As the 2024 presidential race heats up, the contest between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is gaining significant attention. Recent developments reveal a shifting dynamic, with key figures from Trump’s past publicly backing Harris and new polls indicating Harris’s growing lead.
Grisham’s Revelations and Endorsement of Harris
Stephanie Grisham, a former White House press secretary under Trump, has recently made headlines with her critical remarks about the former president. Grisham, who resigned in the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, has accused Trump of mocking his own supporters, referring to them as “basement dwellers.” She described instances of his lack of empathy and moral integrity, recounting how he was more focused on media attention than genuine concerns.
Grisham, who once considered herself a loyal supporter of Trump, expressed her disillusionment with his leadership. In her speech, she highlighted her decision to support Kamala Harris, praising Harris’s respect for the American people and her commitment to truth. Grisham stated, “I love my country more than my party. Kamala Harris tells the truth. She respects the American people and she has my vote.”
Former Trump Supporters Back Harris
The Democratic National Convention has seen several Republicans voicing their support for Harris, aiming to attract voters dissatisfied with Trump. Kyle Sweetser, a former Trump supporter, was among the first to publicly endorse Harris. Sweetser criticized Trump for prioritizing personal gain over the needs of working-class Americans. He emphasized Harris’s strength and her plan to address inflation, arguing that Trump would exacerbate economic challenges. Sweetser’s endorsement reflects a broader Democratic strategy to win over disaffected Republican voters.
Polls Show Harris Gaining Momentum
Recent polling data underscores Harris’s growing advantage in the presidential race. According to a Morning Consult poll, Harris leads Trump 48% to 44% among registered voters, a slight increase from the previous week. Ipsos, ABC News, and The Washington Post report Harris ahead of Trump by 49% to 45% among registered voters and 51% to 45% among likely voters.
CBS and YouGov’s poll shows Harris with a three-point lead over Trump among likely voters, although the candidates are tied in key battleground states. Emerson College’s poll places Harris at 50% compared to Trump’s 46% among likely voters. Conversely, a Fox News poll is the only recent survey showing Trump in the lead, albeit by a narrow margin of 50% to 49%.
Additional surveys, including those from Monmouth University and Economist/YouGov, indicate a competitive race. Monmouth University’s poll shows 48% of registered voters leaning towards Harris, while 43% favor Trump. Economist/YouGov finds Harris ahead with 46% support compared to 44% for Trump in a five-way race including third-party candidates.
Despite some polls showing Trump with a slight edge, Harris’s recent announcements and endorsements have bolstered her standing. The evolving dynamics of the race suggest that the competition between Trump and Harris will continue to be intense as both candidates vie for voters’ support in the coming months.
