Vice President Harris has managed to rise to a position of power without being tied down by specific beliefs or policies, relying on enthusiasm and financial support. A recent survey conducted by CBS News in collaboration with YouGov indicates that a significant number of Americans are unsure of what she stands for, giving her the opportunity to shape the narrative at the upcoming Democratic convention in Illinois.
The poll reveals that Ms. Harris is neck and neck with President Trump in key battleground states, thanks to her strong support from women, minorities, and college graduates. Her ability to distance herself from the unpopular President Biden may also be helping her with voters.
Surprisingly, 36 percent of voters admitted they did not know what Ms. Harris believed in, while only 64 percent claimed to understand her positions. In contrast, 86 percent of respondents said they knew where President Trump stood on issues. This lack of clarity could be advantageous for either political party leading up to the November election.
Groups least likely to be familiar with Ms. Harris’ positions include men, Gen Xers, moderates, independents, and those without college degrees. Despite her team’s reluctance to engage in interviews or release detailed policy proposals, Ms. Harris managed to raise a substantial amount of money and narrow the gap with Trump in a short time frame.
The election seems to be centered around key issues where Trump has historically held an advantage over both Ms. Harris and Mr. Biden. These include the economy, inflation, border security, crime, and the state of democracy. However, Ms. Harris leads Trump on the issue of protecting democracy.
In a six-way race with minor party candidates included, Ms. Harris leads Trump by two points, and by three points in a head-to-head competition. The battleground states of Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania show a tie between Ms. Harris and Trump, each garnering 50 percent of the support.
Ms. Harris’ strong support among core Democratic voters, including those who were disillusioned with Mr. Biden, has contributed to her rise in the polls. She holds a 12-point lead among female voters, while trailing Trump by nine points among male voters. Minority voters have also rallied behind her, with Black voters favoring Ms. Harris over Trump by a large margin.
In conclusion, Ms. Harris’ ability to maintain a competitive position against President Trump despite some voters being unsure of her beliefs, underscores the unique nature of the upcoming election and the challenges facing both candidates as they strive to secure voter support.
