With the Democratic convention in the rearview mirror, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are locked in a close presidential race. Harris, the Democratic nominee, has sparked increased enthusiasm among her party, leading Trump in key battleground states and giving her a slight national lead. However, both candidates need help defining their platforms and appealing to undecided voters.

Trump maintains a strong lead among voters who prioritize the economy, especially those who feel financially strained. Meanwhile, Harris faces the task of introducing herself to voters, with many still needing clarification about her specific policies. Voters perceive her views as aligned but not identical to those of Biden, which could influence her support among soft-Republicans (non-Trumpers) and independents.

A significant gender gap also characterizes the race. Women are more likely to see Harris as a candidate who fights for their interests, particularly on issues like abortion and gender equality, where she outperforms Trump. Harris is also gaining ground among women who view the economy as a significant issue, although Trump still leads in this area overall.

Abortion remains a critical issue for the Harris campaign, with many voters seeing her as a stronger advocate for abortion rights than Trump or Biden. 

The gender gap also extends to perceptions of economic and border policies, with Trump leading among those concerned about border security.

It is time for Harris to begin focusing on her platform and offering specific issues on how she plans to handle the challenging economic, national security, and immigration issues of concern to Americans. 

The race remains tight in battleground states, with both candidates vying for a narrow path to victory. The outcome will likely hinge on voter turnout and the ability of each candidate to communicate their vision for the future effectively.