Harris gains supporter enthusiasm as 2024 election nears

The 2024 presidential election is shaping up differently from its predecessor. While the 2020 race saw Joe Biden win largely as the not-Donald Trump option‚ the current contest features a notable shift in voter motivations

Four years back‚ Trump – the incumbent – had focused on Republican priorities and faced challenges like the pandemic and social unrest. Biden didnt need to do much; being the alternative was enough. Polls showed Biden supporters were mainly anti-Trump rather than pro-Biden

Early in this election cycle Biden faced similar dynamics. A poll in 06/24 found 54% of his backers supported him because he wasnt Trump. However Bidens campaign hit a snag with a poor debate performance leading to his exit

Enter Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee – and things changed. The most recent CBS-YouGov poll (released a couple days ago) shows 43% of Harris supporters back her because they like her‚ while 37% oppose Trump. This marks the widest gap between these motivations since Bidens post-primary enthusiasm in 03/24

Trump supporters remain consistent: most back him because they like him. Only about 3 in 10 say their support is about keeping Harris out of office. Among party members enthusiasm is stronger:

• Half of Democrats like Harris (up from 3 in 10 for Biden in 07/24)
• Two-thirds of Republicans like Trump

Interestingly theres no gender divide in support reasons for either candidate. However‚ education plays a role for Trump backers:

• 65% of those without college degrees like Trump
• Under 50% of college-educated supporters cite liking Trump

Race factors into Harris support:
- Black and Hispanic supporters more likely to like her
- White supporters evenly split between liking her and opposing Trump

This shift doesnt necessarily spell trouble for Harris. Opposition to Trump remains a valid motivation‚ especially given concerns about democratic institutions. What it does show is that Harris support isnt solely about opposing Trump – a positive sign in a race where voter motivation will be key