The 2024 U.S. presidential election is heating up as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump make their push for the White House. With only days left until Election Day, new polls reveal Harris holding narrow advantages over Trump, and both candidates are mobilizing their supporters across the nation.
Two national polls released recently indicate the competitive nature of the race. A CBS News/YouGov poll shows Harris leading Trump by one point, with results at 50% to 49% among likely voters. Meanwhile, the ABC News/Ipsos poll presents Harris with a more substantial edge of four points, recording 51% to Trump’s 47%.
These results reflect the close contest, especially as both candidates focus their efforts on key swing states where voter turnout could be pivotal. Harris is capitalizing on issues like the economy and reproductive rights, which resonate strongly with many voters, particularly women. Conversely, Trump continues to push his agenda centered on immigration and inflation, stressing the challenges he believes are facing the U.S. today.
Harris’s support among female voters has emerged as a significant factor driving her leads. The CBS poll reported her with a notable 12-point advantage (55% to 43%) over Trump among likely female voters. This is complemented by the earlier ABC poll indicating Harris leads among women by 14 points (56% to 42%). With female voters increasingly showing support for Harris, she campaigns with affirmations of her leadership potential.
To add to her momentum, former First Lady Michelle Obama recently rallied alongside Harris, urging women to reject Trump's more divisive approach. Speaking during her appearance, Obama pointed out the stakes at play: "If we don't get this election right, your wife, your daughter, your mother—we as women will become collateral damage to your rage," she stated, emphasizing the need for unity against restrictive policies.
The current polling dynamics highlight the growing gender gap. While Harris is managing to energize women voters substantially, Trump holds favorable support among men, particularly white males. The CBS poll indicated Trump leads among male voters by nine points (54% to 45%). He also received backing from 64% of male registered voters who believe he would be effective as president. Notably, views on Trump vary significantly among female respondents, splitting evenly at 50% for both strong and weak leadership opinions.
The election approaches amid a backdrop of rising tension and partisan divides. Trump's rhetoric continues to focus on immigration issues, promising stringent measures and declaring Mexican manufacturers responsible for job loss. His plans hinted at potential tariffs on vehicles manufactured in Mexico, with estimates stating up to 200% or even 2000%, jeopardizing the U.S.-Mexico trade agreements made during previous administrations.
Harris’s platform, meanwhile, includes promises to bolster reproductive rights—an increasingly important theme since the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade. With these legislative changes, concern for women's rights has surfaced prominently among voters, particularly mothers, and young people. Harris hopes to galvanize this demographic’s turnout, aiming to solidify the base she needs to win on Election Day.
The race's intensity captures the essence of the political climate leading up to the election. Both candidates are driving home their positions on key issues such as trade, healthcare, and public safety, each presenting contrasting visions for America's future. The stakes couldn't be higher as the results of this election could shape policy direction for years to come.
Beyond the immediate policies, the election is likely to determine the overall economic outlook, especially for neighboring Mexico, with both Harris and Trump presenting diverging strategies for handling U.S.-Mexico relations. Economic analysts assert the election outcome being pivotal for Mexico’s market, as it scrambles to navigate the potential changes under either administration.
Harris's approach appears collaborative when assessing trade agreements, whereas Trump's historical stance could implement pressure tactics, such as tariffs, to negotiate immigration and security, which would have ripple effects on both nations' economies. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, undergoing review by 2026, presents another battleground where the candidates are likely to showcase their distinct visions.
The upcoming election is about more than just two candidates; it encapsulates the polarization of the American political scene. With the backdrop of economic uncertainty and polarized opinions, the American public's reaction will dictate the winner as both candidates seek to connect with voters on deeply personal and pressing issues. What remains clear is the undeniable impact women voters will have as election day approaches.
