A recent NBC News poll has highlighted a notable drop in Vice President Kamala Harris’ popularity as she finds herself in a tight race with former President Donald Trump just three weeks before Election Day. Following a boost in her favorability earlier this summer after she took charge of the Democratic campaign, Harris has seen a significant decline compared to the previous month.
Decline in Kamala Harris’ Popularity Ahead of Election Day
“As summer has turned to fall, any signs of momentum for Kamala Harris have stopped,” remarked Jeff Horwitt, a Democratic pollster who conducted the survey with Republican pollster Bill McInturff. The poll results indicate a striking turnaround: in September, Harris held a 5-point lead over Trump, but that advantage has vanished, leaving both candidates tied at 48% among registered voters.
Changing Voter Sentiment
The poll reflects a change in voter sentiment, with increasing concerns that Harris embodies continuity with President Joe Biden instead of offering a fresh alternative. This perception, along with a more favorable view of Trump’s previous administration, has allowed him to close the gap in the race.
McInturff pointed out that Harris is facing “headwinds,” as voters perceive her as seeking another term for the incumbent party, while Trump benefits from a reassessment of his past presidency, which many voters view positively.
Declining Approval Ratings
Harris’ approval rating has dropped to 43% positive and 49% negative, resulting in a net rating of -6. This marks a significant shift from last month’s poll, where her positive rating was at 48% against a 45% negative rating, giving her a net rating of +3. The decline in her favorability is primarily among independents and younger voters—critical demographics she must retain support from.
Gender and Independent Voter Gaps
The poll also underscores a pronounced gender gap between the candidates. While Harris leads by 14 points among women, Trump enjoys a 16-point advantage among men. Both candidates face hurdles in attracting independent voters, many of whom remain undecided or reluctant to support either candidate.
Crucial Weeks Ahead
As the race tightens, the next few weeks are critical for Harris to regain her declining popularity and solidify support, especially among key voter groups. Meanwhile, Trump aims to capitalize on his renewed momentum to sway the election in his favor.