Kamala Harris surprises and leads polls against Donald Trump in the U.S.

The recent transformation in the electoral landscape of the United States has captured the attention of analysts and voters alike. In less than a month, Vice President Kamala Harris has managed to reverse the trend in the polls and disrupt the campaign of former President Donald Trump, who had established himself as a strong candidate for reelection. This situation has led many to question what factors have contributed to this unexpected change. One of the most notable elements in this dynamic is President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the reelection race, which, although surprising, has opened up space for Harris to solidify her position as the central figure of the Democratic Party. According to the average polls from FiveThirtyEight, Harris now leads with 46.1%, surpassing Trump, who stands at 43.4%. This difference is significant, especially considering that prior to Biden's exit, the Democrats were at a disadvantage of 3.2 points. Harris's campaign has been characterized by a well-executed strategy that has garnered positive media attention and overcome internal challenges. Julian Zelizer, a professor at Princeton University, notes that the campaign's deployment has been key to achieving this favorable moment. Harris has managed to connect with voters in crucial states such as Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, where she has positioned herself as the preferred candidate in this electoral period. However, despite this optimism within Harris's team, caution is the order of the day. The memory of Trump's narrow victory in 2016 still lingers, when then-candidate Hillary Clinton also held an advantage in the polls. Furthermore, Harris will have to confront the challenges posed by the current administration, including inflation and the immigration crisis, factors that could impact her image. One of the milestones of the campaign has been fundraising, where Harris has demonstrated remarkable performance. In just two weeks, she raised $310 million, double that of her Republican opponent. This influx of resources not only strengthens her campaign but also places her in a competitive position against Trump, who has faced criticism and controversies that have affected his image. The campaign team has also played a vital role in this transformation. The selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate has added a message of stability and has been well received by working-class voters in the Midwest. Walz, with his experience and popularity, complements Harris's candidacy and sends a clear message: the Democratic campaign is here to stay. Regarding Harris's connection with voters, her personality and freshness have marked a significant contrast with Biden's more reserved style. This closeness has allowed the candidate to present herself as an accessible figure, capable of resonating with a diverse electorate. Her focus on "freedom" has replaced the more abstract "defense of democracy," making it easier for the average voter to identify with her message. Harris's diversity also works in her favor. Born to an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, her multicultural identity reflects the demographic makeup of the United States, making her a candidate of multiple identities. This ability to identify has generated reactions even within the Republican camp, where Trump has attempted to discredit her in ways that have actually strengthened her standing with voters. However, the Democratic campaign is aware that maintaining this advantage will not be easy. The coming months will be marked by debates and the Democratic National Convention, where media attention could shift quickly. Harris's advisor has pointed out that while the "honeymoon" period with voters is a good time, the candidate will need to work hard to sustain the enthusiasm. On the other hand, the Republican campaign, led by Trump and his running mate JD Vance, seems to be facing a period of turbulence. The controversies surrounding Vance have diverted attention from the campaign, and his statements have proven to be more harmful than beneficial. This has allowed Harris to capitalize on the opportunity to distance herself from her rival at a time when public attention is particularly focused on her. In conclusion, the shift in the polls in favor of Kamala Harris is not merely a stroke of luck, but the result of a combination of strategy, emotional connection with voters, and a changing political context. As the elections on November 5 approach, all eyes will be on how the Democrats manage this new phase of the electoral contest and whether Harris can maintain her advantage in such a volatile electoral environment.