Vice President Kamala Harris Discusses Polls, Misconceptions, and the Importance of Information in Interview with Sharon McMahon

Sharon McMahon, also known as “America’s Government Teacher,” had the opportunity to interview Vice President Kamala Harris during her visit to Minnesota in March. The conversation, however, was mostly filled with softball questions, including one about President Biden’s age. McMahon mentioned a USA Today-Suffolk University poll that suggested independent voters were not convinced of Harris’s capability to be president. In response, Harris disregarded the polls, stating that if she listened to them, she would have never run for office.

To address any misconceptions voters might have about her, Harris highlighted her accomplishments, such as being the first woman San Francisco district attorney, the first woman California attorney general, and serving as a US senator. She emphasized the importance of providing people with information to inform their opinions.

Analyzing recent polling data on Harris’s favorability ratings, a Newsweek analysis found that her ratings were similar to former President Donald Trump’s, although results varied. Another analysis by FiveThirtyEight showed that Trump had a 53.7% unfavorability rating, while Harris had a 50.4% unfavorability rating on July 17.

During the almost-20-minute interview, McMahon also asked Harris about her response to the large number of uncommitted voters in the Minnesota Democratic primary, third-party candidates, and what was at stake in the election. Despite being questioned on niche issues by McMahon, Harris appeared confident and well-informed. McMahon, who has a significant following on Instagram, hosts a podcast, writes a blog for her followers called “Governerds,” and regularly interprets political news for them.

In the interview, Harris made a flub, referring to herself as “I” instead of Joe Biden. She repeatedly mentioned various policy issues during the interview, including the Biden administration’s $35 cap on insulin costs for seniors, abortion rights, Medicare drug negotiation, and infrastructure investments.

When asked about the 19% of Democratic voters in the Minnesota presidential primary who voted uncommitted, Harris emphasized their importance and expressed care for their opinions. She also acknowledged the strong feelings people have regarding current events, likely referring to the Israel-Hamas war.

Highlighting the significance of the election, Harris stressed the need for leadership that understands the importance of standing with allies and strengthening military alliances, particularly in the context of NATO. She also blamed Trump for the overturn of Roe v. Wade due to the justices he appointed, leading to a healthcare crisis in America.

According to a YouGov and CBS poll conducted from July 16 to 18, Trump had a 3-point lead over Harris in a matchup, with 51% to 48% respectively. This data suggests a close race between the two.

Overall, McMahon’s interview with Vice President Harris provided insights into her accomplishments, positions on various issues, and her perspective on polling and voter opinions. The conversation highlighted the importance of informed opinions and the need for strong leadership in challenging times.