Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has gained a significant edge over Republican rival Donald Trump in three critical battleground states, according to a recent New York Times/Siena College poll released on Saturday. The survey indicates that Harris commands 50 percent support among voters in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, compared to Trump’s 46 percent in each state.
This boost for Harris comes on the heels of her campaign launch, following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race last month due to concerns about his age and ability to serve another term.Since officially entering the race, Harris has secured strong backing from key Democratic voter segments, including young people and people of color, as well as significant support from donors and top party lawmakers.
Harris’s recent selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice-presidential running mate has further energized the Democratic ticket. However, Harris’s stance on the Gaza conflict has sparked controversy. During a rally in Detroit this week, she faced protests demanding an end to the war. In response, Harris told demonstrators, “You know what, if you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, I’m speaking,” which drew criticism from Palestinian rights advocates.
At a subsequent rally in Arizona, Harris adopted a more conciliatory tone amid protests over Gaza. “The president and I are working around the clock every day to get that ceasefire deal done and bring the hostages home. I respect your voices, but we are here to now talk about the race in 2024,” she stated.
Advocates have urged Harris to distance herself from Biden’s strong support for Israel and end arms shipments to the ally amid ongoing conflict.
On the Republican side, Trump has continued to criticize Harris and Walz. In a lengthy press conference on Thursday, Trump dismissed them as weak candidates and claimed they were already falling in the polls. He expressed regret over not facing Biden in the election, suggesting Biden was unjustly removed from the Democratic ticket. Trump’s campaign has labeled the Harris-Walz ticket as “every American’s nightmare,” with Trump personally attacking Harris’s intelligence and background. “She’s not doing any news conferences,” Trump said. “She doesn’t know how to do a news conference. She’s not smart enough to do a news conference.”
As the 2024 election approaches, the dynamics in these key battleground states will likely play a crucial role in shaping the outcome.