Election 2024: The Tight Race Between Donald Trump And Kamala Harris

With only 20 days left before Election Day, when voters will have their final say on who they want to be the next president of the United States, both candidates appear locked in a dead heat as they race toward the White House. According to the latest NBC News poll, former President Donald Trump has closed Vice President Kamala Harris's national lead, both candidates now tied at 48 percent apiece. As of Tuesday, 538's election simulator forecasts a Harris victory 54 times out of 100.

However, aside from Arizona and Georgia, where Trump leads by 1.6 and 1.1 points, respectively, 538's polling aggregates show the candidates separated by less than a point in the remainder of the battlegrounds. With margins so narrow, just a few thousand votes could determine the outcome in this year's crucial swing states, and the election as a whole.

In an online poll, we asked: 'Who will win the 2024 election?' Over a thousand readers took part, with Harris achieving a slight lead over her rival. Newsweek readers from both camps also wrote in to share their predictions – and thoughts – on who will be crowned victorious in the 2024 presidential election. Here is a selection of those comments, lightly edited for clarity. The results of the poll are at the end of this article.

Donald Trump's Position

Many supporters believe that Donald Trump's experience significantly outshines that of Kamala Harris. His intuition is often viewed as being on target, and he is perceived as genuinely caring for the country. His supporters argue that he is capable of dealing with global political challenges, while some express doubts about Harris's capabilities in this regard.

Trump's supporters also feel that his stance on Ukraine is more favorable toward the European Union than it appears. They often cite the absence of wars during his presidency and the lack of restrictions on small businesses as proof of his effectiveness. This perspective highlights the belief that Democrats tend to impose excessive control over various sectors.

Kamala Harris's Perspective

On the other hand, Kamala Harris's supporters argue that she represents a positive and forward-looking agenda. They believe she is focused on building upon the nation's strengths while acknowledging and correcting past mistakes. Supporters highlight her economic plans as inclusive, aiming to benefit the working and marginalized classes.

Harris's campaign emphasizes the importance of fair and equitable rule of law, and she has vowed to tackle issues related to violence, drugs, and illegal trades. Her vision includes defending the Constitution and promoting rights for both women and men, contrasting sharply with Trump's approach.

Polling Insights

As the election nears, polls indicate that the race remains extremely competitive. Voters express varying opinions on the candidates' ability to lead effectively. Observations suggest that Trump's electoral base is dedicated, and many voters perceive him as the safer choice in key swing states.

Conversely, Harris is seen by her supporters as a candidate who can inspire hope and unity. The upcoming election appears to hinge on a few pivotal states, where even small shifts in voter sentiment could have significant impacts on the overall outcome.

Public Sentiment

Public sentiment is divided, with both Trump and Harris having passionate supporters who passionately defend their candidates. While Trump is viewed as a known quantity, Harris's campaign has been criticized for its perceived disjointedness. Many voters are scrutinizing both candidates' policies and past performances as they make their decisions.

As Election Day approaches, it’s clear that each candidate's ability to resonate with voters will be crucial. With so much at stake, the political landscape remains charged, and each campaign will undoubtedly ramp up efforts to sway undecided voters.

Key Takeaways