WASHINGTON, USA: Recent polls signal a challenging road ahead for Vice President Kamala Harris as she prepares for a pivotal presidential debate. A New York Times/Siena College poll released Sunday shows former President Trump leading by one point nationally and tight races in seven battleground states. This indicates that the election outcome remains uncertain and that Harris’s “honeymoon” period as the Democratic nominee may be ending.
While 90% of voters feel they know everything about Trump, only 71% say the same about Harris, suggesting she has more to prove in the debate. The debate will be one of the largest audiences of the campaign season, presenting an opportunity for Harris to solidify her support base and sway undecided voters. The stakes are high, as polls show Trump maintaining strength despite his controversial presidency and legal troubles.
Democratic strategists express concern over the polling data. “We’re up against a guy who is a convicted felon… and this race is still tight as a tick,” one strategist said, emphasizing the lack of a post-convention boost for Harris. Despite this, others see the poll as a “wake-up call” for Democrats. Anthony Coley, a Democratic strategist, called it a “gift” to motivate the party to rally around Harris.
The upcoming debate is seen as a critical moment for Harris. Polling analyst Nate Silver noted a shift in momentum from Harris to Trump, partly due to Republican efforts to paint her as too progressive. The New York Times poll shows 44% of those surveyed think Harris is too progressive, while only 32% think Trump is too conservative. Silver critiqued Harris’s vice-presidential pick of Tim Walz, suggesting that selecting Josh Shapiro could have signaled a more centrist direction.
Despite the challenges, Harris’s campaign remains financially robust. She nearly tripled Trump’s fundraising in August, bringing in $361 million. Democratic strategist Christy Setzer argued that the polls showing a close race are not cause for alarm, emphasizing Harris’s success in energizing her base and raising funds. Joel Payne, another strategist, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the expanded paths to 270 electoral votes for Harris since she entered the race.
Looking ahead, Democrats stress that Harris must focus on her policy platforms, particularly the economy, a top concern for voters. Some Democrats believe she does not need to increase media appearances, despite criticism for not engaging more with the press. With early voting beginning in several states, the coming weeks are crucial for Harris to define her candidacy and win over undecided voters.
