Staff Reports
A remarkable shift in the presidential race sees former President Donald Trump reclaiming his place at the top, leaving Vice President Kamala Harris’s brief surge in the dust. According to a recent poll, Trump’s numbers soared six points in a matter of weeks, flipping an earlier five-point deficit into a one-point advantage. Turns out, the hype surrounding Harris’s sudden ascendance as the Democratic frontrunner might have been nothing more than a flash in the pan.
The survey conducted by Napolitan News and seasoned pollster Scott Rasmussen reveals that Trump is now leading Harris 46% to 45%. When including all voters leaning toward a candidate, Trump boasts a slightly more comfortable 49% to 47% lead. This marks quite the turnaround from just a week prior when Harris held a narrow lead in the same poll. Earlier this month, she enjoyed a five-point cushion, which has since evaporated faster than a snowflake in the sun.
Presidential race swings 6 points in two weeks, catapulting Trump to lead and ending Harris surge
Scott Rasmussen says Harris bump has ended after poll that had Trump down 5 on Aug. 2 now has him leading by one.https://t.co/hchE0pSOHJ pic.twitter.com/NlFSh7pCBa
— Trump2024_no_matter_what (@TexasTrump2024) August 16, 2024
Rasmussen had previously warned that Harris’s initial momentum could be likened to indulging in a sugary dessert. Now, it seems that the sugar high has crashed spectacularly. Trump’s support appears solid, while Harris remains a bit of an enigma to many voters. With Trump’s brand carved into the national psyche—love him or loathe him—it’s clear that he’s a known quantity. Meanwhile, Harris is still in that awkward stage of introducing herself to the electorate, which may come back to haunt her.
The upcoming Democratic convention and presidential debates could play a crucial role in shaping the rest of the race. Rasmussen suggested that these events might carry even more weight than usual, as they could either bolster or further diminish Harris’s standing. With the political landscape this murky, anyone confidently declaring a winner is likely engaging in wishful thinking or perhaps just plain old denial.
In addition to the presidential race, some other interesting tidbits emerged from Rasmussen’s analysis. He indicated that Trump supporters are currently more inclined to vote than their Harris-supporting counterparts. This turnout dynamic could provide Trump with a vital edge come Election Day, particularly if enthusiasm fails to materialize on the Democratic side.
On a related note, the Senate race in Montana is also heating up. While incumbent Democrat Jon Tester holds a five-point lead, Republican challenger Tim Sheehy appears to have plenty of room to maneuver. Trump’s support in the state is robust, with him leading in popularity by a staggering 18 points—a factor that could tip the scales in favor of Sheehy. As the stakes steadily rise, both parties hustle to mobilize their bases and secure victory in this tumultuous election season.
