Ms. Harris received many positive signals.

The results of a synthesis of more than 10,000 responses from seven Reuters/Ipsos national polls conducted since May show significant strengths and weaknesses for Kamala Harris, who took over Joe Biden's campaign when the US President abandoned his re-election bid on July 21.

Kamala Harris would be the first black woman elected president, as well as the first Asian American, if she defeats former President Donald Trump in the November 5 election this year.

About 70% of black voters polled in July chose Harris over Trump in a hypothetical vote, up from 59% who backed Biden in polls in May and June. Trump's share of the vote among blacks increased slightly to 12% in July from 9% in May and June.

Meanwhile, Mr. Trump is seeing increased support among white voters. About 50% chose the former president in July polls, up from 46% in May and June. Ms. Harris had the support of 38% of white voters in July, compared with 36% in May and June.

The race is essentially turning in Harris’ favor. A new Ipsos poll shows Harris continuing to widen her lead over Trump, 42% to 37%, up 2 percentage points from the 37% to 34% split in late July.

Black voters will be Ms. Harris's base

White voters make up the largest racial bloc, accounting for 72% of all voters in the 2020 election, although their turnout has declined sharply in recent decades, according to the Pew Research Center.

African Americans made up just 11% of voters that year. But they are a key part of the Democratic Party coalition and could play a big role in this year's election.

Black voters in Georgia, for example, helped propel Mr. Biden to victory over Trump in the 2020 presidential election. But soaring living costs and what they see as a lack of progress on racial justice issues have caused disillusionment in some places.

Terrance Woodbury, a Democratic pollster who specializes in reaching minority voters, said Vice President Kamala Harris needs overwhelming support from African Americans to make up for her weakness among white voters, especially white men and seniors.

President Biden won 92% of the black vote in 2020, while Mr. Trump won 55% of the white vote, according to an analysis of exit polls by the Pew Research Center.

Harris could win over more black voters who have been undecided in the past, experts say. About 19% of black registered voters in July said they were undecided, likely to choose a third candidate or not vote, down from 31% in May and June.

Some black voters said they knew little about Harris before Biden dropped out beyond the broad outlines of her California background before becoming vice president: local prosecutor, state attorney general, senator. But that skepticism appears to be changing.

Nguyen Khanh (according to Reuters, New York Times)