Kamala Harris’s Entrance into Presidential Race May Boost Voter Turnout, Analysts Say
Washington, D.C. — The anticipated nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris Entrance as the Democratic candidate in the 2024 election is already having a significant impact on voter turnout projections, according to new data analyzed by CNN’s Terry Anton.
Increased Voter Enthusiasm
Recent polling data shows a notable increase in the number of registered voters who are almost certain to vote in the upcoming election. Pre-debate figures from earlier this year indicated that only 55% of registered voters were certain they would vote, a figure unchanged from the pre-debate period. This was significantly lower than the 60% during the summer of 2020. However, following the Republican National Convention and Harris’s entrance into the race, this number has now risen to 62%.
Anton pointed out that this increase surpasses the summer 2020 figures, which were already considered high.
“We are now at 62% after the RNC and Kamala Harris entering the race, which is actually a higher number than what we saw during the summer of 2020,” he said.
Impact on Candidates’ Popularity
The rise in voter enthusiasm coincides with a decline in the percentage of voters who dislike both major party candidates. Before the RNC, 20% of voters in New York Times and Ipsos polls expressed dislike for both Joe Biden and Donald Trump. This number has since dropped to 8% and 7%, respectively, aligning more closely with the 2020 figures where only 3% of voters disliked both candidates. This shift is significant as it suggests voters are more likely to favor at least one of the candidates, potentially increasing voter turnout.
Decline in Support for Third-Party Candidates
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was banking on voters’ dissatisfaction with both major party candidates, has seen his support dwindle. His polling numbers have dropped from 15% in December to just 5% currently. The increased favorability of at least one major party candidate among voters has severely impacted Kennedy’s campaign.
Speculations on Vice Presidential Picks
As discussions continue around potential vice-presidential candidates for Harris, some Democratic figures have voiced their opinions. Congressman Mike Quigley of Illinois suggested Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as a strategic choice due to Pennsylvania’s critical role in the electoral map. Quigley emphasized the importance of selecting a running mate from a swing state that Democrats need to secure.
However, Quigley also expressed his preference for Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, citing his leadership during challenging times and campaign experience. “I’m going to stay with my friend J.B. Pritzker,” Quigley stated, although he acknowledged the strategic advantage of a candidate from Pennsylvania.
Foreign Policy and Trump’s Rhetoric
Foreign policy remains a pivotal issue in the upcoming campaign. Former President Trump recently made controversial remarks about Harris, suggesting that foreign leaders would perceive her as weak. These comments have drawn criticism and have been described as dog whistles using coded language.
Quigley responded to Trump’s statements, asserting that foreign leaders see Harris as a strong leader who supports NATO and Ukraine. He contrasted this with Trump’s extreme positions, emphasizing the importance of the election for the future of democracy and international relations.
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Kamala Harris’s nomination appears to be energizing the electorate, potentially leading to a higher voter turnout than in 2020. With significant shifts in voter sentiment and strategic discussions around vice-presidential picks, the upcoming election promises to be highly consequential for the United States’ domestic and foreign policy.
