Following Joe Biden's announcement ending his reelection bid, Harris's potential vice-presidential pick has become a topic of discussion.
According to an ABC News/Ipsos poll, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona is leading the field of vice-presidential contenders for Harris.
Daily Mail reported that with 22 percent of voters viewing him favorably and only 12 percent unfavorably, Kelly stands out among potential running mates.
Harris has experienced an eight-point increase in favorability, now standing at 43 percent. This uptick comes after a strategic and energetic campaign season, focusing on solidifying her position within the Democratic Party and expanding her reach among voters.
While voters weigh their options for Harris’s vice president, Pete Buttigieg, the Secretary of Transportation, is widely known but polarizing. Buttigieg is viewed favorably by 29 percent and unfavorably by 25 percent of the electorate.
Among other contenders, Governors Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Andy Beshear of Kentucky each have positive public perceptions, with 17 percent and 13 percent favorability, respectively. Their unfavorable ratings remain low, making them viable options.
According to Republican strategist Matt Wolking, Senator Kelly is perceived as a formidable candidate among the running mates. This perception aligns with voters’ sentiments, which suggest a specific affinity for Kelly over his peers.
However, Governor Gavin Newsom of California has struggled with his image, as his unfavorable rating stands at 33 percent, surpassing his favorable rating of 21 percent. Governors Tim Walz of Minnesota, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, and JB Pritzker of Illinois remain under the radar with low name recognition and favorability.
Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan, reflects a balanced public opinion. She is viewed favorably by 20 percent and negatively by 21 percent, indicating a split voter base.
Harris has gained significant popularity among independent voters, with her favorability rising from 28 percent to 44 percent. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has experienced a drop in favorability, decreasing from 40 percent to 36 percent overall. His favorability has declined sharply from 35 percent to 27 percent among independent voters.
In a display of enthusiasm, Harris garnered more excitement among voters than Trump, with 48 percent expressing enthusiasm for her candidacy compared to Trump's 39 percent.
Biden's decision not to seek re-election, influenced by internal party pressures, has made Harris the unchallenged Democratic candidate for the upcoming election. This has set the stage for a face-off between Harris and Trump in November. Public support for Harris is strong, with 52 percent of the surveyed population favoring her candidacy and 86 percent of Democrats showing their support.
Kamala Harris's recent favorability surge and her new status as the Democratic nominee set the stage for a competitive race against Trump. With a prominent rise in independent support and growing enthusiasm, her choice of running mate, particularly Senator Mark Kelly, holds significant strategic importance. As the campaign progresses, Harris’s ability to address the lingering questions about Biden's cognitive health and maintain the momentum will be crucial for her success.
