Republican pollster Frank Luntz has noted that Vice President Kamala Harris has had a significant impact on the Democratic Party’s fortunes since becoming the top of the presidential ticket. Luntz mentioned that his focus groups have shown that Harris is exciting voters who may have been previously put off by the race between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Undecided voters are now shifting their support towards Harris, leading Luntz to comment on her “intensity advantage.”
Luntz stated that he had not seen such a rapid transformation in a political candidate in his lifetime, emphasizing that Harris has been able to capture the attention of voters in a way that he had not seen before. He also mentioned that Trump had originally been on course to defeat Biden, but now Republicans risk losing the presidency, the Senate, and the House if they do not adjust their messaging to counter Harris’s appeal. Despite polls indicating a close race for the White House, Harris has been able to narrow the gap Trump previously held in battleground states soon after Biden endorsed her.
As a result of Harris’s rising popularity, Luntz mentioned that he has found it difficult to recruit younger female voters who still consider themselves undecided to participate in his focus groups. Harris’s favorable attributes have shifted the political dynamics in her favor, with Luntz acknowledging that, despite issues and conditions that may favor Trump, the intangible qualities that Harris brings to the table have boosted her position in the race for the presidency.
Luntz highlighted the importance of both issues and attributes in a political race, noting that while the issues and conditions of the country may align more closely with Trump’s platform, Harris’s personal attributes and appeal have been driving support towards her. Despite the favorable conditions that should be benefiting Trump, Harris’s strengths and intensity have allowed her to gain momentum and attract voters who may have previously been undecided or leaning towards the Republican candidate.
Overall, Luntz’s observations point to a significant shift in the political landscape since Harris became the Democratic Party’s nominee for Vice President. Her appeal to previously disengaged or undecided voters, as well as her ability to connect with younger female demographics, have put her in a strong position in the race for the White House. Republicans may need to reassess their messaging and strategy to counter Harris’s strengths and avoid potential losses in the upcoming election.
