United States | Campaign calculus

The Kamala Harris effect on the polls has been dramatic

The latest surveys point to a tightening race

US Vice President Kamala Harris campaigns in Atlanta, Georgia on July 30th 2024
Photograph: EPA/Shutterstock

Joe Biden had been one of the most unpopular presidents to seek re-election since the advent of modern polling. In April 2023, when he declared his intention to run for a second term, some 41% of Americans said they approved of him. More than a year later, after his disastrous debate performance and calls from high-profile members of his own party for him to step aside, his approval rating sank to an all-time low of 37%.

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From the August 3rd 2024 edition

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