AS THE 2024 US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION loom just 100 days away, the political landscape is charged with intensity and unpredictability. The key players—Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are embarking on rigorous campaigns, each representing starkly contrasting visions for the nation’s future.
Vice President Kamala Harris has taken centre stage as the Democratic nominee following President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek re-election. Her campaign has recently intensified, particularly around the issue of abortion rights. In a recent event in Arizona, Harris directly blamed Trump for the rollback of abortion rights, stating, “Former President Donald Trump did this,” referencing his role in appointing conservative justices who overturned Roe v. Wade. This issue has become a focal point for Harris, aiming to mobilise voters who are concerned about reproductive rights and health care access.
Harris’ strategy involves linking state-level restrictions on abortion to Trump’s influence, hoping to highlight the real-world consequences of his judicial appointments. This approach seeks to resonate with voters in battleground states where recent court decisions have dramatically altered the legal landscape regarding abortion.
Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, has framed his campaign around a promise to restore the country to what he considers its former greatness. Despite legal challenges and controversies, Trump’s support base remains fervent and loyal. His recent rally in Michigan underscored his focus on economic issues, immigration, and law and order. Trump has also commented on the abortion debate, criticizing extreme state laws while maintaining that abortion regulations should be decided at the state level, a stance aimed at appealing to moderate voters.
Trump’s rhetoric continues to polarise, as he leverages his track record and ongoing legal battles to present himself as a political outsider fighting against a supposedly corrupt establishment. This narrative is designed to energise his base while attempting to win over undecided voters by portraying himself as a victim of partisan attacks.
According to recent polling data, the race remains tight. An average of national polls shows Trump with a slight lead over Harris, typically within the margin of error. For instance, RealClearPolitics’ latest aggregation indicates Trump leading Harris by approximately 1.5 percentage points. However, specific polls such as a recent Morning Consult survey conducted between July 22 and 24 show Harris slightly ahead with 46% support compared to Trump’s 45%.
State-level polling presents a more nuanced picture. Key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona are still very much in play, with polls showing a near even split or slight leads fluctuating between the two candidates. In states such as Pennsylvania and Georgia, the competition remains particularly fierce, highlighting the importance of voter turnout and engagement in these areas.
Harris’ campaign is heavily focused on progressive issues such as reproductive rights, climate change, and social justice, aiming to build a broad coalition of young voters, minorities, and suburban women. In contrast, Trump’s campaign is rooted in economic nationalism, deregulation, and a tough stance on immigration, appealing to working-class whites and rural voters.
