Kamala Harris’ recent visit to the border and economic policy speech garnered attention from the public, according to a new poll from The Breakthrough. However, there are warning signs for her campaign as the share of Americans hearing about her has decreased each week and the tone in which they discuss her has become more negative. The word “lie” has emerged as a top association with Harris in recent data, reflecting a shift in public perception since earlier in her campaign.
A survey conducted by SSRS and Verasight for CNN, Georgetown University, and the University of Michigan measured what Americans have heard about Harris and Trump. While mentions of the word “lie” in relation to Harris remain small, they have increased over time. Some respondents express skepticism about Harris’ promises, with one stating that she “says nothing” and makes false claims to get elected. However, others appreciate her policies and solutions to issues, contrasting her with Trump.
Recent data shows a focus on immigration and the economy in responses about Harris, following her efforts to highlight these topics with a visit to the southern border and an economic policy speech. This marks the first time that multiple policy-related topics have been in the top five for Harris in the survey. Responses praising her speeches and policies contrast with those critical of Trump, who continues to face accusations of lying. The survey also highlighted Trump’s meeting with the Ukrainian president as a significant event.
Overall sentiments about Harris have become more negative in the latest data, with responses from Democrats, Republicans, and independents reflecting this trend. In contrast, Trump’s numbers have seen a slight rebound following a post-debate drop. The poll found that slightly fewer Americans reported hearing about Harris compared to Trump, marking the fourth straight week of higher attention to Trump. The overall level of attention to the presidential candidates is lower compared to previous cycles, possibly influenced by the timing of debates.
While there are concerns for Harris’ campaign based on the recent data, Trump continues to face accusations of lying from a significant portion of respondents. The focus on immigration and the economy in responses about Harris reflects her efforts to emphasize these issues in her campaign. Overall sentiments towards both candidates have shifted slightly in the latest data, with Harris experiencing a decline in positivity while Trump’s numbers have seen a slight improvement. The public’s attention to the candidates remains lower compared to previous election cycles, potentially impacted by the timing of debates.
