**Tight Presidential Race: Harris and Trump Neck and Neck, Poll Shows**

In a closely contested battle for the White House, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are virtually tied, according to a recent NBC News survey. The poll, conducted between October 4 and 8 among registered voters, reveals that both candidates garnered 48% support in a direct head-to-head scenario.

The survey also explored a broader field, including third-party candidates, which resulted in Trump receiving 47% and Harris 46%. Among the respondents, 42% expressed a definite preference for the Republican ticket and the same percentage for the Democratic ticket. A further 4% indicated they would probably vote Republican, while 3% noted they would probably vote Democratic. Additionally, 1% leaned slightly towards either party.

Democratic pollster Jeff Horwitt, who conducted the survey along with GOP pollster Bill McInturff, emphasized the deadlock in the race. "As summer has turned to fall, any signs of momentum for Kamala Harris have stopped," Horwitt remarked, underlining the critical nature of the upcoming weeks as Election Day looms on November 5, 2024. "The race is a dead heat."

Horwitt highlighted the challenges both candidates face. For Harris, the task is to overcome the uncertainties voters have about her. Meanwhile, Trump must reassure voters that the chaos and personal behavior that marked his first term will not hinder his ability to govern effectively.

The poll also indicated a stark division in voter preference for the congressional elections, with an even split of 47% favoring a Republican-controlled Congress and 47% supporting a Democrat-controlled Congress. The survey had a margin of error of ±3.10% among the 1,000 registered voters interviewed.

As the election nears, both candidates are expected to intensify their campaigns, each striving to sway the remaining undecided voters and tackle their respective challenges head-on.