Survey Reveals Kamala Harris Gaining Ground on Economic Trust Against Donald Trump
A recent survey conducted by the Financial Times and the University of Michigan shows Vice President Kamala Harris making significant strides in economic trust, narrowing the gap with former President Donald Trump—traditionally a strong contender on economic issues.
Historically, Republican candidates, including Trump, have been favored over Democrats in handling the economy, a sentiment rooted in the economic turbulence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and its subsequent impact on global energy prices. These factors led to rising consumer prices and economic instability, which have plagued President Joe Biden throughout his term.
Despite Biden’s struggles with economic trust, Harris appears to be shifting the narrative. According to the survey released on Sunday, Harris has surpassed Biden’s previous trust ratings, with 42 percent of voters now indicating confidence in her economic management, compared to 41 percent for Trump. This marks the first time this year that a Democratic candidate has outpaced a Republican on economic issues.
Trump’s trust rating has remained steady at 41 percent for the past three months, while Harris’s recent surge comes amid persistent voter pessimism about the economy. As of August, 73 percent of voters hold a negative view of the U.S. economy, a sentiment that has worsened since July.
The rise in Harris’s numbers aligns with a shift in voter sentiment following Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race and concerns about his age, particularly after a contentious presidential debate in June where Biden appeared confused at times. With Biden out, Harris has energized the Democratic base, leading to a surge in campaign contributions. Her campaign raised $310 million in July alone and an additional $36 million within 24 hours after selecting her running mate.
Trump has reacted strongly to Harris’s increasing popularity, recently holding a press conference at Mar-a-Lago to criticize her and the shift in the polls. The changing dynamics suggest a more competitive landscape as the 2024 election approaches, with Harris making notable gains in an area previously dominated by Trump.
