The AP-NORC survey of 1,164 American adults found that Vice President Kamala Harris is viewed as more honest than former President Trump, with around 4 in 10 respondents saying “honest” better describes Harris compared to 24% for Trump. A similar percentage of respondents also believe that Harris cares about people like them, compared to Trump. However, when it comes to handling key issues such as the economy and immigration, Trump is perceived as more competent. 45% of those surveyed believe Trump would do a better job handling the economy, while 38% trust Harris. A similar difference is reported on the topic of immigration, with independent voters particularly favoring Trump on economic issues.
Despite these perceptions, Harris is seen as having an advantage over Trump on issues related to race and racial inequality, abortion policy, and health care. Roughly half of U.S. adults believe Harris would do a better job handling these issues compared to Trump, especially among Democrats, independents, and women. Harris is particularly strong among Democrats on the issue of abortion policy. Democrats are also more excited about the prospect of Harris being elected compared to when Biden was the candidate, with about two-thirds expressing enthusiasm for Harris compared to 4 in 10 Democrats who felt excited about Biden.
The Trump campaign is picking up the pace and planning to counter-program during the Democrats’ convention. This is in response to polls that show Harris as a more appealing candidate to Democrats and independents, particularly when it comes to issues such as abortion policy. The enthusiasm for Harris marks a sharp reversal from the March AP-NORC poll, which found fewer Democrats feeling excited about Biden’s candidacy. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Overall, the poll indicates that while Americans view Vice President Kamala Harris as a more honest person than former President Trump, they are less likely to trust her on key issues such as the economy and immigration. However, Harris has an advantage over Trump on issues related to race and racial inequality, abortion policy, and health care. Democrats, independents, and women are particularly supportive of Harris, with about two-thirds of Democrats expressing excitement about the possibility of her being elected. In response, the Trump campaign is ramping up efforts to counter-program during the Democrats’ convention in an attempt to regain support.
