In a tight race for the White House, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin could be crucial swing states that decide it all. And ahead of this week's first debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, new polling shows these contests are neck-and-neck.

So what makes them so close? Let's unpack some key factors: White non-college voters think Trump would better serve their interests, especially economically. But a majority see his rhetoric as insulting towards Harris. Most voters describe Trump's positions as 'extreme', while Harris' are seen as more mainstream. This could be a liability for the former president in these states.

On issues like housing affordability and looking out for working-class people, Harris has an edge over Trump. But he leads with those who don't think they're better off financially since the pandemic. Overall, Democrats are more excited about Harris' candidacy than Republicans are about Trump's. And she bests him on being seen as having the mental health to serve as president.

But there's still a lot of uncertainty heading into the debates. Will Trump's insulting rhetoric further turn off swing voters? Or will enough overlook it, as they have in past elections? Can Harris' more mainstream appeal win over independents and disaffected Republicans? The answers to these questions could determine whether she can flip these states blue and make history as the first female president

POLITICAL RHETORIC

Dem Debate Preview: Harris Leads Trump on Excitement, but Tight Races Loom in Key States

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