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The race for the White House in the United States remains a dead heat, with polls showing Kamala Harris and Donald Trump virtually tied just days before their highly anticipated televised debate.
The debate, set for Tuesday, will be the first and probably the only showdown between the two candidates.
Harris came into the race after President Biden abruptly quit in July, a move that has rapidly transformed her from a little-noticed vice president into a serious contender.
According to a New York Times/Siena poll released on Sunday, Trump leads Harris nationally by a razor-thin margin of 48 per cent to 47 per cent, well within the margin of error.
Meanwhile, a CBS News/YouGov poll shows a similarly tight race, with Harris narrowly ahead in key battleground states like Michigan and Wisconsin and tied with Trump in Pennsylvania.
Harris, following major figure backing for her presidential bid, has quickly transitioned from a relatively low-profile vice president to a serious contender for the presidency.
Despite her rapid rise, however, she has not yet secured a decisive lead, keeping the race unpredictable.
Trump, 78, has maintained his loyal voter base, despite his legal troubles, including a conviction and his role in efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss.
His feat in the polls underscores his continued influence over the Republican Party and a large portion of the electorate.
The race remains volatile, particularly in swing states. Harris holds a slim advantage in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, but is tied with Trump in states such as Nevada, Georgia, North Carolina, and Arizona.
Tuesday’s debate, to be hosted by ABC News, could be a turning point in the race.
Trump, known for his combative and often controversial debate style, faces pressure to moderate his tone as he confronts Harris, who could become the first female president and the first mixed-race president in U.S. history.
For Harris, the debate offers a crucial opportunity to connect with voters on a national stage—a chance she missed during her tenure as vice president and her accelerated campaign.
