According to a recent NBC News poll, Vice President Kamala Harris has earned the distinction of receiving the lowest net-negative rating among modern vice presidents in the history of their polling. The poll revealed that only 32% of registered voters hold a positive view of Harris, while 49% have a negative view, including 39% with a “very negative” view. This results in a net rating of -17, the lowest ever recorded for a vice president in NBC News’ polling history.
Comparing Harris’ net rating to the previous four vice presidents during their terms, Mike Pence received a -4 rating in October 2019, Joe Biden had a +1 rating in December 2010, Dick Cheney achieved a +23 rating in May 2003, and Al Gore received a +15 rating in March 1995.
Many individuals expressed surprise at Harris’ extremely low approval numbers. Some took to social media to comment, including OutKick founder Clay Travis, who tweeted that Kamala Harris is the least popular vice president in American history. Former-President Trump senior advisor Stephen Miller sarcastically remarked on the achievement, while Axiom Strategies vice president of communications Matt Wolking parodied Harris’ famous line by tweeting, “We did it, Joe!”
Various commentators suggested that Harris’ unpopularity is part of the Democrats’ political calculations. GOP consultant Giancarlo Sopo referred to Harris as the best insurance policy Joe Biden has ever had, while radio host Matt Murphy emphasized that the poll demonstrates why they are running Biden. Independent journalist Glenn Greenwald questioned what liberals might attribute this unpopularity to, prompting responses that ranged from blaming climate change and long COVID to racism and misogyny.
Radio host Lori Mills speculated that Democrats may be preparing to launch a campaign for California Governor Gavin Newsom as a response to Harris’ low ratings. Fox News contributor Joe Concha added his own explanation, suggesting that racism and misogyny are clearly factors at play.