As Election Day approaches, public perceptions of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have yet to solidify around a single defining news story or political issue. According to The Breakthrough polling project, which monitors what average Americans are exposed to regarding the presidential nominees, the focus for most Americans in recent weeks has been on the candidates' campaign activities.
In a recent poll conducted by SSRS and Verasight on behalf of a research team from Georgetown University and the University of Michigan, it was found that the top activity associated with Vice President Harris was her interview on Fox News. On the other hand, former President Trump garnered attention for his performances at a Pennsylvania rally and the Al Smith dinner in New York.
One notable trend in the 2024 election discourse is the frequent use of words like 'lie' and 'liar' in connection with Trump, who has been known to make false claims throughout his campaign. This contrasts with the dominance of the coronavirus pandemic as a topic in the final month of the 2020 election.
While campaigning was a significant theme for both candidates, the nature of their campaign activities differed. Harris received attention for her interviews, while Trump's rallies were a focal point. The economy has consistently been among the top topics associated with Harris since mid-August, with varying sentiments expressed across party lines.
Public attention to the campaign has been slightly lower compared to previous election cycles, with around 7 in 10 Americans reporting some level of awareness about each candidate. The sentiment surrounding discussions about Harris and Trump tends to be more negative than positive, although it remains less negative than the tone surrounding the final weeks of Biden's campaign.
Overall, as the election draws near, the public discourse around Harris and Trump continues to evolve, with campaign activities and economic policies playing a significant role in shaping public perceptions.
