Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, challenging former President Donald Trump in what was once seen as a predestined race for the GOP. However, recent polling data suggests that Harris has some work to do in convincing skeptical voters to support her campaign in critical battleground states.

In Pennsylvania, a crucial state for both parties, a new Bloomberg News/Morning Consult survey reveals that Trump is leading Harris by four percentage points, with 50% of the voters favoring Trump compared to Harris' 46%. Another poll conducted by Public Policy Polling and commissioned by the Democratic super PAC Progress Action Fund shows Harris trailing Trump by a slight margin of one percentage point, with 48% to 47% respectively, and 5% undecided.

To strengthen her support in Pennsylvania, Harris is considering selecting Governor Josh Shapiro as her running mate. With concerns about Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson potentially assuming the role of acting governor if Governor Shapiro were on the campaign trail with Harris, the decision is critical in securing the state's backing during the November election.

North Carolina, another pivotal state, has not voted for a Democratic president since 2008. The Cook Political Report currently rates it as leaning Republican in the presidential matchup. A RealClearPolitics poll average in North Carolina shows Trump leading Harris by nearly six percentage points, further dampening hopes for Democrats. However, the Trump campaign's recent increase in ad spending and his first campaign rally in Charlotte suggests that he is not taking the state for granted.

Similarly, in Arizona, another battleground state, polling results remain mixed. While the Bloomberg poll shows Harris leading Trump by two percentage points, 49% to 47%, a RealClearPolitics average indicates that Trump is still ahead by a little over four percentage points. Harris will be visiting Arizona next week, hoping to gain more support alongside her soon-to-be-announced running mate, potentially Senator Mark Kelly.

Nevada, one of the western swing states crucial for a successful campaign, shows a slight advantage for Harris. The Bloomberg poll reveals that she is leading Trump by two percentage points, while the RealClearPolitics average gives Trump a four-point lead. As the most diverse state among the battlegrounds, Nevada could be an advantageous state for Harris, with her being the nation's first female vice president, identifying as both black and Southeast Asian.

In Wisconsin, which is part of the "blue wall" along with Michigan and Pennsylvania, Harris has a chance to make a mark on voters. The Cook Political Report rates Wisconsin as a toss-up, and while a RealClearPolitics state average shows Trump leading by a mere 0.2%, the Bloomberg survey puts Harris in the lead with a two-percentage-point advantage. The recent rally in Milwaukee, featuring key Democratic leaders and a performance by rapper Megan Thee Stallion, aimed to energize voters and solidify support in a crucial swing state.

Georgia, where President Joe Biden made history by winning in 2020, is another state that Harris hopes to flip. The Bloomberg poll indicates a tie between Harris and Trump at 47%, highlighting the potential for a competitive race in the state. Harris has leaned on popular Democratic figures, including Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, and former gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams during a rally in Atlanta, showcasing her efforts to gain strong Democratic support.

Lastly, Harris sees Michigan as a promising battleground state, with polling averages showing her leading Trump by two to eleven percentage points. However, the uncertainty lies with over 101,000 uncommitted votes cast during the Democratic primary when Biden was the frontrunner. How these votes will sway in November remains unclear. Harris's approach to striking a balance between supporting Israel's right to self-defense while addressing concerns over civilian deaths in Gaza could be crucial in securing the state.

As the race intensifies, Harris and her soon-to-be-announced running mate plan to hold a rally in Arizona next week, continuing their efforts to gain traction in the battleground states. With the path to the White House likely including victories in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, Harris faces an uphill battle as Trump currently maintains his lead in several key states.