With just over six weeks to go before the 2024 presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris is experiencing a surge in popularity. Recent polls reveal a positive shift in her favorability ratings, marking the first such improvement since President Joe Biden took office.
This positive trend is significant, as it indicates a change in how Americans perceive Harris. Experts attribute this shift to her increased visibility and her ability to craft a more positive narrative about herself. Kristen Soltis Anderson, a founding partner at Echelon Insights, notes that Harris has successfully presented a more favorable image. This is reflected in the polling average from FiveThirtyEight, which shows a notable improvement in her standing compared to previous polls.
The rise in Harris’ popularity is seen as a potential obstacle for Donald Trump’s campaign, which has struggled to effectively portray Harris as untrustworthy. Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics, points out that Harris’ growing visibility and her clear articulation of her strengths and goals have contributed to her increased popularity. She believes that Harris has been given the opportunity to shine, a challenge often faced by those in the number two position.
Tim Malloy, a polling analyst for the Quinnipiac University Poll, acknowledges the complexities of favorability ratings, highlighting the challenges female candidates traditionally face in navigating voter emotions. Despite this, the surge in Harris’ popularity is noteworthy, especially considering the tight race for the presidency.
While the Harris campaign continues to see itself as an underdog, Nate Silver’s model suggests a close race. While the model currently presents the race as a toss-up, it gave Harris a slight advantage in the electoral college race last Friday.
The shift in public sentiment towards Harris is a significant development in the 2024 presidential race. It could influence the strategies of other candidates and potentially set a precedent for future female political figures. The outcome of this race could have far-reaching implications for the political landscape of the United States.
