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

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

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

The voters of Michigan

In Michigan, a state that Trump narrowly won in 2016 but lost to Joe Biden in 2020, voters’ opinions remain deeply divided. Residents from Detroit to Macomb County expressed their opinions about the candidates, illustrating the mixed political atmosphere in the state.

Keandre, a resident of Detroit’s east side, expressed strong support for Trump, saying, “It has to be Trump for the whole city. They’re all voting for Trump,” as stated in a Fox News report.

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

However, not all Detroiters share the same enthusiasm for Trump. Another Detroit resident offered a contrasting view, supporting Kamala Harris and criticizing Trump supporters for being self-centered. “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: an exciting 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%. This slim lead highlights the unpredictability of the state, as polls leading up to the 2016 election also favored Hillary Clinton, who ultimately lost Michigan to Trump.

The importance of the state cannot be overstated, as the sixteen electoral votes play a crucial role in the outcome of the past elections.

Trump’s unexpected victory in Michigan in 2016 made him the first Republican to take control of the state since 1988. His 2016 campaign focused heavily on Blue Wall states like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, which propelled him to victory. With both the Trump and Harris campaigns reprioritizing these states, Michigan is becoming a key battleground in 2024.

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Leadership preferences

Michigan voters also weighed in on which candidate they thought would be a stronger leader. A Detroit resident expressed support for Harris but admitted that Trump may be the stronger leader, saying, “I think Trump is (stronger) because I don’t think Trump will let anyone walk all over us,” as quoted in a Fox News report.

Another Detroit resident was unequivocal in his support for Trump, calling him “the best leader we have to lead this nation forward.”

He argued that Americans would be “better off financially under Donald Trump,” citing concerns about rising costs under the current administration and claiming Harris has no experience in fiscal policy.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Blue Wall State?
The ‘Blue Wall’ refers to the 18 US states, along with the District of Columbia, that consistently voted for the Democratic Party in every presidential election from 1992 to 2012.

When are the US polls held?
The American elections are on November 5.