Kamala Harris Rocked by Major Blow in Voter Support

By: Georgia | Published: Jul 18, 2024

A recent poll has thrown a curveball in the political arena, showing Vice President Kamala Harris trailing behind other Democratic contenders in key swing states. 

The survey conducted by BlueLabs interviewed over 15,000 voters across seven critical battlegrounds.

The Battle for the Democratic Lead

While many eyed Vice President Harris as a potential front-runner, the poll reveals she’s not in the top four favorites. 

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A bald man smiling warmly, dressed in a blue suit, standing outdoors.

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Instead, figures like Senator Mark Kelly and Governors Wes Moore, Josh Shapiro, and Gretchen Whitmer are stealing the spotlight, outpacing her by about 5 points.

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Voter's Quest for Fresh Faces

The study highlighted a significant trend: voters are itching for new leadership. 

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“Voters are looking for a fresh face,” noted the findings, suggesting that those more closely tied to the current administration are not faring as well as newer candidates.

The Strategy Behind the Poll

This intriguing poll wasn’t just a name game. 

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President Joe Biden seated at a desk in the Oval Office, speaking on the phone, surrounded by multiple phones and papers

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Participants were given 11 different presidential options, including President Biden, and arguments supporting each to simulate likely campaign pitches. This methodology aimed to mirror the real campaign battlefield.

Comparing Democratic Hopefuls

The overall results were eye-opening. On average, alternative Democratic candidates led President Biden by 3 points. 

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Official portrait of Kamala Harris smiling, with an American flag in the background.

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However, Harris scored lower, indicating her connection to the current administration might be a hindrance.

The Shift in Democratic Votes

An interesting find from the poll was the voter shift.

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Nearly 3% of voters who initially supported a Trump/Biden matchup switched their allegiance to the Democrats when presented with an alternative candidate.

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Biden’s Firm Stance

Despite the surging contenders, President Biden remains steadfast in his campaign. He’s voiced his belief that he’s the best candidate to counter Trump, dismissing suggestions of stepping aside. 

President Joe Biden speaking at a podium in the White House, with an American flag and elegant interior decor in the background

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“It is our obligation as a campaign to make sure that President Biden is on the ballot,” said Biden’s deputy campaign manager, Quentin Fulks.

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Early Nominations and Controversies

Amidst this polling drama, Democrats have pushed forward with plans for a virtual roll call vote to confirm Biden as their nominee. 

President Joe Biden walking alongside two staff members, including Kamala Harris, through a colonnade at the White House

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This move, aimed at ensuring Biden’s spot on the Ohio ballot, has sparked debate within the party.

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Legislative Maneuvers

The timing of the nomination is critical due to legislative deadlines. 

President Joe Biden delivering a speech at a shipping dock, with a large American flag and cargo equipment in the background

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Ohio lawmakers have extended the nomination deadline to the end of August, but this change doesn’t take effect until September 1, adding pressure on the Democratic campaign.

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A Letter of Concern

A letter yet to be sent to the DNC from House Democrats expresses severe concerns. 

President Joe Biden smiling broadly at a 'Bidenomics' event, with a blue banner in the background reading "Investing in America Milwaukee Wisconsin."

Source: DNC/X

It warns that stifling debate about the nominee with an early roll call vote could “deeply undermine the morale and unity of Democrats—from delegates to ordinary voters—at the worst possible time.”

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Media Spotlight on Democratic Strategies

The details of the contentious letter and the party’s strategies were first brought to light by the Times, with additional coverage by the Associated Press and Axios. 

President Joe Biden speaking at an IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) event, with a seal and American flag behind him

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These reports have fueled discussions on the Democratic approach to the upcoming election.

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What’s Next for the DNC?

The Democratic National Convention’s planning committee is due to meet soon, with no formal date set for the roll call. 

President Joe Biden speaking through a megaphone at a UAW (United Auto Workers) rally, with supporters and banners in the background

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This meeting will be crucial as it sets the stage for virtual activities and finalizes strategies in a tumultuous political climate.

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