign Policy, Poll Shows
A recent Wall Street Journal opinion poll of voters in seven key battleground states revealed a tight race between former Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the November 5 presidential election. The poll, conducted between September 28 and October 8, surveyed 600 registered voters in each state, with a margin of error of 4 percentage points. It showed Trump and Harris tied overall across the seven states, with each candidate gaining marginal leads in individual states.
State-by-State Results:
- Harris leads by 2 percentage points in Arizona, Georgia, and Michigan.
- Trump leads by 6 points in Nevada and 1 point in Pennsylvania.
- The two are tied in North Carolina and Wisconsin.
The results reflect a highly competitive race in swing states, which are likely to determine the outcome of the election, as the Electoral College system plays a decisive role in U.S. presidential contests.
Trump Favored on Foreign Policy
One of the poll’s most notable findings was that voters in these battleground states trust Trump more than Harris when it comes to handling major international conflicts. Specifically:
- Russia’s war in Ukraine: 50% of voters believe Trump would better manage the situation compared to 39% for Harris.
- Israel-Hamas war: Trump holds a 48% to 33% advantage over Harris on this issue.
This suggests that voters perceive Trump as having stronger foreign policy credentials, particularly in conflict zones.
Divisions on Domestic Issues
When it comes to domestic issues, the poll revealed contrasting voter preferences:
- Trump leads on issues such as the economy and immigration, areas that have been central to his political messaging.
- Harris is seen as more capable on issues like housing, healthcare, and caring for people like them, indicating that voters resonate more with her policies aimed at improving quality of life and addressing social concerns.
A Tight Race in the Electoral College
While the poll shows both candidates tied overall in these critical swing states, Harris would likely secure a narrow majority in the Electoral College if she holds on to the states where she currently has a slight edge. However, with Trump’s leads in states like Nevada and Pennsylvania, the race remains highly uncertain.
Given that swing state voters will play a crucial role in determining the next president, this poll highlights how closely contested the 2024 election is shaping up to be, with foreign policy and domestic concerns both weighing heavily on voters’ minds.
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