The 2024 election is looking more like an uphill battle for Vice President Harris. Several factors, ranging from poor handling of key issues like disaster response and immigration, to lackluster media appearances, to a perceived fracture among Democrats, are compounding her challenges. MIG Reports analysis suggests the downward trajectory indicates Harris’s chances diminishing in the last month of campaigning.

Growing Negativity on Key Issues

Kamala Harris's support has been eroding across several critical issues, including Hurricane Helene response, immigration, the economy, and even abortion.

MIG Reports data shows the top discussion topics regarding Kamala Harris in the last three days reveal declining approval. Natural disasters, abortion, hospitals, Israel, national security, and the economy all show Harris with net negative support. The only issues with a net positive movement on October 8 are Palestine, her presidential nomination, and housing.

Net Change in Support (Last Three Days)

• Natural Disasters: -10 points
• Abortion Rights: -5 points
• Hospitals: -4 points

These downward trends expose rising voter frustrations on critical issues. Americans are increasingly disillusioned with Harris's inability to handle issues they find important.

Hurricane Helene Debacle

Americans are frustrated and even enraged with the federal government’s response to Hurricane Helene, often blaming Harris directly. Online conversations show people believe federal aid was misallocated during recent disasters with massive spending for illegal immigrants and a pittance for hurricane victims.

Many feel the Biden-Harris administration focuses on international aid and support for illegal immigrants over disaster relief for citizens. This has been a particular sore spot for Republican and Independent voters who are increasingly skeptical of Harris’s competence to lead in crisis situations.

Immigration and Border Security

Harris’s role as "Border Czar" has done her no favors. Her policies on border security and unclear statements about future policies anger voters. Many routinely criticize Harris for being too lenient and facilitating a mass invasion in the last three years. The perception that her administration has failed to secure the border, while prioritizing foreign aid and migrant support, has created a significant credibility gap.

Biden Jumping Ship

Many voters are now inferring discord between Harris and Biden, further eroding her credibility even within the Democratic Party. Recent examples of Biden’s public remarks have fueled speculation that the two are not on the same page, which reinforces perceptions the Party is fractured at the top.

Disjointed Messaging Hurts Party Unity

• Voters point out Biden seeming to undermine Harris regarding hurricane preparedness in Florida, with Harris claiming Governor DeSantis refuses to engage with the administration and Biden stating they’re in personal contact.
• President Biden also recently overshadowed Harris by holding a press conference at the same time Harris was scheduled to go live on CNN.
• Many also say Biden is countering Harris’s messaging by reiterating her role in the administration, saying she’s “singing from the same song sheet,” including her in negative voter sentiment about the last three years.
• Voters are also discussing alleged animosity between Biden and Harris staffers in the White House, with allegations of a physical altercation occurring among staffers.

The confusion within the administration does not put voters at ease, causing speculations about disarray, Biden’s cognitive health, and hostility within the current administration. Many on the right joke about Biden recently wearing a Trump hat, saying he’s actively working against the Harris campaign.
Democrats, meanwhile, express anxiety about Party fracture, worrying whether it hurts Harris’s chances. This disjointed messaging may signal growing problems for the Harris campaign and the Democratic Party overall.

There is a rising fear among Democrats that negative press and infighting could suppress voter enthusiasm and turnout. For a Democratic base that is already skeptical of Harris’s leadership abilities, this division is only exacerbating concerns.

Republican and Independent Sentiment

Republicans and Independents seem to be more united behind Donald Trump. Many take every opportunity to drive home their view that Harris is unfit for office. MIG Reports data shows Harris continues to trail Trump in national approval.

Voter Sentiment

• Support for Donald Trump: 53%
• Support for Kamala Harris: 45%

The sustained support gap is significant, particularly with most polling showing a tight race. All discussion data shows voters are concerned about the economy and immigration—two issues on which Harris is weak. For Republicans, there is hope that Trump is growing stronger, though many still express concerns about election integrity.