Trump Leads Harris by 3 Points in New Poll

In a recent poll conducted by Rasmussen, former President Donald Trump leads Vice President Kamala Harris in a hypothetical five-way race, garnering 47% of the vote compared to Harris's 45%. Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. trails significantly with 4%, while other candidates collectively receive 1% or less. This polling result is notable as Rasmussen has historically provided accurate predictions, particularly in the 2016 election cycle. Despite Trump’s lead in the Rasmussen poll, Harris maintains a slight edge in the latest RealClearPolitics aggregate, where she averages a two-point lead over Trump in a five-way race and a 1.5-point lead in a direct matchup. The Rasmussen poll, which surveyed 1,893 likely voters from August 15 to August 21, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points, indicating a competitive race ahead. Polling in battleground states shows a tightening contest, with Trump projected to secure 287 Electoral College votes compared to Harris's 251, winning all major swing states except Wisconsin. This reflects a challenging landscape for Harris, who has positioned herself as the "underdog" in the race, acknowledging her late entry at the top of the Democratic ticket. Trump has criticized Harris's performance, labeling her tenure as a "disgrace" and suggesting that her underdog status is warranted due to her past actions. As the election approaches, both candidates are navigating a complex and evolving political landscape.