Would Trump or Harris handle important issues better? What Americans said in new poll

With the presidential election just weeks away, Americans are closely divided over which candidate would better handle key issues, according to new polling.

In the latest Quinnipiac poll, a plurality of respondents said Vice President Kamala Harris would better manage four major issues, while a plurality said former President Donald Trump would better handle two key issues.

The poll, conducted between Sept. 19 and Sept. 22, sampled 1,728 likely voters and has a margin of error of 2.4 percentage points.

Six key issues

When asked which candidate would better handle decisions about nuclear weapons, 49% said Harris and 47% said Trump. Harris’ 2-point lead was within the margin of error.

Half of respondents said Harris would better handle preserving American democracy, while 47% said the same for Trump.

Similarly, 50% of respondents said the vice president would better manage gun violence, while 45% said the same for Trump.

Harris’ largest lead came on the question of abortion. Fifty-four percent of respondents said she would better handle the issue, compared to 41% who said Trump would better handle it.

In contrast, 52% of respondents said Trump would be better equipped to manage the economy, while 45% said the same for Harris.

Trump’s biggest advantage came on the subject of immigration. Fifty-three percent of respondents said the former president would best handle the issue, while 45% said the same for Harris.

The results are largely in line with previous polls, which have consistently said Harris is stronger on abortion and protecting democracy, while Trump ranks better on immigration and the economy.

However, a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Sep. 24 found Trump’s lead on the economy narrowing, with 43% of respondents favoring him and 41% favoring Harris.

Other findings

Respondents were also asked which candidate they believed would better handle “a crisis that put the country at great risk.” A majority, 51%, said Trump, while 47% said Harris.

Additionally, respondents were asked about the personal traits of both Trump and Harris.

Forty-nine percent said Trump “cares more about the needs and problems of people like you,” while 48% said Harris cared more.

In contrast, 48% said Harris is more honest, while 46% said Trump was more honest.

And 51% said the vice president has higher ethical standards, compared to 43% who said Trump, marking an 8-point difference.

Respondents were also asked if they would like to see another debate between the two candidates. Almost two-thirds, 64%, said they would, while 31% said they would not.

This story was originally published September 25, 2024 at 9:49 AM with the headline "Would Trump or Harris handle important issues better? What Americans said in new poll."