America desperately wants a change.
The recent findings from a USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll have unveiled a concerning trend regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’ performance in office. With a majority of registered voters expressing disapproval, the numbers paint a stark picture of skepticism regarding her capabilities as the nation’s second-in-command and her potential as a future commander in chief.
According to the poll conducted between March 8 and March 11, a significant 52% of registered voters have expressed disapproval of Vice President Harris’ performance, contrasting sharply with the mere 36% who approve. These figures highlight a notable lack of confidence in her leadership abilities, with only a small fraction of Republicans (4%) and a modest portion of independents (28%) extending approval.
Comparatively, both President Biden and former President Donald Trump received mixed reviews, though Harris appears to fare worse in this context. President Biden’s approval rating stands at 41%, with a disapproval rating of 55%, while Trump’s figures tip slightly in favor with 49% approval versus 47% disapproval.
Of particular concern is the sentiment surrounding Harris’ readiness to assume the presidency should circumstances necessitate. A mere 38% of respondents believe she possesses the qualifications for the role, while a substantial majority (54%) express doubts. Notably, skepticism transcends political affiliations, with a considerable 92% of Republicans, 56% of independents, and notable portions of African Americans (37%) and Hispanics (48%) expressing reservations.
Despite these concerning statistics, Harris retains a degree of support within her own party, with 76% of Democrats expressing approval of her performance. However, this figure pales in comparison to Biden’s approval rating among Democrats, indicating a nuanced divide within the party’s base.
David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, contextualizes these findings, noting that discussions surrounding the vice presidency typically take a backseat in presidential election years. However, the current climate suggests that Harris’ performance and potential candidacy in 2024 will garner significant attention and scrutiny, potentially rivaling the discourse surrounding the presidential race itself.