How do Kamala Harris and Donald Trump compare as candidates for the 2024 U.S. presidential election?

The 2024 U.S. presidential election is shaping up to be a highly competitive race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Here's how the two candidates stack up:

Polling and Battleground States

Recent polling data shows Harris gaining ground against Trump in key battleground states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin

A New York Times/Siena College poll found Harris leading Trump by 4-6 percentage points in these states when third-party candidates are included

However, the race remains tight, with Harris' lead often within the margin of error.

Candidate Profiles

Harris, the first female, Black, and South Asian vice president, has touted her experience in the Senate and as California's attorney general. She is positioning herself as a progressive champion on issues like voting rights and abortion access. Trump, the first former president to run again, is running on his record of conservative judicial appointments and his "America First" populist platform.

Campaign Strategies

Harris has focused her campaign on rallying the Democratic base, particularly young voters and voters of color. She has also sought to portray Trump as an extremist threat to democracy. Trump is attacking Harris as a "weak" candidate while also criticizing her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. He has not yet significantly altered his strategy in response to Harris' candidacy.

Key Issues

The economy remains a top concern for voters, with Trump holding an advantage over Harris on economic issues in polling. Harris has faced criticism from progressives over the Biden administration's support for Israel during the Gaza conflict. Both candidates will likely focus on issues like inflation, abortion rights, and election integrity as the campaign progresses.

In summary, while Harris appears to be gaining momentum, the race between the two candidates remains highly competitive, with both seeking to rally their bases while appealing to key swing voters in battleground states. The next few months will be crucial in determining which candidate emerges victorious in November 2024.