Staff Reports
Biden’s latest maneuver of endorsing Kamala Harris as his heir apparent might just make for an awkward election party in the Democratic camp. President Biden declared he wouldn’t seek renomination, perhaps sensing that even he can see the writing on the wall. While Democratic heavyweights are lining up behind Harris like it’s a 1990s boy band reunion, the numbers suggest that the vice president’s chances of success against former President Donald Trump could effectively be classified as a nightmare before Christmas for the Democrats.
Polling data reveals that Trump is leading Harris by a healthy margin, prompting many to question if Harris has what it takes to keep the Democratic dream alive. A recent Harris X/Forbes survey paints a dire picture: only 42% of likely voters are ready to back Harris compared to a commanding 52% who have thrown their support behind Trump. When the undecided voters are pushed to choose, Harris manages to claw her way to 46%, but good ol’ Trump is still sprinting ahead at 54%. Talk about a tough crowd.
🇺🇲 2024 GE: Among 2,169 likely voters by @Harris_X_ for @Forbes
🟥 Trump: 52%
🟦 Harris: 42%
⬜ Undecided: 6%With leans
🟥 Trump: 54%
🟦 Harris: 46%
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#161 (1.6/3.0) | July 19-21 | 2,169 LVhttps://t.co/aftIVaQhd4 https://t.co/gK9W0GpOYK pic.twitter.com/eQG2zGoD5P— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) July 22, 2024
The memo hasn’t exactly arrived for Harris when it comes to African American and Latino voters, either. Despite her vice presidential title, she seems to be managing a pretty lackluster performance in demographics that traditionally lean Democratic. Among independent voters, Trump is flexing a staggering lead, capturing 48% while Harris can barely rustle up a mere 33%. Harris is supposedly winning African American votes, but judging by her 65% support among that group, one has to wonder if they’ve been left with a sour taste in their mouths. Four years ago, Biden was basking in a 92% approval rating among African Americans, making Harris look like a struggling amateur in comparison.
Latinos aren’t exactly ringing the Harris bells either, with her popularity trailing Biden’s 2020 numbers substantially. The Pew Research polling showed that Biden snagged 59% of the Latino vote, while Harris appears to be fumbling with significantly lower figures. It’s almost as if voters are looking for a better offer — and in light of Harris’ polling, perhaps they feel that taking a pass might be in their best interest.
Just when the Democrats thought the situation couldn’t get any worse, a Quinnipiac University poll added insult to injury. It revealed that Trump leads Harris by 49% to 47%. Incorporating other candidates into the mix only widens the chasm for Harris, dropping her chances to a meager four points behind. It seems that as Harris enters the political arena with numbers reminiscent of Biden’s not-so-stellar performance, voters are more inclined to wonder if the party’s future is looking bleaker than even the most pessimistic observers had feared.
