Title: Examining Vice President Kamala Harris’ Approval Ratings Compared to her Predecessors
Subtitle: Is Kamala Harris the Most Unpopular Vice President Ever? Exploring the Trends and Numbers
Despite claims made by some Republicans, it is difficult to definitively determine whether Vice President Kamala Harris is the most unpopular vice president in history. Since polls were not conducted at the founding of the Republic, a direct comparison is challenging. However, it is evident that Harris has been viewed less favorably than her four immediate predecessors at this stage in their terms. While her unfavorable ratings exceed her favorable ones, it is important to consider the context and nuances surrounding these numbers.
According to the July 1-5 Economist/YouGov poll, Harris received a favorable rating of 39% among registered voters, with 55% viewing her unfavorably, resulting in a 16 percentage point difference. In comparison, previous vice presidents have also faced varying levels of popularity. For instance, during his second term, Dick Cheney experienced even lower popularity ratings, especially as the Iraq War became increasingly unpopular. In July 2007, only 30% of adults held a favorable view of Cheney, while more than twice that number viewed him unfavorably, according to the Gallup Poll.
In July 2015, Joe Biden, during his seventh year as vice president, had an approval rating of 49%, with a 39% disapproval rating, according to a Quinnipiac University poll. Known for his ability to negotiate deals with Republicans, Biden managed to avoid significant controversy during his two terms, earning a reputation as a skilled behind-the-scenes player in Washington.
Comparisons between vice presidents are complex, as they are often closely associated with their respective presidents. The popularity of a president can heavily influence public perception of the vice president. For example, George H.W. Bush’s vice president, Dan Quayle, faced unfavorables as high as 59% in the summer of 1992 when both sought reelection. Similarly, George W. Bush’s vice president, Dick Cheney, experienced a decline in popularity as Iraq War opposition grew.
Vice presidents are often overshadowed by their boss and spend much of their time promoting and defending the administration’s agenda. This limited ability to retaliate when under attack may explain the correlation between a vice president’s popularity and their president’s performance.
Vice presidents are primarily viewed through a political lens, with voters typically rallying around their respective parties. Mike Pence, serving as vice president for four years, maintained favorable ratings of around 42% to 45%, while his unfavorable numbers hovered around 50%, according to YouGov polls.
Ultimately, it is crucial to consider the various factors and variables that impact a vice president’s approval ratings. While Kamala Harris currently faces lower favorability ratings compared to some of her predecessors, this should not be interpreted as a definitive measure of unpopularity. Polls and public opinion can fluctuate depending on the political climate, policy successes, and media coverage. As the Biden administration continues, it will be interesting to see how Harris’s numbers evolve and whether she can reshape public perception through her actions and policy initiatives.
In conclusion, while it is inaccurate to label Kamala Harris as the most unpopular vice president ever, it is evident that her favorability numbers trail behind those of some of her predecessors at this point in their terms. It is important to analyze these ratings within the broader context of presidential popularity, policy issues, and the inherent challenges of the vice presidency. As with any political figure, understanding the complexities surrounding public opinion is crucial when evaluating a vice president’s performance and popularity.
