As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, a new poll sheds light on the political landscape in key blue wall states. These states, traditionally Democratic strongholds, have become key battlegrounds following former President Donald Trump’s surprise victories in 2016.

According to a Fox News report, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — once considered solidly Democratic — are now up for grabs.

The latest New York Times-Siena College poll shows a neck-and-neck race between Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, highlighting the unpredictability of the upcoming election.

Michigan voters

In Michigan, a state that Trump narrowly won in 2016 but lost to Joe Biden in 2020, voter opinions remain deeply divided. Residents from Detroit to Macomb County voiced their opinions on the candidates, highlighting the mixed political mood in the state.

Keandre, a resident of Detroit’s east side, spoke out strongly for Trump, saying, “It has to be Trump for the whole city. “They all vote for Trump,” according to a Fox News report.

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That sentiment reflects the continued loyalty of many Michigan voters to the former president, who broke decades of Democratic dominance in the state with his 2016 victory.

However, not all Detroit residents share the same enthusiasm for Trump. Another Detroit native took an opposite view, supporting Kamala Harris and criticizing Trump supporters for their self-centeredness. “All my friends who are Trumpers only think about themselves. We have to think about the world,” he said, as quoted in a Fox News report

He praised Harris for her compassion, saying, “I really like Kamala Harris because she has a lot more compassion. It’s not about yourself. It’s about everyone.”

Survey results: Tough competition

According to the New York Times/Siena College poll, Harris leads Trump by a razor-thin margin in Michigan, with 48% support compared to Trump’s 47%. That narrow margin underscores the state’s unpredictability, as polls before the 2016 election also favored Hillary Clinton, who ultimately lost Michigan to Trump.

The state’s importance cannot be overstated as its 16 electoral votes played a crucial role in the outcome of past elections.

Trump’s unexpected victory in Michigan in 2016 made him the first Republican to carry the state since 1988. His 2016 campaign focused heavily on blue wall states like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, helping him win. With both the Trump and Harris campaigns re-prioritizing these states, Michigan is emerging as a key battleground in 2024.

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Leadership preferences

Michigan voters have also been considering which candidate they think would be a stronger leader. One Detroit resident expressed support for Harris but admitted that Trump could be the stronger leader, stating, “I think Trump is (stronger) because I think Trump won’t let anyone overrun us.” “, as quoted in a report by Fox News.

Another Detroit native unequivocally supported Trump, calling him “the best leader we have to move this nation forward.”

He argued that Americans would be “financially better off” under Donald Trump. He cited concerns about rising costs under the current administration and claimed that Harris lacks experience in financial policy.

FAQs

What is a Blue Wall State?
The “Blue Wall” refers to the 18 U.S. states and the District of Columbia that have consistently voted for the Democratic Party in all presidential elections from 1992 to 2012.

When will the US polls be conducted?
The US elections take place on November 5th.