As the dust settled after the Democratic National Convention (DNC), a major shift in the political landscape emerged, leaving former President Donald Trump grappling with dwindling support and rising frustrations. The latest post-DNC polls reveal a significant surge in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris, marking a dramatic shift in voter sentiment that Trump’s camp had not anticipated.

According to a recent ABC News/Washington Post poll, Harris is now leading Trump by 51% to 45%, signaling a clear swing in her favor. This gain represents a stark turnaround from previous polls, where Trump had maintained a comfortable lead. The poll’s results, combined with a flurry of other national and swing state surveys, show Harris not only overtaking Trump but doing so by substantial margins in critical battleground states like Arizona and North Carolina.

Harris’s momentum is being credited to her robust and energetic presence at the DNC, where she delivered a compelling and optimistic vision for America’s future. In contrast, Trump’s behavior and messaging in recent weeks have been marred by frustration and a failure to connect with key voter concerns. He has doubled down on fear-mongering rhetoric, focusing on issues such as immigration and crime, which, while resonating with his core base, seem to be losing traction with undecided and swing voters.

At the DNC, Harris emphasized unity and progress, contrasting sharply with Trump’s often dark and divisive tone. Her speech, along with the energy of the convention, seemed to capture the imagination of voters, particularly in swing states. Polls now show Harris leading Trump by five points in Arizona, a state Trump previously held a six-point lead in. In North Carolina, she holds a narrow two-point lead, further expanding the map for Democrats in traditionally Republican states.

The difference between the two conventions couldn’t have been more striking. While the Republican National Convention (RNC) was compared to a “funeral” in some circles, with little energy or excitement, the DNC was filled with enthusiasm, music, and a sense of hope for the future. Social media lit up with videos of lively events at the DNC, such as Lil Jon’s concert, which stood in stark contrast to more somber Republican events, such as J.D. Vance’s low-key donut shop visit.

Even beyond the energy of the events, Harris’s substantive policy proposals seem to be resonating with voters. Her focus on healthcare, tackling big pharmaceutical companies, and lowering costs for Americans has struck a chord with many, particularly as healthcare continues to be a major issue for voters. Meanwhile, Trump’s vague promises of “something better” when it comes to healthcare reform, without providing specifics, seem to have left many voters unsatisfied.

In terms of public perception, Harris is also gaining ground on personal qualities important to voters. When asked which candidate was in better physical health to serve effectively, Harris led Trump by a significant 30-point margin. On the question of mental sharpness, Harris erased a 30-point lead that Trump had previously held over Joe Biden. This marks a significant shift, indicating that voters are increasingly questioning Trump’s ability to lead.

Trump’s camp, however, remains in denial about Harris’s surge. The former president has responded by dismissing the polls, claiming that he still holds strong support among key demographics, such as Hispanic and Black voters, and that he leads in most swing states. However, the numbers tell a different story, with Harris gaining ground even in states like Georgia and Nevada, where Trump previously held large leads.

The post-DNC polling bounce for Harris is also reflected in fundraising figures. ActBlue, the Democratic fundraising platform, reported over $100 million raised for Democratic candidates and causes during the week of the convention. Harris’s speech alone led to $7.2 million in donations in just one hour after its conclusion, underscoring the enthusiasm and momentum her campaign is generating.

For Trump, this polling shift represents a significant challenge. As his campaign struggles to regain its footing, Harris continues to build momentum, with her optimistic message of unity and progress resonating across the country. With swing states now back in play for the Democrats, Trump faces an uphill battle in the months ahead. While there is still time for things to change, Harris’s post-DNC surge has undoubtedly shaken up the race, leaving Trump in turmoil and searching for a new strategy to regain his once formidable position.