Vice President Kamala Harris Faces Growing Scrutiny as Political Honeymoon Fades
ICARO Media Group
As Vice President Kamala Harris continues her political journey, there are increasing signs that her initial honeymoon phase may be fading. Political experts have warned that Harris's policy proposals, which some argue lean towards the left, are likely to face closer scrutiny from voters.
Thomas Gift, the head of the Center on U.S. Politics at University College London, cautioned that Harris's policies may be viewed as "arguably far to the left of the median U.S. voter," leading to a potential decline in support. However, another expert suggested that her recent speech at the Democratic National Convention could prolong her honeymoon period.
Since emerging as the presumptive Democratic nominee following President Joe Biden's endorsement in July, Harris enjoyed a surge in popularity, surpassing former President Donald Trump in numerous polls and becoming the favorite to win the November election.
Nevertheless, recent setbacks have raised concerns for Harris's campaign. Betting odds offered by major bookmakers now show Trump as a more favorable candidate for winning the presidency. Additionally, a Navigator Research poll of key battleground states indicated that Harris is either tied with or trailing behind Trump in Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and North Carolina.
Adding to the challenges, independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who initially ran as a Democrat, suspended his campaign and endorsed Trump, potentially affecting the outcome in North Carolina and Nevada. As of Friday, polling aggregation website FiveThirtyEight had Harris at a 3.5-point lead over Trump, with Kennedy trailing at 4.4 percent.
Gift emphasized that Harris's adulation and positive media coverage would eventually wane, as specifics on her policies are unveiled. Trump is also expected to employ effective lines of attack, repeatedly referring to Harris as a "San Francisco liberal." However, despite the recent shift in fortunes, the race remains too close to call, with public opinion likely to fluctuate until the elections on November 5.
Mark Shanahan from the University of Surrey expects that Harris's nomination acceptance speech may extend her honeymoon period, generating a potential boost in the polls. Still, Shanahan warns that maintaining momentum will be crucial for Harris in the coming weeks, as she faces a demanding schedule of speeches and media engagements.
Christopher Phelps, a historian of modern American politics, highlights the significance of the Electoral College in determining the election outcome, cautioning against relying solely on polling figures. Phelps notes that Harris currently leads in key swing states, including Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.
Dafydd Townley, a U.S. politics lecturer at the University of Portsmouth, believes that the Harris campaign has built considerable momentum. Townley comments on the dominance of Democratic press coverage and asserts that a strong debate performance and vigorous campaigning could further solidify Harris's position.
As the countdown to the elections continues, the political landscape remains uncertain. Harris will need to navigate the challenges ahead, while maintaining the energy and momentum generated by her recent successes, if she hopes to secure victory for the Democratic party.
When contacted by Newsweek, the Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung expressed skepticism regarding the opinions of experts located outside of America. Newsweek also reached out to representatives of Harris's campaign for comment but did not receive a response.
Overall, the race for the presidency is likely to remain fiercely contested, and the outcome will hinge on future debates, voter sentiment, and potential developments in the coming weeks leading up to Election Day.