Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, has taken a slight lead over her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, according to a new poll by the New York Times and Siena College. The survey indicates that Harris is currently at 49% of nationwide support, compared to Trump's 46%. This marks a shift from a previous poll in mid-September where both candidates were tied at 47%. Despite the national lead, the U.S. presidential election hinges on the Electoral College, where 270 votes are required for victory, and the outcome is often determined by a few key swing states.
Harris has strategically targeted moderate Republicans who are dissatisfied with the prospect of a second Trump term. Her campaign efforts included a joint appearance with former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney, known for her criticism of Trump. Harris has also expressed intentions to include a Republican in her cabinet if she wins.
This shift in support comes after Harris took over as the Democratic nominee following Joe Biden's withdrawal for health and age-related reasons. As part of her campaign strategy, Harris has increased her media presence to improve voter engagement, addressing earlier concerns about her visibility.
While national polls favor Harris, the race remains tight in crucial swing states like Pennsylvania, where both candidates are investing significantly in their campaigns. Trump's team is spending heavily on advertising, while Harris maintains a slight advantage in these battlegrounds. The election's outcome is expected to be decided in these competitive states, where voter preferences are closely divided.
