Pre-Debate: Trump Leads Harris and is Growing Stronger
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Key Takeaways
- MIG Reports analysis shows Trump leading Harris on the national stage, with 52% support compared to Harris’s 48%.
- Swing state sentiment is also strong toward Trump with a positive trajectory and indications of potentially higher voter turnout.
- Prior to the debate, Harris faces turbulence in her own base on the economy, Israel-Hamas relations, and the border.
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters
Sample Size
150,000
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
30 Days
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
With less than two months until the presidential election, Donald Trump is gaining momentum against a Kamala Harris—who Democrats hoped would buoy the Party after Biden’s exit. MIG Reports data shows a tight race, with Trump’s base expressing high enthusiasm and Harris facing skepticism among her ostensible supporters. The first Trump versus Harris debate is tonight, which could shift sentiments further depending on how each candidate performs.
- Nationally, Trump is recovering from a brief Harris surge following the DNC.
- Prior to the debate on September 10, Trump shows 52% support to Harris’s 48%.
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- Republican support across the electoral college is moving upward, with 49% today compared to 47% for Democrats.
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The Big Picture
A MIG Reports weighted analysis of real-time voter conversations suggests voter base turnout for each candidate could be around:
- 64% turnout potential for Kamala Harris
- 72% turnout potential for Donald Trump
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Currently, Trump appears to have stronger voter mobilization as enthusiasm for Harris wanes amid border and Israel-Palestine drama. This alone does not suggest who will win the election due to the complexity of the U.S. Electoral College system.
More importantly, swing states show Trump slightly ahead with a rising trend. These regions are crucial for a win and Trump's solid swing state support, along with the higher turnout potential, suggests he currently has a stronger path to victory.
Why Voters Are Leaning Toward Trump or Harris
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris faces growing skepticism from her base over the economy, the border, and the U.S. position on Israel and Hamas. There are also some mentions of controversial endorsements from figures like Dick Cheney and Vladimir Putin.
JUST IN: Vladimir Putin says he supports Kamala Harris for president, says he finds her laugh “fascinating.”
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 5, 2024
The comments come after the DOJ accused Russia of funding Tenet who then paid conservative influencers for videos.
At the moment, it’s unclear what exactly Russia’s goal… pic.twitter.com/ciXyZ4MCyU
These issues are exacerbating a rift, particularly among progressive Democrats, who see her alignment with Israel and establishment figures as problematic. Recent Party defections from public figures like RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Alan Dershowitz also signal the growing discontent among Democrats.
In voter conversations about Harris:
- 64% of Democratic voters express a willingness to vote for her.
- 33% vocally oppose her candidacy.
- 15% express concerns about certain endorsements and alignments.
Harris's platform on social justice, healthcare reform, and climate change still resonates with her core supporters. However, she is struggling to mobilize undecided or moderate voters, who have been skeptical of her leadership and competence.
Donald Trump
Meanwhile, Trump enjoys fierce loyalty from his base, who remain energized despite ongoing legal and media controversies. Trump’s supporters cite his stance on law and order, his previous administration’s economic performance, the economy, and frustration with the Biden-Harris administration as reasons for their continued support.
In voter conversations about Trump:
- 72% of Trump’s voter base is excited to turn out.
- 75% of voters highlight endorsements from those like RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and law enforcement as motivators.
- 82% of positive sentiments use terms like "MAGA" and "support" when discussing Trump.
Our presidential endorsement process is thorough and inclusive, involving over 377,000 members across the nation. Today, it's a privilege to announce that the collective will of our members has led us to endorse Donald J. Trump for President. We're committed to supporting… pic.twitter.com/RGQbEzroX9
— National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) September 6, 2024
Trump’s endorsements from groups like the Fraternal Order of Police have been pivotal in reinforcing his image as a law-and-order candidate. This has helped solidify his base, making voter turnout for him more likely.
- Sentiment toward each candidate in the last seven days is similar, though Trump gains significantly more mentions at 94,118 to Harris’s 42,049.
- Harris’s highest sentiment is for endorsements at 48% and her lowest is for ideologies at 42%.
