In the wake of Vice President Kamala Harris' widely perceived victory in last week's presidential debate against former President Donald Trump, a recent ABC News/Ipsos poll revealed that her performance did not result in any significant shift in her favor. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed little surprise at these findings, emphasizing the anticipated close nature of the race.

"We know this is going to be a close race," Governor Healey stated during an interview with "This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz on Sunday. "Kamala Harris says that she's an underdog, but what's important is that she and Tim Walz have built a campaign for a close race."

According to the poll, 58% of Americans believed that Harris emerged as the winner of the debate, compared to 36% for Trump. Despite this margin, Governor Healey recognized the importance of capitalizing on the post-debate momentum. Harris strategically campaigned in Johnstown and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania – two counties that Trump carried in both the 2016 and 2020 elections.

"The enthusiasm has been really strong. And I think what's very important also is that she and Tim are playing for every voter, they're going to red counties," Healey emphasized. "They're going to red districts because, as she said in her closing argument, 'I'm going to be a president for all Americans.'"

During the debate, Harris made a false claim, stating that there were no active-duty members of the U.S. military in combat zones. When confronted about this remark by Raddatz, Healey deflected, focusing on Harris' overall demeanor as commander in chief. Raddatz pressed further, questioning Harris' knowledge of military presence in Syria and Iraq, as well as patrols in the Red Sea. Healey evaded the question, reiterating Harris' respect for the military and highlighting the endorsement of military generals who previously served under Trump.

The topic of abortion also emerged during the discussion, with Raddatz challenging Harris for not clarifying her stance on the issue and any potential restrictions. Healey defended Harris, stating that she had already expressed support for upholding Roe v. Wade but shifted blame to Trump for supporting abortion bans, such as the one currently on the ballot in Florida.

Shifting to the economy, Raddatz highlighted rising grocery and home prices under the Biden-Harris administration and the perception that Trump handled the economy better. The ABC News/Ipsos poll showed Trump leading Harris by seven points on the economy. Governor Healey directed the blame towards Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent infusion of funds to support small businesses, resulting in inflation. She claimed that the Biden-Harris administration was working to bring down inflation and ensure affordability in housing, medication, and groceries.

As the race intensifies, it remains to be seen how Harris' debate performance and campaign strategies will impact the final outcome. With a tight race expected, both the Harris-Walz and Trump campaigns continue to vie for the support of voters across the nation.