According to a recently released FT Michigan Ross poll, Kamala Harris’ narrow lead on Donald Trump in the polls has been solidified following last week’s high-profile presidential debate.
In the poll that focuses on the perceptions of voters regarding economic management, Harris leads Trump by 2 percentage points (44 to 42%).
Harris had a statistical tie with the other candidate on this question last month.
Harris did even better when compared to those who watched this debate which attracted 67,000,000 viewers.
In this group, 48% of respondents said they had more confidence in Harris’s ability to manage the economy than 42 percent did for Trump.
Trump had a 6 point advantage over Harris for voters who didn’t watch the debate.
The debate has had a significant impact on the perception of Harris by voters.
Harris’s trust in the economy is greater than Biden’s
Joe Biden and Donald Trump have consistently been in the same place since Financial Times and University of Michigan Ross School of Business started tracking voter trust regarding economic issues almost a year back.
Harris, however, has outperformed the current president, as 44 percent of the respondents voted for her to be the next President in economic issues. This is an eight-point increase over Biden on this question.
Harris’s better standing indicates that she has successfully distanced herself from Biden’s less popular aspects, despite not having introduced a distinctive economic plan.
Erik Gordon is a professor of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. He believes that this change in trust for economic values is vital. Gordon said that voters also believe [Harris] better represents “people like themselves”.
It’s important to note that people tend to choose the candidate who they believe will best serve their interests.
The poll revealed that Harris represented 47 percent of the respondents better than Trump, compared with only 37 percent who said the same thing about Trump.
Harris makes gains on middle class and cost of living issues
Harris also had a higher rating for her ability to reduce the cost of daily necessities such as food and gasoline.
She also led Trump 44 percent to 42 percent in helping unemployed people find work.
Harris had an advantage on middle-class concerns. Nearly 50% of voters believed Harris represented middle-class interests better than Trump, while only 36% thought so.
45 percent of respondents said she is a better advocate for workers and 48 percent say she represents small business.
Trump had a clear lead in representing the corporate interests (64 percent to 20%) and those of the rich (67 percent to 19%).
Harris still faces a challenge despite these positives: 40% of voters believe they will be financially better-off under a Trump second term compared with 35% who think they’ll be better under Harris.
Expected rate reductions by the Federal Reserve
These poll results are released just days before Federal Reserve officials will announce an interest rate cut.
It is a sign that the central banks is certain that inflation is under control, and borrowing costs are able to be reduced.
Harris’s economic lead in the wake of the debate could be strengthened by these recent developments. Voters are looking to candidates for clarity on how they will manage inflation and foster economic growth.
Harris could be benefiting from an overall shift in voters’ sentiment, according to the poll.
Voters seem to respond more positively to the message of her economic recovery as inflation worries ease and Federal Reserve is preparing to reduce rates.
It is a stark contrast to the difficulties Biden had in convincing his voters they would be well off financially under his government.
Harris still faces challenges despite his gains
Harris is still facing obstacles despite her improvement. She has demonstrated a strong ability to gain trust in economic matters, but Republicans are quick to accuse her of lacking an economic vision.
It was brought to light during an interview Harris gave in Philadelphia. She struggled to explain her plans for reducing the cost of life, which prompted harsh criticism by GOP commentators.
Despite Harris’s improvement in the polling of economic issues, Trump still enjoys strong support among voters.
The ability of his campaign to appeal to economic anxieties and the claim that his election would benefit voters remain strong arguments.
Harris also faces the challenge of separating herself from a disapproving incumbent.
Only 17 percent of respondents said they were better off financially under Biden. Meanwhile, 53 percent claimed they were worse off.
Harris’ bad impression of Biden could weigh her down as she tries to convince voters.
For the Democrats, Harris’s ability to command trust on economic issues–traditionally a Republican stronghold–could prove decisive.
Harris’s lead is not secure. While her performance in the debate may have helped her, both campaigns will be ramping up their messages as we head into the last stretch.
Harris must maintain momentum in order to keep Trump at bay.
The post Harris consolidates his lead over Trump on economic trust following the debate and poll may be updated as new developments unfold.
