US election: Harris leads Trump in 3 key battleground states
What's the story
Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is ahead of her Republican rival Donald Trump in three crucial battleground states, according to a recent New York Times/ Siena College poll.
The survey, released on Saturday, shows Harris with 50% support among voters in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, compared to Trump's 46% in each state.
Campaign support
Harris's campaign gains momentum
This lead for Harris comes just weeks after she launched her campaign following President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 race due to concerns about his age and ability to serve another term.
Since her campaign launch, Harris has secured strong backing from key segments of the Democratic Party's base, notably young voters and people of color.
She has also received significant support from donors and top Democratic lawmakers.
Recent developments
Harris's VP pick and stance on Gaza conflict
However, Harris's stance on the Gaza conflict has been a point of contention, particularly in Michigan, a vital swing state with one of the largest Arab American populations in the country.
During a rally in Detroit this week, she faced protests demanding an end to the war.
The heckling stood out as Harris had largely avoided such interruptions at her public events by those who opposed the US's support of Israel's invasion of the Gaza Strip.
Republican response
Trump's campaign attacks Harris and Walz
On the Republican side, Trump has continued to launch attacks on Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz.
In a press conference on Thursday, Trump dismissed the Democratic candidates as weak and claimed they were already dropping in the polls.
He also expressed regret over not being able to face Biden in the election, suggesting that the president was a victim of an unconstitutional plot to remove him from the Democratic ticket.
Personal attacks
Trump's personal attacks on Harris
Trump's campaign has also labeled the Harris-Walz ticket as "every American's nightmare."
The former president has personally attacked Harris's intelligence and racial background, stating, "She's not doing any news conferences. She doesn't know how to do a news conference. She's not smart enough to do a news conference."
He also said that he is open to three debates with Harris: one on Fox News on September 4, one on NBC on September 10, and another on ABC on September 25.