In an exclusive poll for DailyMail.com, Kamala Harris is branded the worst vice president in decades, intensifying pressure on Joe Biden to consider a new running mate for the 2024 election.
Conducted by J.L. Partners, the survey of 1,000 likely voters revealed that 40 percent of respondents ranked Harris as the worst recent holder of the vice-presidential office, surpassing Republicans Mike Pence and Dick Cheney.
Voters Express Harsh Opinions on Kamala Harris
Respondents did not hold back in expressing their views on Harris, with the word ‘incompetent’ prominently emerging to describe the vice president. Nearly half of the surveyed voters, including a significant portion of Democrats and black respondents, advocated for Biden to select a different running mate for the 2024 campaign.
Joe Alder, a Senior Research Associate at JLP, told 19FortyFive on Wednesday: “The American public has no confidence in Kamala Harris. Their criticism is brutal in its overwhelming focus on Harris’s personal qualities – her competence, her intelligence, her credentials. Harris is simply not seen as up to the job. That is a really dangerous state of affairs for the Democrats when combined with a President facing deep concerns on age and ill health.”
Concerns About Harris’ Popularity
The fresh poll reflects Harris’ challenging tenure as vice president and the growing apprehensions among some senior Democrats. With concerns about Biden’s age, voters are evaluating whether Harris, at 58, would be capable of assuming the presidency during a second term if necessary. James Johnson, co-founder of JL Partners, emphasized that the negative sentiments toward Harris were not exclusive to Republicans, resonating also with independents and a notable portion of black voters and younger demographics.
Campaign Memo Defends Kamala Harris
Despite the poll’s damning results, an internal campaign memo from August highlighted Harris’s popularity among key voter demographics, underlining her approval ratings and positions on crucial issues. The memo argued that Harris’s standing remains strong among groups pivotal for the 2024 election, despite the public sentiment captured in the poll.
Harris’ Struggles and Biden’s Declining Popularity
Harris has faced major challenges throughout her tenure, including low favorability ratings, internal friction, and attempts to find her niche within the administration. Her handling of immigration issues and recent efforts to engage younger voters through a college tour exemplify her efforts to strengthen her position within the Biden-Harris ticket.
2024 Election Landscape
The Kamala Harris poll also brought unwelcome news for President Biden, as it indicated that Donald Trump had overtaken him in a hypothetical 2024 matchup. Independent voters switching sides and increased support from graduates have contributed to Trump’s resurgence, illustrating a shift in public opinion since the previous poll in June.
As the 2024 election approaches, the public’s opinion of Kamala Harris and the dynamics of the potential race suggest challenging times ahead for the Biden-Harris campaign. Voters are eager for change, and the pressure on Biden to reevaluate his running mate choice intensifies. The path to reelection is laden with obstacles, necessitating strategic decisions and a strong campaign approach to secure victory.
About the Author
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education.
