Kamala Gets An Unexpected Boost
Recent polling data reveals a notable shift in the political landscape as Vice President Kamala Harris gains traction as the leading Democratic contender for the 2024 presidential race. An ABC News/Ipsos poll, surveying 1,200 adults, has shown Harris’ favorability rating climbing to 43 percent, an 8-point increase from her earlier 35 percent. This rise follows President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race, which came after increasing pressure and underwhelming performance in a CNN debate.
The poll reflects a decrease in unfavorable opinions of Harris, which has dropped from 46 percent to 42 percent. This suggests a growing acceptance of Harris as a viable presidential candidate among voters. In contrast, former President Donald Trump’s approval rating has declined from 40 percent to 36 percent since the previous survey, conducted after his official nomination at the Republican National Convention and a serious security incident.
The data also indicates heightened enthusiasm for Harris’ candidacy among Democrats, with 88 percent expressing strong support, including 70 percent of Black voters. Additionally, Harris has seen a significant boost in favorability among independents, rising from 28 percent to 42 percent. This is a crucial demographic, as Trump’s favorability among independents has decreased from 35 percent to 27 percent.
Despite these shifts, Trump remains a formidable contender. His communications director pointed to another poll, conducted by Telegraph/Redfield & Wilton Strategies, which shows Trump leading Harris in several key swing states. Trump’s campaign emphasizes that despite the recent dip in his favorability ratings, he retains significant support in critical areas.
The current polling suggests a competitive race between Harris and Trump. After Biden’s exit, Trump now holds the record as the oldest major party presidential nominee in U.S. history. Should he win the election, he could become the oldest sitting president ever. The ABC News/Ipsos poll, conducted between July 26-27, shows that only 7 percent of Americans hold unfavorable views of both candidates, a decrease from 15 percent previously.
With the election drawing closer, the dynamics between Harris and Trump will be pivotal in shaping the political future of the United States. The margin of error for the ABC News/Ipsos poll is plus or minus 3 percentage points, reflecting the fluid and competitive nature of the upcoming race.
