Staff Reports
In yet another shining example of how the media can twist perceptions, a recent poll shows former President Donald Trump outperforming Vice President Kamala Harris on foreign policy issues in key battleground states, even if she feels secure nationally. In a survey conducted by the Institute for Global Affairs and YouGov, Harris claims a national lead of 53% to 47% when respondents were asked which candidate would craft a foreign policy that benefits them personally. However, in crucial swing states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, Trump turns the tables with a 53% to 47% lead over her.
The divide is particularly pronounced in the Rust Belt, where Trump pulls ahead of Harris 51% to 49% in states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Meanwhile, in the Sun Belt states of Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada, his edge is a tad more comfortable at 52% to 48%. The irony here is palpable. Harris may have a national following, but when the rubber meets the road in battleground states, voters seem to recognize that Trump might have a better grasp on their foreign policy concerns.
🚨 JUST IN: Trump holds wide lead on top issues over Harris in new CNN national poll
🔴 ECONOMY: Trump+11 (50%-39%)
🔴 IMMIGRATION: Trump+14 (49%-35%)
🔴 FOREIGN POLICY: Trump+7 (47%-40%)CNN | Sept. 19-22 | N-2,074LV
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 24, 2024
When tackling the question of who would be a “strong leader who advances America’s interests internationally,” a category where Harris leads Trump nationally 52% to 48%, Trump still finds a way to outshine her in the swing states with a 54% to 46% lead. And when asked about improving America’s international reputation, Harris may have the upper hand at 52% to 47% nationally. Still, once again, Trump flips the narrative among crucial voters, leading by 51% to 49% in those battleground regions.
The poll also suggests that a good number of voters believe Trump is more capable than Harris of bringing an end to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. This belief is reflected in the numbers, with Trump holding a 51% to 49% advantage on Ukraine and even more impressive 58% to 42% on Gaza. It’s clear that many Americans trust Trump to be the decisive leader capable of bringing peace. In another striking piece of data, when asked about effectively responding to a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan, Trump again leads both nationally and in swing states, scoring 53% to 47% and 58% to 42%, respectively.
As the political landscape shifts and Joe Biden prepares for his supposed grand finale speech at the United Nations, this polling data highlights a distinct gap between elite political perceptions and the sentiments of everyday voters. In a touching moment of irony, Harris may have some international support if recent events are any indication. Ukrainian President Volodyr Zelensky toured Pennsylvania, a move Trump astutely noted during a rally, suggesting Zelensky is rooting for Harris in hopes of continued funding for his war posturing. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s alleged support for a Harris win adds a twist, further demonstrating the unpredictable nature of modern politics. In the end, it appears that while Harris may revel in national approval, in the critical battlegrounds, Trump’s leadership and decisive approach to foreign policy are still resonating strongly with voters.
