A recent poll conducted by USA Today/Suffolk University/WSVN-TV has revealed a surprising trend in the presidential election, indicating that Donald Trump is plausibly at risk of losing Florida, a crucial swing state. The poll, conducted between August 7 and August 11, shows Trump leading his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, by a mere 5 points, with 47% to Harris’ 42%. This narrow lead is a significant departure from previous polls, which had shown Trump with a more substantial advantage.
According to a report by BBC dated Tuesday, August 13, 2024, Florida has traditionally been a key battleground state, with its 29 electoral votes crucial to winning the presidency. Trump has won the state in both 2016 and 2020, but the latest poll suggests that his support may be waning. The state’s trend towards Republican candidates has been evident in recent years, with Governor Ron DeSantis winning a landslide victory in 2022. However, the poll’s findings indicate that this trend may be reversing.
David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, expressed surprise at the closeness of the race, stating that Harris is “still the underdog, but she’s a little bit closer than people might expect.” This sentiment is echoed by the poll findings, which show Harris has gained ground on Trump in recent weeks.
Nationally, Harris has gained 7.3 points in the polls over the last 45 days, according to election forecaster Race to the WH, and now leads Trump by 1.8 points. In Florida, Harris has gained 9.6 points, decreasing Trump’s lead in the state. This surge in support for Harris suggests that the race is far from over and that Trump’s lead is not insurmountable.
The poll also revealed interesting insights into the candidates’ favorability ratings in Florida. Trump has a higher favorability rating than both Harris and President Biden, with 50% favoring the former president, compared to 44% for Harris and 39% for Biden. However, Harris’ growing support and narrowing lead suggest that her favorability rating may be on the rise.
The recent poll conducted by USA Today/Suffolk University/WSVN-TV has revealed a surprising trend in the presidential election, indicating that Donald Trump may be at risk of losing Florida. The poll’s findings suggest that Harris is gaining ground on Trump, both nationally and in Florida, and that the race is far from over. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen whether Trump can maintain his lead in Florida or if Harris can continue to close the gap.