- Trump’s highest sentiment is endorsements at 47% and his lowest is for allegations at 39%.
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Battlegrounds Will Decide the Election
MIG Reports analysis shows a steady rise in Trump’s support both nationally and in key battlegrounds, where Harris is losing ground. The debate tonight could prove pivotal for both candidates as they aim to secure these critical electoral votes.
- In swing states, Trump leads Harris in swing states, with a 30-day average of 49% support to Harris’s 46% average.
- Third party support dropped following RFK Jr. removing himself and endorsing Trump—though Jill Stein has gained 4% support in the last few days.
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Key swing state metrics:
- Trump’s support in swing states increased following the DNC from 42% to a high of 54% on August 25.
- Since then, his swing state support has evened out, averaging 49% in the last seven days.
- Harris’s support in swing states dropped following the DNC from 54% on August 21 to 45% on August 25.
- Her support also evened out, averaging 47% in the last 7 days.
- Support for third-party candidates in swing states averaged 4% in the last seven days.
Swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin are critical for both candidates. Trump’s growing presence in these battleground areas puts Harris in a difficult position, as she will need to reverse this trend to secure enough electoral votes.
MIG Reports data also shows in swing states:
Donald Trump
- 70% support among white evangelicals
- 50% support from working-class voters
- 80% opposition from younger voters
- 75% opposition from urban voters
Kamala Harris
- 60-70% support among young progressive voters
- 75% opposition from older conservative voters
- 40% of comments support Harris
- 50% of comments criticize Harris
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A National Base Support and Turnout
Voter turnout will be a decisive factor in the 2024 election, and Trump’s base shows higher levels of enthusiasm. Trump’s supporters are not only loyal but highly mobilized, while Harris struggles to generate the same level of enthusiasm—particularly among undecided and swing voters.
Trump’s base is solid, and his ability to maintain support from key voter groups, including working-class and rural voters, gives him an edge. Harris, meanwhile, must address the ambivalence within her base and secure a higher turnout from progressive and moderate voters.
Reasons for Voter Support
Each candidate’s voter base expresses various reasons for and against their party’s nominee. These issues will likely be important in the debate.
Kamala Harris
Reasons for supporting:
- Abortion: Democrats’ strong stance on women’s reproductive rights, especially positive among liberal and progressive voters.
- Diversity and equity: Her advocacy for an “equitable society” resonates with those who feel marginalized.
- Progressive policies: Harris endorses healthcare reform, climate action, and immigration reform.
- Representation and inclusivity: Many supporters highlight her historic role as a woman of color and her advocacy for social justice, particularly LGBTQ+ rights.
- Changing American values: Supporters see her policies as positively moving modern American values in a progressive direction.
Reasons for not supporting:
- Perceived incompetence and dishonesty: Critics label Harris as unqualified, ineffective, and politically dishonest, with concerns about her decision-making.
- Failed policies: Despite attempts to distance herself from the Biden administration, voters still associate her with failures in immigration, crime, and economic management.
- Out of touch: Many see her as part of the “liberal elite,” disconnected from ordinary concerns.
- Ideological opposition: Detractors criticize her for promoting a perceived socialist or communist agenda, which they view as a threat to American values.
Donald Trump
Reasons for supporting:
- Economic performance: Many attribute economic growth during his previous presidency to his leadership, expressing dissatisfaction with Harris’s economic policies.
- Immigration and national security: Trump’s strong stance on immigration control is seen as necessary for protecting American jobs and public safety.
- "America First" policies: Supporters admire his protectionist policies, particularly on tariffs and job preservation, viewing him as a defender of American sovereignty.
- Conservative values: Trump is often a symbol for conservative principles, especially among older and rural voters.
Reasons for not supporting:
- Moral concerns: Critics cite January 6th and his rhetoric as divisive and damaging to democratic norms.
- Perceived dishonesty: Many opponents believe Trump undermines public trust by perpetuating false narratives, especially around election integrity.
- Social issues: Younger voters and minority groups often oppose Trump over concerns about social justice, climate change, and abortion.
- Divisive leadership style: Many are concerned Trump’s approach fosters division rather than unity, especially his incendiary remarks.
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