By Tony Bruce | Tuesday, September 3, 2024 | 4min read
A recent poll conducted by ABC News and IPSOS has revealed that Vice President Kamala Harris holds a significant lead over former President Donald Trump in favorability ratings. This poll, which comes as both figures prepare for a potentially contentious 2024 election season, highlights a shifting landscape in American public opinion.
The poll, conducted between August 15-20, surveyed 1,200 registered voters nationwide and shows that Harris has a favorability rating of 46%, while Trump lags behind with 33%. This 11-point lead marks a substantial advantage for Harris, reflecting her growing popularity as she continues to take on a prominent role in the Biden administration. The poll’s margin of error is +/- 3 percentage points, suggesting that Harris’s lead is not only noticeable but potentially decisive.
Harris’s favorability has risen across various demographics, particularly among women, younger voters, and minority communities, who see her as a leader aligned with their concerns and aspirations. Meanwhile, Trump’s ratings have been impacted by ongoing legal battles and controversies that have followed him since leaving office.
Demographic Breakdown
Women Voters: Harris leads Trump significantly among women, with a favorability rating of 56%, compared to Trump’s 34%. Her advocacy for women’s rights and reproductive health has resonated with this demographic, positioning her as a key figure for gender equality and social justice.
Younger Voters: Among voters aged 18-29, Harris holds a 54% favorability rating, compared to Trump’s 32%. Harris’s focus on climate change, student debt, and social justice issues has connected with younger generations, who are increasingly concerned about their future under conservative policies.
Minority Communities: Harris continues to enjoy strong support among minority voters, with a 65% favorability rating among African Americans and a 60% rating among Latino voters. As the first woman of color to serve as Vice President, Harris has become a symbol of representation and progress for these communities.
While Trump remains a dominant force within the Republican Party, his favorability has declined due to a combination of ongoing legal challenges and his continued focus on the 2020 election. Despite his strong base of support among white, working-class voters and rural Americans, Trump’s appeal has been hindered by the negative attention surrounding criminal investigations, including charges related to election interference, the January 6th insurrection, and the mishandling of classified documents.
The poll also indicates that Trump’s favorability has been eroded among independent voters and moderate Republicans, who are increasingly disillusioned with his divisive rhetoric and legal troubles. His rating among independents has dropped to 35%, a worrying sign for his chances of reclaiming the presidency in 2024.
Harris’s rise in favorability comes as she takes on key roles in the Biden administration, leading initiatives on immigration reform, climate change, and voting rights. Her ability to connect with a wide array of voters has positioned her as a potential frontrunner in the 2024 presidential race, whether as a key player in President Biden’s reelection campaign or as a potential candidate herself.
The poll results suggest that Harris’s popularity is driven by her focus on issues that resonate with a diverse electorate, including her commitment to expanding healthcare access, protecting voting rights, and addressing racial and economic inequality. These positions have made her a more favorable figure among voters who are looking for progressive leadership in the face of growing conservative opposition.
With the 2024 election cycle on the horizon, the results of the ABC News/IPSOS poll offer valuable insights into the shifting dynamics of American politics. Harris’s lead in favorability over Trump could signal a challenging path for the former president as he seeks to regain the White House. If Harris can maintain and expand her appeal among key voter groups, she could play a pivotal role in the Democratic Party’s efforts to secure victory in the upcoming election.
For Trump, the poll highlights the need for a recalibration of his campaign strategy. To remain competitive, he may need to pivot away from the controversies of his past presidency and focus on forward-looking policies that can win back the support of independents and moderates.
The ABC News/IPSOS poll demonstrates Vice President Kamala Harris’s growing popularity as she leads former President Donald Trump by a wide margin in favorability ratings. As the 2024 election draws nearer, this development could play a significant role in shaping the political landscape. With Harris gaining momentum and Trump facing declining favorability, the race for the presidency promises to be a crucial battleground for the future direction of the country.
