Ohio Sen. JD Vance has recently seen a notable improvement in his public image, according to the latest Morning Consult poll.
Despite earlier controversies and ongoing challenges, Vance’s favorability ratings have improved since he was named Donald Trump’s vice-presidential running mate, as Newsweek reports.
The new poll, conducted between Aug. 16 and 18 among 2,202 registered voters, reveals that 41% of respondents now view Vance unfavorably, while 39% hold a favorable opinion of him. This marks a significant shift for Vance, whose net favorability has fluctuated during his candidacy, moving from -1 to -13 earlier to a current position of -2. The margin of error for this survey is +/- 2 percentage points.
While Vance’s net favorability of -2 is still negative, it compares favorably to other prominent political figures. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, for example, holds a net favorability of 5, with 39% viewing him favorably and 36% unfavorably. Vice President Kamala Harris, now significantly more popular since becoming the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, also has a net favorability of 5, with 50% favorable and 45% unfavorable. Former President Donald Trump, on the other hand, stands at -5, with 46% favorable and 51% unfavorable.
The rise in Harris’s popularity is particularly noteworthy. A Morning Consult analysis noted that before she ascended to the top of the ticket, Harris’s favorability ratings closely mirrored those of President Joe Biden. However, her popularity has since surpassed not only Biden but also Trump and other Democrats in Congress.
Vance's comparison to other figures doesn't end there. Reflecting on past political landscapes, Sarah Palin, who once enjoyed a peak favorability of +21 in August 2008, eventually saw her ratings decline significantly. Vance’s own ratings have been consistently negative since before July 19, with fluctuations ranging from -1 to -17.
JD Vance’s political journey has been marked by a series of controversies. Since being announced as Donald Trump’s running mate, Vance has faced criticism for various comments on topics such as women’s rights, abortion, and prominent Democratic figures. These statements have sparked widespread debate, with many accusing Vance of holding extreme views.
However, Vance has remained defiant in the face of criticism. He has accused both the media and Democrats of distorting his words to portray him in a negative light. “The media and Democrats have twisted his words,” Vance said in defense of his statements.
One of the more contentious issues Vance has grappled with is his stance on abortion. Initially, he supported a nationwide abortion ban, a position that drew sharp criticism from various quarters. However, Vance has since aligned himself with Trump’s position, advocating for states to have the authority to decide on abortion restrictions rather than imposing a federal mandate.
JD Vance’s recent favorability boost reflects broader political trends and the shifting dynamics of American politics. Despite the controversies and the challenges he has faced, Vance’s ability to slightly improve his standing among voters could be indicative of his resilience and the effectiveness of his campaign strategies.
Vance’s current net favorability of -2, while still not positive, places him in a better position than many would have anticipated earlier in his candidacy. This improvement is especially notable given the string of controversies that have plagued him since joining Trump’s ticket.
As Vance continues his campaign alongside Trump, his ability to navigate the complex and often contentious political landscape will be crucial. With other political figures like Harris and Trump also experiencing fluctuations in their favorability, Vance’s journey will be one to watch closely as the election draws nearer.
The impact of Vance’s recent favorability boost on his broader political fortunes remains to be seen. However, the fact that he has managed to narrow the gap between his unfavorable and favorable ratings suggests that his campaign may be gaining traction among certain voter segments.
