Despite her unequivocal defeat against Donald Trump, Kamala Harris remains by far the preferred candidate of Democratic voters for the 2028 presidential election, reveals a Puck News/Echelon Insights survey conducted among 1,010 Americans between November 14 and 18.
• Also read: Musk wants to “radically” reduce the role of the American federal state
• Also read: “A strong warrior”: Trump appoints one of his loyalists as NATO ambassador
• Also read: Trump appoints “Dr. Oz”, star TV surgeon, to a key health position
If the Democratic primary for the next presidential election were held today, 41% of citizens who identify as Democrats or whose ideology is closer to that of the Democratic Party would vote for Kamala Harris to or the Democratic candidate in 2028.
It is ahead of its possible adversaries by an imposing margin. California Governor Gavin Newsom is the second most popular among Democratic voters, with 8% support. This is followed by Josh Shapiro (7%), Pete Buttigieg (6%) and Tim Waltz (6%).
16% of Democratic respondents say they do not have a clear candidate for the next election.
JD Vance ahead among Republicans
As for Republican voters, JD Vance would be the candidate of choice for the primary if it took place today. The vice-president-elect received 37% of voting intentions among Republican-leaning Americans.
He is followed by Vivek Ramaswamy (9%), Nikki Haley (9%) and Ron DeSantis (8%). 16% of Republican voters cannot comment for the moment on the identity of the person who, in their eyes, should run in 2028.
Trump and Harris continue to divide
The American population seems more divided than ever over the two candidates of the last presidential election.
Indeed, 49% of voters say they have a very favorable (34%) or somewhat favorable (15%) opinion of Donald Trump. In return, 49% say they have a very unfavorable (42%) or somewhat unfavorable (7%) opinion of the person who was elected president on November 5.
For her part, Kamala Harris is viewed favorably by 47% of Americans: 27% are very favorable towards her, while 19% say they are somewhat favorable towards her. On the other hand, 41% have a very unfavorable opinion of the current vice-president, while 9% see her somewhat unfavorably, for a total of 50% of respondents who do not particularly like her.
Nominations that are not unanimous
The survey also looks at Americans’ opinions on the various personalities who have made the headlines in recent weeks and months.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom Donald Trump announced as head of the Department of Health, is viewed favorably by 46% of people (22% very favorable and 24% somewhat favorable), while 41% see him more negatively (28 % very unfavorable and 12% somewhat unfavorable).
We get the same story when we ask citizens about billionaire Elon Musk, who was appointed by Trump as co-head of the new ministry of “government efficiency”. This is viewed favorably by 46% of citizens (25% very favorable and 21% somewhat favorable), but unfavorably by 43% of voters (31% very unfavorable and 12% somewhat unfavorable).
Vivek Ramaswamy, the other co-head of the new ministry, is less well known than the boss of Tesla. 26% of respondents say they have never heard of him. Nevertheless, 31% of citizens say they are very favorable (18%) or somewhat favorable (13%) towards it. 28% have a negative opinion of Mr. Ramaswamy (19% very unfavorable and 9% somewhat unfavorable).
Trump better perceived than Biden
Current President Joe Biden does not enjoy very good popularity ratings. 60% of survey respondents disapprove, strongly (43%) or moderately (16%) of the way in which he currently runs the country. Only 17% of voters are very happy with the way he is fulfilling his role as president, while 21% are somewhat satisfied with his job.
For his part, Donald Trump is managing the transition of power between him and Biden well, according to 53% of Americans. 35% strongly agree with this statement, while 18% somewhat agree. However, 31% of citizens strongly disapprove of the way Trump acts, while 8% moderately disapprove.
