In a presidential race marked by the unpopularity of its leading contenders, Vice President Kamala Harris appears to be facing particularly challenging perceptions among voters, according to a recent USA TODAY and Suffolk University poll.

The survey's findings reveal that a significant 52% of registered voters disapprove of Harris's performance as vice president, contrasting with a mere 36% who believe she is effectively carrying out her duties. Notably, 10% of respondents remain undecided about their assessment of her performance.

Harris approval rating worse than Biden, Trump: poll. @VP #dems #dope #diversityhire https://t.co/XvEINB7X54

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The struggle

Harris's struggle to secure widespread approval mirrors that of her running mate, President Joe Biden.

The poll indicates that Biden received a similarly lackluster 41% approval rating, with approximately 55% of respondents expressing disapproval of his performance, and less than 3% remaining undecided.

David Paleologos, Director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, highlighted the unusually heightened scrutiny on vice presidential candidates in this election cycle.

"Usually, it's a secondary and muted discussion about vice presidents. This time, it's going to be almost a parallel and loud discussion in comparison," he observed in USA Today's report.

Trump and Biden

Conversely, former President Donald Trump emerged as the only individual of the three polled to achieve a net approval, boasting a 49% approval rating against a 47% disapproval rating.

Only 3% of respondents were undecided about their evaluation of Trump's performance. The survey, conducted from March 8 to March 11, polled 1,000 registered voters and has a margin of error of +/-3.1%.

Both Biden and Trump have secured sufficient delegates in their respective party primaries to be considered presumptive nominees.

Trump is expected to receive the official nomination from the Republican Party in July, while Biden is anticipated to become the Democratic nominee in August.

The impact

The poll's results underscore the challenges facing Harris and Biden as they navigate a competitive political landscape characterized by wavering public opinion.

"The vice president has faced detractors who say she's failed to define an effective role in the administration. Some of her assignments have included the thorny tasks of solving Central American migration along the southern border and ensuring voting rights amid a barrage of new state election laws," the USA Today reported.

With the election cycle intensifying, the spotlight on the candidates' performance and popularity is likely to become increasingly pronounced, shaping the narrative of the race leading up to the November elections as Biden and Trump face a likely rematch.