Recent focus groups in Arizona have delivered what can only be described as a no-holds-barred critique of Kamala Harris’ role and effectiveness in the current administration. It seems like Harris is struggling to win over even those who should be her staunchest supporters.
The Los Angeles Times got the scoop following Harris’ speech in Arizona on April 12. The newspaper, invited by the political group “Republican Voters Against Trump,” had a front-row seat to the unvarnished opinions of three distinct voter focus groups. These weren’t your run-of-the-mill critics; we’re talking former Trump voters who flipped for Biden in 2020, Black voters feeling let down by the Biden administration, and even “California Democrats.” Yes, even the folks from Harris’ own stomping grounds had some choice words.
The feedback was, to put it mildly, brutal. Comments ranged from doubts about her assistance to Biden, to personal dislikes, to critiques of her being chosen for her demographics rather than qualifications. And when it came to the big issues, well, let’s just say the consensus was that she dropped the ball. Gunner Ramer, political director of Republican Voters Against Trump, summed it up rather succinctly: “Swing voters don’t like her.”
A focus group of disappointed Black voters didn’t raise a single hand in support of Harris, with one participant dubbing her “the bad news bear.” Ouch. Meanwhile, a group of California Democrats needed prompting just to talk about her, suggesting she needs more influence and exposure.
Now, why does all this matter, you might ask? Well, it’s no secret that vice presidents typically play second fiddle in the grand orchestra of American politics. But in an era where every move is scrutinized and every word dissected, Harris’ unpopularity could play a significant role in the upcoming election. According to a USA Today and Suffolk University poll from last month, a whopping 52% of registered voters disapprove of her performance, with only 36% giving her a thumbs up.
It’s clear that Harris has her work cut out for her. Despite leaning into issues like abortion rights, which carried the Democratic Party to success in the 2022 midterms, she’s struggling to connect with voters on a personal level. Some, like retired military member Jeff Garland, bluntly stated, “she doesn’t look like someone I want running my country.”
In the end, the vice president faces a daunting challenge. With the election looming, she’ll need to find a way to turn the tide and win over the skeptics. Otherwise, the Biden-Harris ticket might just find itself running on empty.