Harris Edges Trump in Leadership Poll, Democrats Show Renewed Enthusiasm

A recent poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research has shed light on the public perception of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump as potential presidential candidates. The survey, carried out from August 8-12, 2024, reveals a nuanced picture of how Americans view these two political figures.

Kamala Harris, born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, appears to have an edge over Trump in several key leadership qualities. Nearly half of the respondents believe Harris is more "committed to democracy" and "disciplined" compared to about 30% who attribute these qualities to Trump. Harris also scores higher on honesty and empathy, with 40% of Americans describing her as "honest" versus 24% for Trump.

However, Donald Trump, born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City, maintains advantages in certain areas. The poll indicates that Americans are slightly more likely to trust Trump on economic issues and immigration. This aligns with Trump's presidency from 2017 to 2021, which was marked by significant policy changes, particularly in immigration.

On social issues, Harris demonstrates strength. Approximately half of U.S. adults believe she would handle race-related issues, abortion policy, and healthcare better than Trump. This perception may be influenced by Harris's background as the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India, and her work on criminal justice reform and civil rights during her tenure as California's Attorney General from 2011 to 2017.

The poll also reveals a significant shift in Democratic enthusiasm. About two-thirds of Democrats express excitement about the prospect of Harris being elected, a stark contrast to the lukewarm response Biden received in a March 2024 poll. This surge in enthusiasm could be crucial for the Democratic party as they approach the upcoming convention.

"There's definitely joy and there's definitely hope, and I feel like that's something that's been missing. I don't think we've had that in a long time on the Democratic side."

Independents, a crucial voting bloc, show increased interest in Harris compared to their previous stance on Biden. Approximately 20% of independents say they would be either excited or satisfied by Harris being elected, an improvement from the March poll regarding Biden.

As the first woman, first African American, and first Asian American vice president, Harris's potential candidacy represents a historic moment in American politics. Meanwhile, Trump, who was impeached twice during his presidency (a first in U.S. history), continues to maintain a strong base of support, particularly on economic issues.

This poll provides valuable insights into the evolving political landscape as both parties prepare for the upcoming election. It suggests that while Harris may have some advantages in terms of perceived leadership qualities, the race remains competitive, with both candidates having their unique strengths and challenges to navigate.