In less than a week, the 2024 presidential election has taken a new turn and begun moving quickly. Within days of President Biden suspending his reelection campaign and throwing his support behind Vice President Harris, she quickly secured the necessary delegates for the Democratic nomination.

Following this, Americans learned that Harris already started vetting various potential running mates. Five top Democrats are currently under consideration. However, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro remain the favorites, per public reports.

The vice president, amid entering the 2024 race, continues to make clear her intentions of beating Trump in November. Now, a recent poll from Reuters/Ipsos shows her leading the former president by a couple of points.

A closer look at the latest Harris vs. Trump poll

Findings from Reuters/Ipsos reveal that among general election voters, 44% back Harris, while 42% are supporting Trump. This is one of the first 2024 polls to come out in the aftermath of Biden stepping down from the campaign trail.

In a race involving Harris, Trump, and Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the vice president carries 42%. Trump carries 38% support, with RFK Jr. coming in last at just 8%. This would suggest RFK Jr.'s presence is most likely to pull votes from the Republican ticket, rather than the Democratic one.

Across the nation's adults, Harris' popularity is seeing a rise. Her unfavorability rate fell from 53% to 50%. Meanwhile, the vice president's current 44% favorability rating has increased by five points.

The VP factor

With Trump having selected Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate, Americans are eagerly waiting to see when Sen. Kelly, Gov. Shapiro, or another prominent Democrat finally joins Harris on the Democratic ticket.

Various pundits and social media users, in the meantime, continue weighing in on which running mate markers will attract more votes in favor of Harris. Many have suggested a vice presidential pick from a swing state or battleground state will prove crucial in winning key electoral votes this November.

On the GOP side, reports now claim that Trump is questioning whether Vance was the best vice presidential choice. Various commentators and others are painting the Ohio senator as a bad candidate who cannot bring in women, young people, or other voters needed to win any national election.