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The June 27 debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump marked a turning point in the race, leading to Biden's exit from the campaign on July 21.
As ABC reports, now, Vice President Kamala Harris has stepped up as the Democratic nominee, and she’s ahead of Trump in the polls. Her rise suggests she’s addressing concerns that voters had about Biden's candidacy.
As Harris and Trump prepare for Tuesday’s debate in Philadelphia, Harris enters with climbing approval ratings and a slight lead. The debate is a key moment, especially as more undecided voters are expected to tune in.
Polling data paints a positive picture for Harris. Her approval rating sits at 46%, compared to Trump’s 43%. In a recent ABC News/Ipsos poll, 56% of adults rated Harris's campaign as excellent or good, while only 41% said the same about Trump. However, Trump still holds an advantage on some of the top issues, such as inflation and immigration.
Harris’s favorability has surged since Biden dropped out, but her momentum has slowed in recent weeks. Expectations for her performance are high, with 43% of voters predicting she’ll win the debate, compared to 37% for Trump.
On key issues, Trump has the upper hand when it comes to the economy and immigration, leading by 8 and 9 points, respectively. Harris, on the other hand, holds a strong lead on topics like abortion and race relations, but those issues rank lower in voter priorities.
Voters will also be watching how both candidates present themselves. Harris is viewed as more honest and trustworthy than Trump, and polls show she’s seen as having better physical health and mental sharpness. This could be an important factor, as Harris is about 20 years younger than Trump.
Tuesday’s debate will be a major moment in the race. With the election coming up quickly, the outcome could shape whether Harris solidifies her lead or Trump regains ground in their first head-to-head matchup.
[Information sourced from ABC]
