With election day upon us, the U.S. presidential race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris is tighter than ever, with polls deadlocked in major swing states. Each candidate has strengths and challenges that could tip the balance. Here’s how each contender aims to appeal to voters on election day.
While Trump has a devoted base, his approval rating hovers at just 43%. In previous elections, he failed to capture 50% of the popular vote, and he hasn’t surpassed that threshold since leaving office. In primaries, he secured the Republican nomination but faced notable dissent, with a fraction of GOP voters either abstaining or considering Harris. If Harris can appeal to these swing Republicans, her prospects improve.
Polling shows voters trust Trump over Harris by a 15-point margin on economic issues. As Americans grapple with inflation and rising costs of essentials, many see Trump as more capable of handling economic recovery. Trump’s messaging focuses on tax cuts and boosting American energy independence, resonating with voters eager for relief on household budgets.
Immigration remains a pivotal topic. Trump’s strong stance on border control has been a recurring theme, with many Americans still viewing the southern border as a significant concern. Here too, Trump holds an advantage over Harris by a 15-point margin among swing-state voters, who see him as more equipped to tackle the immigration crisis.
Reproductive rights have become central to Harris’ campaign, especially following the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade. This issue, important to women across the U.S., gives Harris a 15-point lead with female voters in swing states. Voters see Harris as the candidate more aligned with preserving reproductive rights and ensuring healthcare access, with ballot measures in states like Nevada and Arizona expected to boost her appeal.
Recent polls reveal that many Americans see Trump as a potential threat to democracy, with fears that he would govern with authoritarian tendencies. Harris, in contrast, has pledged to bring unity, promising to bridge divides between Republicans and Democrats. In response to Trump’s aggressive rhetoric, Harris’ camp argues that such statements disqualify him as a leader fit for a democracy.
The Harris campaign has invested heavily in swing-state outreach, with volunteers making millions of phone calls and door-to-door visits. The campaign’s final push aims to persuade undecided voters, especially women, to back Harris. Meanwhile, Trump’s team remains optimistic, drawing on favorable polling in battleground states and the belief that Trump’s support is underestimated by traditional polls.
If Harris succeeds, it will likely be due to her appeal on reproductive rights and a robust ground campaign. A Trump victory, however, would reflect voters’ prioritization of economic and immigration issues. As the nation waits for the results, both campaigns remain cautiously optimistic, prepared for a tight finish in one of the most consequential U.S. elections in recent history.
