Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Democrats alarmed as Kamala Harris' popularity sinks 'underwater'

Democrats alarmed as Kamala Harris' popularity sinks 'underwater'

US vice president Kamala Harris has been rated as the most unpopular American vice president since at least the 1970s, claimed a recent media report on Sunday (1). She has spent almost six months in her new role.

Citing two recent polls where it emerged that most of the Americans are not happy with her job performance, a recent report claimed that Harris’ “floundering" poll numbers show that she is  "underwater”, implying more Americans disapprove of her than approve of her performance.


The recent polls by Economist/YouGov showed just 46 per cent of Americans approve of Harris. The poll also found most young Americans disapprove of her as 41 per cent of voters aged 18-29 had an "unfavourable" view of Harris, with only 36 per cent viewing her "favourably." 

By contrast US president Joe Biden's approval rating in an average of polls is 51.3 per cent, and disapproval is 44.9 per cent. 

The only recent vice president to have similarly poor ratings after six months was 48th vice president Mike Pence, Harris’ predecessor, but he was also not "underwater", the report said.

Harris is the first African-American, Indian-origin female Vice President of the US. She gained popularity on social media during her campaigning days in the US election 2020 owing to her Indian-origin-related posts along with her academic achievements.

The revelations reportedly have been disappointing to Democrats who said to have high hopes riding on her. Reports said that Democrats not only expected Harris to help Biden in US election 2020, but some strategists have also been hoping that she might be able to replace him in the next elections- either in 2024 or 2028.

Harris may have alienated some Hispanic voters by telling people from Central America "Do not come" to the US, the report said, adding that she also infuriated conservatives and some independents by delaying her visits to the border.

The White House intends to deploy her in certain areas to campaign ahead of next year's midterm Congressional elections, the report said, adding that she will be sent on foreign trips in the coming months in an attempt to raise her profile.

As part of its plan to boost Harris overall popularity, the White House announced she will become the first US vice president to visit Vietnam next month, in a move aimed at raising pressure on China, The Telegraph said in a report.

Professor Larry Sabato, Director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, said: "Biden has given her some very tough assignments - immigration and voting rights - but she hasn't helped herself, she's made some mistakes, like not going to the border."

Claiming that “outside of California nobody knew who the hell she was” before being selected as Biden’s running mate, Sabato said that Harris needs to "take one of those two big issues Biden has given her and make it a big success” to transform her image, report said.

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less