The Harris Honeymoon Is Over
12Digest
A recent poll indicates that Vice President Kamala Harris's initial surge in popularity has faded, with Donald Trump now narrowly leading her nationwide. This suggests that voters are still seeking more information about Harris and her policies. Republicans have successfully tied Harris to the Biden administration's unpopular policies on immigration and the economy, portraying her as partly responsible for the state of the border and rising prices. They have also labeled her a "radical left Marxist," further emphasizing her perceived distance from the political center. The poll highlights Trump's strengths, particularly his ability to position himself as a change candidate and his perceived competence in handling the economy. However, he remains a deeply flawed candidate with a majority of voters holding an unfavorable view of him. Harris's strategy of relying on being an idealized Democrat without fully defining herself may not be working. The poll suggests she needs to articulate her own positions more clearly and make voters comfortable with her. The upcoming debate will be a crucial opportunity for her to do so.
Outlines
Kamala Harris's Political Honeymoon is Over and the Challenges She Faces
A new poll reveals that Vice President Kamala Harris's political honeymoon is over, with Donald Trump now narrowly ahead nationwide. This suggests that voters are still seeking more information about Harris and her policies.
Republicans' Success in Defining Harris and Her Perceived Shortcomings
Republicans have successfully tied Harris to the Biden administration's unpopular policies on immigration and the economy, portraying her as partly responsible for the state of the border and rising prices. They have also labeled her a "radical left Marxist," further emphasizing her perceived distance from the political center.
Trump's Strengths and Weaknesses in the Election
The poll highlights Trump's strengths, particularly his ability to position himself as a change candidate and his perceived competence in handling the economy. However, he remains a deeply flawed candidate with a majority of voters holding an unfavorable view of him.
Harris's Strategy and the Upcoming Debate
Harris's strategy of relying on being an idealized Democrat without fully defining herself may not be working. The poll suggests she needs to articulate her own positions more clearly and make voters comfortable with her. The upcoming debate will be a crucial opportunity for her to do so.
Keywords
Political Honeymoon
A period of time after a new leader takes office, characterized by high levels of public support and optimism. This period often fades as the leader faces challenges and makes decisions that may not please everyone.
Generic Democrat
A candidate who represents the general principles and policies of the Democratic Party without taking strong or controversial positions. This can be seen as a safe strategy but may lack the appeal of a more distinctive candidate.
Change Candidate
A candidate who emphasizes the need for significant change from the status quo. This can be appealing to voters who are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs, but it can also be risky if the candidate lacks a clear vision for the future.
Populist Moderate
A political ideology that combines populist appeals to the common people with moderate stances on certain issues. This can be a successful strategy in a polarized political environment, as it can appeal to voters who are dissatisfied with both extremes.
Up or Down Referendum
An election in which voters are essentially asked to decide whether they want to continue with the current leader or make a change. This can be a high-stakes election for the incumbent, as they are directly responsible for the state of the country.
Q&A
What are the key findings of the latest poll regarding Kamala Harris's presidential candidacy?
The poll shows that Harris's political honeymoon is over, with Donald Trump now narrowly ahead of her nationwide. Voters are still seeking more information about Harris and her policies, and Republicans have successfully tied her to the Biden administration's unpopular policies.
What are some of Trump's strengths in this election?
Trump is seen as a change candidate, particularly in terms of the economy. He also benefits from a strong base of support among older voters and white working-class voters.
What are some of the challenges facing Harris in this election?
Harris needs to articulate her own positions more clearly and make voters comfortable with her. She also needs to find a way to shift the focus of the election back to Trump's shortcomings.
What should we be looking for in the upcoming debate between Harris and Trump?
We should pay attention to whether the debate focuses on Harris's shortcomings or on Trump's conduct and policies. If the debate is primarily about Harris, it could be a sign that she is struggling to define herself and her campaign.
Show Notes
Is Kamala Harris’s surge beginning to ebb? That’s the question raised by the recent New York Times/Siena College poll, which finds Donald J. Trump narrowly ahead of Ms. Harris among likely voters nationwide.
Nate Cohn, who covers American politics, explains why some of Ms. Harris’s strengths from just a few weeks ago are now becoming her weaknesses, and the opening that’s creating for the former president.
Guest: Nate Cohn, who covers American politics, explains why some of Ms. Harris’s strengths from just a few weeks ago are now becoming her weaknesses, and the opening that’s creating for the former president.
Background reading:
- Both candidates have scant opportunity to shift the electorate, but for Mr. Trump, opinions are largely fixed. Ms. Harris is still unknown to many.
- How the fight to define Ms. Harris will shape Tuesday’s presidential debate.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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United States
Some of the first words out of his mouth were that Harris had been ahead in the popular vote in the country and in some at least of the battleground states. He then goes on to deconstruct what he thinks may have happened to her lead among the general electorate. and says not another word about battleground states. Is there a specific reason for that omission? perhaps he addresses this eventually but it feels like such a thumb on the scale against Harris, I won't listen till the end.
This is so depressing to hear that so many people will vote for the man who openly tells them he will give billionaires tax breaks and undercut government support that truly benefits them.