MSNBC’s national political correspondent Steve Kornacki analyzed [1] Kamala Harris’ declining momentum in recent polling as the 2024 election approaches.
During a segment on Monday, Kornacki highlighted how Harris’ favorability has dropped significantly in just a month, raising concerns about her position in the race against Republican nominee Donald Trump.
According to Kornacki, Harris’ positive rating among voters decreased to 43% in October, down from 48% in September.
At the same time, her negative rating rose from 45% to 49%.
This shift comes after Harris engaged in a media blitz throughout the month, appearing on multiple outlets in an effort to boost her image.
“The shift is here, it’s with Harris, 43% positive, 49% negative,” Kornacki explained during the broadcast. “When we took that last poll a month ago, she was actually above water. She had a 48% positive rating and a 45% negative rating. There was a clear advantage for her a month ago on basic image, basic likability, basic perception over Donald Trump. That advantage, in our poll at least, has gone away in a month for her.”
Trump, on the other hand, maintained a relatively stable standing in the poll, with a 43% positivity rating and a 51% negativity rating, numbers consistent with his historical polling figures.
Kornacki noted that Trump’s positive rating is “a tick higher” than usual, reflecting a slight improvement in public perception.
The poll further revealed that Harris and Trump are now tied at 48% each, a significant change from September, when Harris led Trump 49% to 44%.
This drop for Harris comes after several key events, including the vice presidential debate and a series of campaign appearances by both candidates.
“Back then, our poll had Harris up by 5, now a tie,” Kornacki said.
He pointed out that since the last poll, Harris had participated in multiple campaign events and interviews, but her momentum has declined.
One of the factors weighing down Harris’ favorability, according to Kornacki, is her association with the Biden administration, which continues to face low approval ratings. “I think Harris is weighted down by being part of an unpopular administration,” Kornacki stated.
He explained that Joe Biden’s approval rating stands at 43% in the same poll, while Trump’s retrospective job approval rating is notably higher, at 48%. Kornacki observed that Trump’s retrospective approval rating is better than it ever was during his presidency, suggesting that some voters may be viewing his time in office more favorably in hindsight.
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The polling data points to a tight race between Harris and Trump, with neither candidate holding a clear lead at this point.
Harris had gained some traction earlier in the campaign, pulling ahead of Trump for a few weeks after declining to participate in sit-down interviews or press conferences.
However, her momentum began to slip in September and October, leaving the race in a deadlock.
As the 2024 election season continues, both campaigns will need to address the shifting dynamics in voter support, particularly as Harris navigates the challenges of being linked to an administration facing ongoing criticism, and Trump capitalizes on renewed support from key voter blocs.