The MAGA camp is in a state of turmoil following a new national poll that has shaken former President Donald Trump’s supporters. Released on August 18, 2024, by The Washington Post and ABC News, the poll reveals a significant shift in the 2024 presidential race, with Vice President Kamala Harris pulling ahead of Trump.
According to the poll, Harris leads Trump by six percentage points among likely voters, garnering 51% of support compared to Trump’s 45%. This lead is not limited to a direct matchup; even in a broader field with other candidates, Harris maintains a strong position with 49% support, while Trump trails at 45%.
The poll also highlights contrasting favorability ratings. Among registered voters, Harris holds a near-even split in her favorability ratings, with 45% viewing her positively and 44% negatively. In stark contrast, Trump’s ratings show only 35% of registered voters view him favorably, while a substantial 57% hold an unfavorable view.
Political commentator Ben Meiselas described the poll results as “absolutely devastating” for Trump, emphasizing the growing concerns within the MAGA movement. The poll suggests that Harris might outperform Trump in a general election scenario, reflecting a broader trend of declining support for the former president.
Trump’s favorability has been under pressure due to legal challenges, public controversies, and polarizing rhetoric. These factors appear to be contributing to his diminishing numbers in the polls. For the MAGA movement, which has heavily relied on Trump’s popularity, these results underscore the significant challenges they face in the upcoming election cycle.
Trump’s team will need to reassess their strategy and messaging to regain lost ground and rally support. Meanwhile, Harris’s rising popularity, bolstered by her role as the first female Vice President and a key figure in the Biden administration, positions her as a formidable contender in the 2024 race.
The latest WaPo/ABC poll has created a ripple effect within the MAGA camp, casting doubt on Trump’s candidacy and highlighting Harris’s growing momentum as a serious opponent.