A recent survey reveals that a majority of American voters attribute responsibility to Vice President Kamala Harris for several critical national challenges.
According to a Daily Mail report, a poll conducted by J.L. Partners found that many likely voters believe Harris is accountable for the ongoing border crisis, increased inflation rates, and the controversial Afghanistan withdrawal.
The poll, which surveyed 1,000 likely voters, indicates that 60% of respondents hold Harris either very or somewhat responsible for the record-breaking number of crossings at the southern border.
This perception aligns with the Trump campaign's efforts to label her as the "border czar," despite her actual role being focused on addressing the root causes of migration in Central American countries.
The survey also revealed that 55% of respondents blame Harris for high inflation levels, while 49% believe she bears responsibility for the problematic departure from Afghanistan in 2021.
These findings suggest that the Trump campaign's strategy to link Harris to these contentious issues may be gaining traction among voters. The poll carries a three-point margin of error, indicating a relatively high level of confidence in its results.
Interestingly, the survey also found that 45% of respondents associate Harris with significant economic growth, matching the proportion who do not hold her responsible for this aspect of the economy.
While the poll highlights negative associations with Harris on certain issues, it also reveals some positive attributions. Notably, 53% of respondents credit her with efforts to cap drug prices.
James Johnson, co-founder of J.L. Partners, provided insight into the survey's implications:
Voters think Harris is responsible for more of the bad things that have happened under Biden than the good. That suggests the attack line—that we heard in Trump's closing statement at the debate in response to her plans, "why didn't you do any of this"—will be effective.
Johnson further noted that given the historically limited power of vice presidents, the Trump campaign might view these results as a success in shaping public perception of Harris's role and impact.
The poll's findings come at a crucial time, with Harris now leading the Democratic ticket following President Biden's withdrawal from the race.
Despite the negative associations revealed in the poll, Harris has seen a boost in both polling numbers and fundraising efforts. The J.L. Partners/DailyMail.com poll shows her leading by a narrow margin of one point, indicating a race that remains too close to call.
These results underscore the complex dynamics at play in the upcoming election. While Harris faces challenges in public perception on key issues, she also benefits from positive associations and a recent surge in support. The poll suggests that voters' views on Harris's responsibility for various national challenges could play a significant role in shaping the electoral landscape as the campaign progresses.
