A recent CBS News poll reveals that former President Donald Trump holds a substantial lead over Vice President Kamala Harris on critical issues such as the economy and immigration.
The poll surveyed likely voters to determine the key factors influencing their decisions for the upcoming presidential election. The results showed that 83% of voters identified the economy as a major factor, 76% pointed to inflation, 74% cited the state of democracy, and 62% highlighted crime. Additionally, 56% of voters mentioned the US-Mexico border as a significant issue.
Among voters who prioritized the economy, inflation, and the border, Trump was favored over Harris by a wide margin. Specifically, Trump led Harris 56% to 43% among those who said the economy is a major factor. On inflation, he held a 61% to 38% lead, and on the border, his advantage was a striking 76% to 24%. However, Harris led Trump on issues related to race and diversity, abortion, and the state of democracy.
Regarding the potential impact of a Harris presidency, 48% of voters believed that food and grocery prices would increase if she were elected, compared to 37% who thought prices would rise under Trump. Similarly, 48% of voters expected more border crossings if Harris were to become president, while only 8% anticipated an increase under Trump. A significant 72% of voters believed that border crossings would decrease if Trump were to return to office.
The poll also highlighted a perception gap between the two candidates: 86% of voters said they know what Trump stands for, whereas only 64% felt the same about Harris. Additionally, 64% of voters viewed Harris’s policies as “mostly the same” as those of President Biden, with 19% saying they are “entirely the same.”
Despite Trump’s lead on key issues, the poll found that Harris holds a narrow 3-point lead over Trump nationally. In battleground states, the two candidates are currently tied. The poll surveyed 3,258 likely voters between August 14 and 16.