Kamala Harris is grappling with challenging poll numbers as she faces a potential rematch against Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race.

Despite holding a narrow lead, her polling figures lag behind those of Joe Biden in 2020 and Hillary Clinton in 2016, both of whom faced Trump under similar circumstances, as the Post Millennial reports.

The Real Clear Polling (RCP) average from Aug. 31 shows Harris leading Trump by just 1.8 points nationally, a margin notably smaller than those seen in past election cycles.

Biden led Trump by 6.3 points at the same point in 2020, while Clinton was up by 4.6 points in August 2016. These comparisons raise concerns about Harris' ability to maintain her lead, especially considering Trump's history of outperforming poll predictions.

Electoral College Currently Favors Harris

In the current Electoral College projection, Harris has a slight advantage, leading by two electoral votes when excluding toss-up states. However, this margin is precarious, particularly given Trump's previous success in swing states that were tightly contested in both the 2016 and 2020 elections.

Hillary Clinton, despite her lead in the 2016 polls, ultimately lost the election, demonstrating that a narrow polling lead may not be enough to secure a victory. Joe Biden's win in 2020 also came down to razor-thin margins in key states, highlighting the importance of every vote in the upcoming election.

Historical Trends Worry Harris Supporters

The historical context adds to the concerns for Harris' campaign. In 2016, Trump defied the polls to win the presidency, and in 2020, he came closer than expected to defeating Biden.

The fact that Harris' current lead is smaller than those seen in the last two election cycles is causing unease among her supporters.

Adding to the pressure, media coverage of Harris has been relatively muted compared to the intense scrutiny Trump has faced in recent months. This may offer some breathing room, but it also suggests that Harris has not yet had a breakout moment in the campaign to galvanize widespread support.

Harris Struggles To Gain Momentum

The Democratic National Convention was seen as a critical opportunity for Harris to boost her visibility and rally the party base ahead of the first debate with Trump in September. However, it remains unclear whether this event provided the momentum her campaign needs.

Harris' campaign strategy has included limited media appearances, with her only sit-down interview during the 2024 race occurring earlier this week on CNN with Dana Bash.

During the interview, Harris addressed concerns about her previous changes in stance on key issues such as the border and fracking. She emphasized that despite these shifts, she still upholds her core values.

Harris Defends Record Amid Scrutiny

In her interview, Harris acknowledged the criticism she has faced for changing positions on certain issues but argued that her underlying values remain consistent.

These statements reflect Harris' attempt to reconcile her past record with her current campaign, a challenge that continues to shape voter perceptions.

In 2019, GovTrack ranked Harris as the furthest left-wing senator, a label that may appeal to progressive voters but could also alienate moderates in a general election.

Conclusion: Harris Faces Uphill Battle

As Kamala Harris moves forward in her campaign, the challenges are clear. Her current polling lead over Donald Trump is slim, especially when compared to the margins enjoyed by Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton in previous elections.

Historical trends suggest that Trump could outperform his polling once again, making every vote crucial for Harris. Despite a favorable Electoral College projection, Harris' campaign must navigate the narrow path to victory, balancing the need to energize her base while addressing concerns about her previous policy shifts.

With the first debate looming and media attention growing, Harris' ability to connect with voters in the coming weeks will be critical to her success in the 2024 presidential race.