Vice President Kamala Harris, in a recent interview with Katie Couric, addressed the issue of low approval ratings for both herself and President Joe Biden. Harris suggested that these ratings could be attributed to the administration’s failure to adequately highlight its accomplishments.
During the interview for Couric’s podcast, “Next Question With Katie Couric,” Harris acknowledged the administration’s significant achievements, including the $1.2 trillion 2021 infrastructure law and strides in job creation and reducing unemployment. However, she expressed the view that these successes have not been sufficiently communicated to the public. “We have a lot of accomplishments, and we haven’t taken adequate credit for it, frankly,” Harris stated.
Couric pointed out the disparity between the administration’s achievements and its approval ratings, questioning why, despite these successes, Biden and Harris’s ratings remain at historic lows. Harris responded by emphasizing the need for the administration to do a better job of informing the public about its achievements and who was responsible for them.
The interview also touched on ongoing infrastructure projects and the administration’s efforts in managing student debt, which Harris believes will resonate with the public. Despite positive news about the economy, such as a 3.3 percent rise in GDP in the fourth quarter, challenges like the ongoing border crisis and inflation continue to impact public perception.
Harris’s comments come at a critical time for the Biden administration, as recent surveys show the president’s approval rating lingering in the 30s, a concerning position for a president in a re-election year. The White House has been touting its economic approach, including efforts to center equity in economic policies.
The Vice President’s candid discussion with Couric sheds light on the challenges the administration faces in communicating its successes and navigating public opinion ahead of the upcoming elections. Harris’s insights offer a perspective on the administration’s strategy to improve its standing with the American electorate.