Harris shows overall lead but Trump gains with his policies

A recent Marist Poll released on Tuesday shows that Vice President Kamala Harris holds a three percentage point lead over her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump. This represents a four-point shift from late July, after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and she entered.
On Aug. 6, Vice President Kamala Harris was officially selected as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee − making U.S. history as the first Black woman and first Asian American from a major party to win that designation.
On the same day, Harris announced her VP pick and running mate as Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
More on Tim Walz:What to know about Kamala Harris’ VP pick.
Since securing the nomination, the recent poll conducted by Marist between Aug.1 and Aug. 4 shows favor of Harris over Trump by about three percentage points. Results are statistically significant within plus or minus 3 percentage points meaning the race is in a dead heat.
The survey of 1,613 adults and registered voters determined that Harris received 51% favor of the votes and Trump received 48%. Two percent are undecided.
The registered independent voters mostly leaned in Harris’ favor, with 53% of the independent vote versus 44% for Trump. Three percent of independent voters are undecided.
Regardless of whom they support, the poll shows that registered voters are split 48% to 48% as to who they think will win the presidential election.
When it comes down to character, 27% of Americans say honesty and trustworthiness are the most important qualities in a presidential candidate, and they support Harris 75% to 23% for Trump.
20% of Americans said that being a strong leader is the most important quality, and they back Trump 78% to 19% for Harris.
Although the poll determined Harris is the overall presidential pick, Trump appears to be in the lead on policy.
52% of Americans say Trump would be better at handling immigration, while 46% of voters picked Harris. 51% think Trump, not Harris (47%), would better address the war in the Middle East. 51% of Americans think Trump, not Harris (48%), would have a better handle on the economy.
More:Here are some of Kamala Harris’ campaign promises
However, 56% of Americans think Harris, not Trump (41%), would better handle the abortion issue, and 53% say Harris is better equipped to handle the preservation of democracy. In comparison, 46% have this view of Trump.
When it comes to handling the United States’ role on the world stage, Americans seem divided about whether Harris (50%) or Trump (49%) would be better suited.