Voters continue to express a split preference regarding whether Republican Donald Trump or Democrat Kamala Harris is better suited to tackle major economic concerns. A recent poll indicates that while many voters perceive the economy negatively, Harris tends to receive slightly more favorable ratings on certain aspects, particularly regarding middle-class taxes.
Over half of the registered voters surveyed believe the economy is performing poorly, with approximately 70% feeling that the country is headed in the wrong direction. The results of this poll suggest that Trump has diminished what was once a distinct advantage he held relating to economic issues, which voters prioritize over topics such as abortion, immigration, crime, and foreign policy.
“I don’t trust Trump with the economy,” shared Janice Tosto, a 59-year-old independent voter from Philadelphia, voicing concerns that he would prioritize tax benefits for his affluent allies.
Similar to a previous poll conducted in September, neither candidate emerged as the clear favorite for managing economic readiness and job growth. The latest survey delved into more specific topics, questioning participants on their confidence in either Trump or Harris with regards to various economic factors such as housing costs, employment rates, taxes impacting the middle class, and everyday expenses like groceries and gas.
Results show that 46% of respondents feel Harris is better equipped to handle middle-class taxes, in contrast to 35% for Trump. Harris also edges ahead on managing housing expenses, while perceptions regarding who is best for everyday costs remain fairly balanced. Furthermore, opinions on who possesses the better credentials for managing jobs and unemployment are evenly divided. In terms of tariffs, interpreted as taxes levied on imported goods, voters show a slight preference for Trump.
Amber Moody, a 36-year-old from Halifax, Virginia, expressed her belief that Trump, along with the Republican Party as a whole, has a more trustworthy standing when it comes to economic issues. “Historically, when a Democrat is in office, the economy takes a hit,” she argued, albeit acknowledging her disapproval of some of Trump’s actions.
Voters also exhibit a more positive sentiment towards Harris than Trump overall. Approximately half of surveyed voters hold either a favorable or somewhat favorable view of Harris, while 46% view her negatively. On the other hand, only about 40% of voters share a positive perception of Trump, with around 60% expressing negative feelings towards him. Trump’s approval ratings have remained notably steady over recent months despite facing felony convictions and threats to his safety.
Among Black voters, support for Harris is significantly stronger, with around three-quarters viewing her positively, while only 20% express a favorable opinion of Trump. For Hispanic voters, the preference for Harris is also evident, albeit with a smaller margin; around 60% favor Harris, while about 40% hold a positive opinion on Trump. The poll identified a gender divide in candidate perception, with about half of female voters finding favor in Harris, while only one-third view Trump positively. Conversely, male voters are nearly split, showing a more balanced view towards both candidates.
The poll highlights persistent pessimism among voters regarding the economy and the nation’s direction. Approximately half believe the economy is in a poor state, with Republicans and independents displaying a more significant tendency towards this viewpoint than Democrats. However, compared to last month, there are slight indicators of improvement, with fewer voters now labeling the economy as poor than in both October 2023 and 2022.
Two-thirds of voters still believe the country is moving in the wrong direction, a sentiment that has held relatively consistent over the years. Nearly eight in 10 Americans felt the same way a year ago, and similar feelings were prevalent just before the last presidential election. Jeffrey Trimble, a 62-year-old Democrat from Pennsylvania reflected a growing sense of optimism, crediting the current administration for steering the country back on track after a difficult era under Trump’s leadership.
As the candidates strive to build their support bases, the poll indicates challenges ahead for both, particularly concerning younger voters who show a greater level of skepticism towards the economy. Those under 45 years old hold less confidence in Harris when addressing economic matters, such as housing and grocery costs. Interestingly, a notable section of these younger voters, about one-quarter, feels neither candidate is trustworthy on these issues.
On the subject of immigration, Trump maintains a clear upper hand, with 45% of voters preferring him on this matter versus roughly 40% for Harris. This trend persists among white voters, half of whom favor Trump, while only a third feel similarly about Harris. Hispanic voters appear divided, reflecting varied attitudes depending on individual perspectives.
Harris’ strengths manifest more prominently in areas like abortion rights, climate change, and election integrity, where she is favored by around half of voters in comparison to Trump, who trails behind in these vital areas. When it comes to crime, both candidates appear roughly equal, while neither displays a clear advantage in addressing foreign policy, especially regarding Middle Eastern issues. Some Democratic voters exhibit hesitance, with only two-thirds indicating confidence in Harris handling foreign relations. In contrast, about 80% of Republican supporters back Trump on this front.
Diana Campbell Williams, a 72-year-old Democrat from Michigan, prioritizes foreign affairs and has expressed her mistrust of Trump’s foreign policy approach. “I trust Harris’s capabilities more,” Williams stated, emphasizing her belief in the Democratic candidate’s knowledge about intricate geopolitical issues and her capability to surround herself with proficient advisors post-election.