As President Joe Biden faces mounting pressure to reconsider his candidacy, Vice President Kamala Harris is gaining traction among voters Biden struggles to reach, according to recent polling data by Democratic groups.
While remaining steadfast in her support for Biden, Harris has seen an uptick in backing from party donors and operatives, some of whom are investing resources to bolster her profile regardless of her ultimate role on the ticket.
Democratic strategists have begun concentrating efforts on advertising and polling to gauge public perceptions of Harris.
This comes as Republicans intensify their attacks on her following Biden’s underwhelming debate performance.
Research indicates Harris is particularly effective at mobilizing young, Black, and Latino voters—demographics where Biden has encountered challenges.
“All of her political supporters are buzzing about the possibility that she could be the presidential nominee,” said Jamal Simmons, Harris’s former communications director, according to NBC News.
He added that Harris’s loyalty to Biden and her role as a strong partner have garnered her increased support within the party.
The Democratic group Way to Win has recently invested in studying voter perceptions of Harris.
Their findings reveal that while both Biden and Harris poll similarly among Democrats and independents, Harris has a “significant boost” among younger voters, people of color, and women.
Her advocacy for access to abortion care, particularly in the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, has resonated strongly with these groups.
Despite facing longstanding criticism and attacks from Republicans, Harris’s supporters emphasize the need to defend her against such assaults.
“The social media environment thrives on fights, and if Kamala doesn’t have an active base to counter the right’s misogyny, those stories start to stick,” said Tory Gavito, president of Way to Win.
Pamela Shifman, president of Democracy Alliance, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of pushing back against racist and sexist attacks on Harris.
“We will always continue lifting up the leadership of our Vice President Kamala Harris,” she said.
Harris has been actively engaging with Democratic donors, elected officials, civil rights leaders, party activists, and voters across the country to defend Biden’s candidacy.
Her recent travels and public appearances are strategically designed to bolster support among Black, Latino, and Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., praised Harris’s loyalty and character, noting:
“She doesn’t want to give the impression that she is trying to undermine him. That shows you the character of a Black woman. We carry the nation on our shoulders, and that’s what she’s doing.”
