Vice President Kamala Harris, who made history as the first Black and first female of Indian descent to hold the position, is currently experiencing record-low favorability ratings.
According to an NBC poll conducted in June, Harris’s net favorability stands at -17, the lowest rating for any vice president in the history of the poll.
The survey of approximately 1,000 respondents revealed that 49% of registered voters hold a negative view of Harris, while only 32% have a positive outlook on the Vice President.
As experts attempt to understand the reasons behind these ratings, Harris’s tenure and the circumstances she faces come into sharp focus.
Stepping into new territory as the first woman of color to assume the vice presidency, Harris’s performance has drawn heightened scrutiny throughout her time as a candidate and now as an officeholder.
Jonathan Hanson, a political scientist, and lecturer at the University of Michigan, suggests that gender-related bias and race/ethnicity-related bias might be impacting her ratings.
While research indicates that Harris’s gender and race are seen positively by some, they may also play a role in generating negative perceptions among others.
Harris’s tenure as Vice President has been marked by difficult and politically sensitive assignments.
She was tasked with focusing on immigration, an issue rife with complexities and sensitivity.
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Kamala Harris’s Journey as Vice President
This responsibility may have limited her opportunities to showcase positive and highly visible public accomplishments.
The demands of handling such issues, along with the inherent challenges of being a trailblazer, could be contributing factors to her unfavorable ratings.
Antjuan Seawright, a Democratic strategist, emphasizes that polls are snapshots of a particular moment and should not solely define Harris’s impact on the Democratic Party, the administration, or the country.
It is crucial to consider the broader context in which these ratings are measured.
In recent interviews, Harris has expressed her commitment to her role as Vice President, acknowledging the significance of her position in shaping public discourse and confronting misinformation.
As she navigates the responsibilities that come with the bully pulpit, Harris remains determined to inform and elevate public discourse on important issues.
President Joe Biden’s announcement of his plans to seek a second presidential term has brought renewed attention to his second-in-command.
As the incumbent President, Biden’s policies and public appearances also play a role in shaping the public’s perception of the administration.
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Source: Yahoo News, Fox News