Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photos By (L) Anna Moneymaker; (R) Spencer Platt
With the presidential race heating up, Vice President Kamala Harris is gearing up for a critical debate against Donald Trump, a showdown that could define the course of the 2024 election. After President Joe Biden’s debate misstep in June, Harris took the lead for the Democratic nomination, and ever since, she has gained momentum in both fundraising and rally attendance.
However, while national polls show her leading Trump, the margin narrows significantly in key battleground states. According to The Guardian’s national poll tracker, Harris holds a 47.5% lead compared to Trump’s 43.9%. While this may suggest a national edge, it might not be enough to secure the crucial Electoral College votes needed to win.
As Politico reporter Steven Shepard pointed out, with the Republicans holding an advantage in the Electoral College, the race feels like a “knife fight in a phone booth.” Harris’ lead has shown signs of slipping, particularly as the crucial debate with Trump approaches.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the challenge Harris faces, stating that her main focus will be “to make sure Americans understand the difference in visions and are reminded that they already agree with her on the issues that matter most to them.”
He added, “It will take almost super-human focus and discipline to deal with Donald Trump. It’s no ordinary proposition.” The stakes are high for Harris, as her polling numbers have dipped since Robert F. Kennedy Jr. exited the race last month. According to James Johnson, co-founder of the polling firm JL Partners, “The honeymoon is over for Harris.
As reported by The Telegraph, She peaked a week before the DNC. There was a sense of relief when she took over from Biden and managed to energize people who weren’t impressed by him. But since RFK dropped out of the race, shoring up voters for Trump, Harris’ position has been flagging.”
Johnson stressed the significance of Tuesday’s debate, noting, “The debates really matter. It all hangs on Tuesday.” This sentiment is echoed by Christina Harvey, executive director of Stand Up America, who highlighted the importance of these debates in shaping the election. She told USA Today, “What happened in June demonstrates just how important debates still are in a presidential election.
It will be important because these two candidates have such a different promise and vision for America’s future.” With the debate looming and polls tightening, Harris faces a critical test that could either solidify her path to victory or give Trump the opening he needs to reclaim ground.
