A recent poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research has highlighted the Democratic Party’s trust in Vice President Kamala Harris’ ability to address climate change compared to President Joe Biden. The survey found that 85% of Democrats have some level of trust in Harris on climate change, while about three-quarters say the same about Biden. Younger Democrats, in particular, show more trust in Harris to handle climate issues, indicating a distinct evaluation of Harris as a candidate separate from Biden. This satisfaction among Democrats provides Harris with an opportunity to appeal to younger voters who are particularly concerned about climate change.
Democratic voter Aaron Hash, a union worker from Washington state, expressed optimism about Harris’ potential to bring meaningful change in areas like climate change, abortion access, and gun control. Hash believes that Harris can help the Democratic Party regain ground and pass protections that were previously in place before recent Supreme Court decisions. This sentiment is echoed by other Democrats who see Harris as a potential agent of change in addressing key issues that matter to the party.
The issue of climate change is deeply concerning for the Democratic Party, with a significant majority of Democrats acknowledging its existence and attributing it to human activities. Most Democrats have become more worried about climate change in the past year and feel that the federal government is not doing enough to combat it. Younger Democrats, in particular, express anxiety and concern about climate change, with many feeling anxious and less hopeful than older Democrats. This emotional response to climate change underscores the urgency of the issue for a large segment of the Democratic voter base.
Many Democrats, like 29-year-old Alex Campbell from Philadelphia, see a sense of existential dread among Millennials and Gen Z regarding the future impact of climate change. Campbell credits Biden for passing certain legislation but hopes that Harris, as a younger candidate, will prioritize addressing climate change more aggressively. However, there is also skepticism about whether Harris can make significant progress without Democratic control of Congress, especially considering concerns about the Supreme Court’s role in weakening environmental protections.
The upcoming presidential election is viewed as crucial for the issue of climate change, with Democrats expressing greater concern about the outcome compared to independents and Republicans. The poll reveals that the majority of Democrats believe the 2024 election will be significant for addressing climate change, emphasizing the importance of electing candidates who prioritize environmental issues. Younger Democrats like 21-year-old Nikolas Ostergard from Utah believe that Harris’s strong communication skills will allow her to have a positive impact on issues like climate change, offering hope for a better environmental policy under her leadership.
The survey results highlight the Democratic Party’s trust in Vice President Kamala Harris to address climate change and other key issues, signaling a potential shift towards prioritizing Harris’s policy stances over those of President Joe Biden. With Democrats expressing heightened concern about climate change and the need for government action, Harris has an opportunity to connect with younger voters who are particularly focused on environmental issues. As the Democratic National Convention approaches, Harris’s stance on climate change and her potential to drive meaningful change in this area may play a crucial role in shaping Democratic voter sentiment leading up to the November election.
