The election is right around the corner and Kamala is doing everything she can to give Biden a boost.
Despite facing criticism, Vice President Kamala Harris remains steadfast in her commitment to addressing a range of complex policy issues, including immigration and student loan debt forgiveness.
Rather than shying away from scrutiny, Harris is stepping up her efforts, particularly as she and President Joe Biden prepare for what is anticipated to be a closely contested general election, potentially against former President Donald Trump.
As the first female and minority vice president serving alongside an older president, Harris has faced intense scrutiny both personally and in terms of her policy positions. From critiques of her laughter to calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, Harris has not been exempt from scrutiny.
While Harris’s approval ratings have trailed behind those of Biden, recent developments suggest a potential shift. With a busier public schedule and a series of more favorable media profiles, along with a concerted effort to engage on social media with lighter content, Harris has seen a slight uptick in her ratings. Currently, her average approval rating stands at a net negative 15 percentage points, with 37% approval and 52% disapproval. In comparison, Biden’s net rating is negative 16 points, with 39% approval and 55% disapproval, according to FiveThirtyEight.
Despite experiencing a recent low in approval ratings, Harris’s highest disapproval rating of 56% has been on a downward trend since last August.
Nevertheless, Harris faces challenges in reshaping public perceptions, particularly among those like Republican strategist John Feehery, who question her communication skills. Despite efforts to refine her image through personnel changes, including the promotion of her longtime press secretary to communications director and the hiring of a seasoned spokesperson, some remain skeptical.
Looking ahead to the 2024 election, Republicans view Harris as a significant factor, especially given Biden’s age, the oldest in U.S. presidential history. Embracing the prospect of Harris playing a more prominent role, Republicans aim to capitalize on what they perceive as her vulnerabilities, particularly regarding her policy positions.
Recent weeks have seen Harris engage in a series of solo trips and joint appearances with Biden, underscoring her active role in both official White House business and political campaigning.
Despite criticism from some quarters, Harris remains a key figure within the Democratic Party. Vice presidential scholar Joel Goldstein emphasizes her engagement and capabilities in the role, acknowledging the unique challenges she faces as the first woman of color in her position.
In conclusion, Vice President Harris continues to navigate the complexities of her role with determination, facing both criticism and opportunities for growth as she works alongside President Biden and prepares for the challenges of the upcoming election.