HarrisX Poll: Biden and Harris Face Growing Disapproval Among Voters

Overview

A new poll released today by HarrisX and Forbes highlights increasing disapproval ratings for both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The data, collected between July 22-25, 2024, indicates a significant rise in disapproval among likely and registered voters, showcasing the growing challenges facing the current administration.

Joe Biden Approval Ratings

According to the HarrisX poll:

• 2,472 Likely Voters (LV):
  • Approve: 41%
  • Disapprove: 58%
  • Net Disapprove: +17%
• 3,013 Registered Voters (RV):
  • Approve: 39%
  • Disapprove: 57%
  • Net Disapprove: +18%

These figures demonstrate a substantial increase in disapproval for President Biden, with a net disapproval rating of +17% among likely voters and +18% among registered voters. This marks a significant shift in public opinion against the President.

Kamala Harris Approval Ratings

The HarrisX poll also reveals similar trends for Vice President Kamala Harris:

• 2,472 Likely Voters (LV):
  • Approve: 41%
  • Disapprove: 58%
  • Net Disapprove: +17%
• 3,013 Registered Voters (RV):
  • Approve: 39%
  • Disapprove: 57%
  • Net Disapprove: +18%

Vice President Harris’s disapproval ratings mirror those of President Biden, indicating a consistent rise in disapproval among the electorate. The parallel disapproval ratings suggest a broader dissatisfaction with the current administration.

Comparative Analysis

The consistent disapproval ratings across both leaders suggest a unified sentiment among voters regarding the current administration’s performance. The HarrisX poll results show that both Biden and Harris have disapproval ratings well above the 50% mark, indicating significant challenges in regaining voter trust and support.

Conclusion

The HarrisX poll results from July 22-25, 2024, reveal a clear trend of rising disapproval for both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. With disapproval ratings of 58% among likely voters and 57% among registered voters for both leaders, the current administration faces a substantial uphill battle in addressing the concerns of the electorate and improving their public perception.

By closely monitoring these trends, political strategists and analysts can better understand the underlying issues driving voter dissatisfaction and develop more effective approaches to engage and address the needs of the American public.

Additional Insights from HarrisX Poll

The HarrisX/Forbes poll also provides insights into voter behavior and preferences:

• Independent Voters: Harris has made significant gains, trailing Trump by just two percentage points (40% to 42%). In contrast, Biden was losing independents by a 13-percentage point margin (31% to 44%).
• Suburban Women: Harris leads Trump by 12 percentage points (52% to 40%), compared to Biden’s narrower 3-percentage point lead (44% to 41%).
• African American Men: Harris continues to struggle, winning just 57% of this key demographic compared to 30% for Trump.
• Biden Base Consolidation: Harris has successfully consolidated Biden’s base, with 95% of Biden supporters sticking with her and only 3% switching to Trump.

These trends highlight the shifting dynamics in the political landscape and the challenges that Harris faces in maintaining and expanding her support base.

Voter Sentiment on Biden’s Withdrawal

The data also reveals a broad consensus that President Biden did the right thing by stepping aside, with 81% of voters approving of his decision. This includes strong majorities across party lines:

• Democrats: 90% approval
• Independents: 79% approval
• Republicans: 75% approval

Additionally, 89% of Democrats, 72% of independents, and 58% of Republicans believe that Biden’s withdrawal demonstrates he was listening to voters and recent polling.

These insights reflect the complex and evolving nature of voter sentiment as the 2024 election approaches.