Staff Reports
Vice President Kamala Harris, once seemingly buoyed by a wave of establishment media hype, is now facing a critical reality check as her favorable ratings dwindle, and the public gets a closer look at her performance – or lack thereof. It appears those behind the scenes knew exactly what they were doing by keeping her under wraps for so long. After all, not everyone shines under the spotlight, particularly when the spotlight reveals a glaring lack of substance.
A recent Gallup poll conducted from September 3 to 15 indicates that voter sentiment has shifted against the vice president since her ascension following the Democratic Party’s takeover that sidelined President Biden. Initially basking in favorable coverage, Harris has seen her ratings slip from a 47 percent favorability to just 44 percent, in stark contrast to former President Donald Trump’s rise to 46 percent. Trump’s increase is no fluke; he has gained five points since August, making it clear that constituents are feeling more aligned with him as he reinforces his comeback narrative.
Telling New Poll Shows Americans Are Liking Kamala Harris Less the More They Get to Know Her via @WestJournalism https://t.co/cKWEy7q99v
— 🇺🇸 The MAGA Train 🇺🇸 Kenneth F Crowe (@KennethFCrowe1) September 18, 2024
The poll also revealed a glaring disparity among independent voters, a critical demographic in any election. While 44 percent of independents view Trump favorably, only 35 percent are willing to give Harris even a nod of approval. This underscores the potential impact of trump’s unexpected partnership with former independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which appears to have been a strategic win that’s paying dividends in terms of cross-party appeal. By comparison, Harris’s dwindling support may hint at a broader unpopularity that could cost her dearly in the coming elections.
Looking back at previous election cycles, Trump’s favorability at this juncture is a significant departure from the struggles he faced in 2020 and 2016, where he was trailing his opponents. Now, with a favorable rating of 46 percent, he stands in a stronger position than ever, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly contested election. Meanwhile, Harris’s expected boost from a recent debate—presumably rigged in her favor by ABC News—failed spectacularly to enhance her standing. If anything, it might have further highlighted her shortcomings, as the public continues to be bombarded with her infamous word salads.
As voters are given more opportunities to scrutinize the vice president, it’s become clearer that her initial media-driven glow is nothing more than a mirage. The media’s concerted efforts to prop her up are faltering, leaving Harris to navigate a reality of diminishing returns. The pressing question now is what it will take for her to rebound from this dive in popularity. Given her track record of gaffes and public relations missteps, recovery seems like a monumental task that would require more than just a public relations makeover. More accurately, it could necessitate a complete overhaul—and that’s if she’s even willing to face the mirror.
With momentum shifting back toward Trump and independent voters showing little support for Harris, it appears to be a classic case of voters wanting substance over the glitzy political theater. Harris has had her moment in the sun, but it seems the shadows are closing in fast, and for politicians, the “light of day” can often be unforgiving. The clock is ticking and as more voters look past the well-crafted PR facade, it seems increasingly clear that the road to 2024 may be rugged for the vice president.
