The popularity of Donald Trump in the UK versus Kamala Harris needs no explanation. According to a poll by YouGov, conducted on 6 September, Harris outstrips Trump 61% to 19% in the election stakes.
The results show Harris beats her Republican rival across regions, gender, and age gaps. The only exception is by political affiliation in which Reform UK voters support her rival 57% over 25% respectively.
Choosing a running mate has become a side serving alongside the staple of an American election in recent years. It’s a novelty that turns into a reality much later on but it’s a bolt of lightning if the right move is made.
Trump has chosen JD Vance, who came as a surprise but he’s slotted in by a continuation of his folksy appeal. He’s shown charm meeting with ordinary voters, and has an off-pitch energy which connects with people.
Kamala Harris has chosen Tim Walz, who strode on stage with pizzaz at the DNC. He pumped the room with energy for their campaign and has helped to instil a sense of optimism in their plans for election.
In departing from the Biden era of spend, spend, spend Harris is taking a dip into the middle class politics of America.
Her campaign theme is an “opportunity economy” and it reflects in lower taxes for middle income families, greater mortgage take up, and furnishing a lifestyle that brings about the American dream through ownership and by enterprise.
These are simple ideas but carry a strong Democrat message. It doesn’t however reassure voters about the national debt or provide implicit reassurance about hiring, as it were.
The losers are above and below the belt of Harris’ middle America.