Staff Reports
The spotlight has shifted to Vice President Kamala Harris after President Joe Biden officially decided to hand over the reins, and it turns out that her charm offensive aimed at the crucial youth voter demographic is falling flat. Harris may have thought her time in the political limelight would yield the same robust support that Biden had back in 2020, but the reality is more sobering, akin to discovering that the ice cream is all gone after a long dinner.
In a recent analysis, CNN’s Harry Enten pointed out the alarming trends for Harris, who is still ahead with youth votes but only by a mere nine points—significantly reduced from Biden’s impressive 21-point lead among voters under 35. This revelation has raised eyebrows, as the youth voters who once rallied behind Biden seem less enthusiastic about Harris, echoing the age-old question: Does she have what it takes to connect with the next generation?
CNN Expert ROASTS Kamala, Breaks Down Her BRUTAL Performance With Young Voters https://t.co/bYI0CLv1y5
— Debra (@IngeniousGal) July 24, 2024
A critical factor in this political puzzle is voter motivation, which isn’t simply about who can perform well in polls. Interestingly, around 39 percent of Democrats reportedly feel motivated to show up and vote post-Biden’s exit, while a slightly higher 42 percent of younger voters express similar enthusiasm. It’s a fine distinction that does little to hide the growing apathy amongst young Democrats toward Harris, despite her attempts to ride the social media wave of internet memes.
Adding to Kamala’s troubles is a notable drop in party identification among young voters. A Pew Research study highlighted that the percentage of those identifying as Democrats has plummeted from 56 percent in 2020 to just 49 percent in 2024. Meanwhile, the Republicans are cruising forward, enjoying a robust increase in identification among the youth cohort. This political swing signals a particularly worrisome trend for Harris as she attempts to shore up support in a demographic that is starting to question the party that has long claimed their allegiance.
Enten’s analysis shows that while Harris may boast some distinctions over an average Democrat candidate, these differences are akin to a barely visible line on a graph—noticeable but not enough to create any meaningful impact amid the broader reorientation of young voters away from the Democrats. With the presidential race undergoing a seismic shift, Biden’s tenure, instead of boosting Harris, appears to be more of a political anchor.
As the political landscape nears election season, things are shaping up in a way that suggests the Democrats may have underestimated both the political will of their own voter base and the allure of former President Trump. Recent polling showcases that Trump is gaining a slight edge over Harris, garnering 49 percent of nationwide registered voter support compared to her 46 percent. With voter discontent swirling and cries for change echoing from the dissatisfied ranks of Democrat voters, Trump’s campaign, positioned on the foundation of this restlessness, is not just catching wind—it’s sailing ahead.
