WASHINGTON, DC (NV) – Former President Donald Trump’s campaign advantage over Vice President Kamala Harris on the economy and crime is eroding among U.S. voters, a sign the Democratic vice president’s campaign is gaining momentum ahead of the Nov. 5 presidential election, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll.
The three-day poll, conducted from August 23 to 25, found that 43 percent of registered voters approved of Trump’s economic and jobs policies, compared with 40 percent who viewed Harris’ policies favorably. The 3-point difference is too small to be taken seriously, given the poll’s 4-point margin of error. A Reuters/Ipsos poll in late July showed Trump with an 11-point advantage on the economy.
On crime and corruption, Harris and Trump are neck and neck with 40% support each, showing that Harris is gaining more support from voters than she did when she trailed Trump by 5 points in a July poll.
Recent national polls have shown Harris slowly building a small lead over Trump since she entered the race on July 21 after President Joe Biden dropped out. A Reuters/Ipsos poll in late July showed Harris up 1 point, 43% to 42%.
It remains to be seen how independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to drop out on Friday will affect the campaign. Kennedy, who had drawn about 8 percent of voters’ support in a July poll, has now backed Trump.
Trump’s campaign speeches have often criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the economy, as families continue to struggle with years of rising inflation. Harris has pledged to rein in prices through efforts like cracking down on price gouging at grocery stores.
The new poll found the economy was the issue that concerned 26% of registered voters the most, compared with 22% who expressed concern about political extremism and threats to democracy and 13% who were concerned about immigration.
Voters chose Harris over Trump on extremism, 42% to 36%. Trump had the edge on immigration policy, with 45% of voters choosing him compared to Harris’ 37%.
Neither candidate is highly liked by voters, with 59% of voters saying they have an unfavorable view of Trump and 52% saying they have an unfavorable view of Harris. Harris has a favorable view of 47% of voters, compared to Trump’s 39%.
The poll collected online responses from 1,028 adults across the United States, including 902 registered voters. (TTHN)