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Rebecca Canales

Understanding the Real State of the 2024 Presidential Race: National Polls vs. State Polls







As the 2024 Presidential election approaches, the media is flooded with national polls indicating a tight race between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Recent national polls, such as one by The Economist, show Biden and Trump tied at 42% each. Other polls, including those by Fox News, YouGov, and Morning Consult, reflect a slight edge for Biden, with a lead of about two points. However, these national poll numbers can be deceptive, creating a mirage of a uniform national election that doesn't truly exist in the United States.

In reality, the U.S. Presidential election is not a single national election but rather a series of 50 separate state-level elections. The Electoral College system means that winning the Presidency requires securing a majority of electoral votes, which are allocated based on the outcomes of these state elections. Thus, the key to understanding the true state of the race lies in examining state-level polling, particularly in the swing states that are critical to victory.

When we shift our focus from national polls to state polls, a different picture emerges—one that is currently more favorable for Trump in several crucial battleground states:

  • Michigan: Trump leads Biden by 2 points.

  • Wisconsin: Trump is ahead by 2 points.

  • Pennsylvania: Trump holds a 3-point lead over Biden.

  • Nevada: Trump leads Biden by 3 points.

  • Georgia: Trump enjoys a significant lead of 8 points.

  • Arizona: Trump leads by 4 points.

These state-level leads for Trump in key swing states suggest that the race is far from the straightforward Biden advantage that some national polls imply. Even if Biden manages to secure victories in states like Wisconsin and Minnesota, he could still lose the election if Trump wins Pennsylvania, underscoring the importance of each state's results.

One of the underlying factors contributing to this dynamic is the growing concern among voters about President Biden's mental capacity. This has been a point of contention and debate throughout his presidency and campaign. In contrast, Trump's legal battles, including his conviction on 34 counts in a trial perceived by many Americans as biased, have not significantly dented his support in these critical states. Many believe that the trial was unfairly influenced by partisan politics, with allegations of a jury stacked with hyper-partisan Democrats and a judge openly supporting Trump's opponent during the trial.

In conclusion, while national polls can offer a broad snapshot of the election landscape, they fail to capture the nuanced reality of the U.S. electoral system. The decisive factor will be the outcomes in key swing states, where Trump currently holds a lead. As the campaign progresses, it is crucial to monitor these state-level polls to get a more accurate picture of the Presidential race.

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