AP-NORC Poll: Vance and Walz Unknown, But Governor More Popular

In a significant development, Tim Walz and JD Vance have emerged from relative obscurity as they seek to establish their presence in the national political arena. However, their journeys are markedly different, particularly regarding public perception and approval ratings.

Recent polling by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that Walz, the Minnesota governor, has started off more favorably as Kamala Harris’s running mate than Vance, who seeks to align himself with former President Donald Trump. According to the poll, 36% of U.S. adults hold a favorable opinion of Walz, while only 27% view Vance positively. Notably, Vance faces a higher unfavorable rating, with 44% of respondents expressing disapproval compared to just 25% for Walz.

While both candidates are popular within their respective parties, independent voters seem to favor Walz slightly more than Vance. However, a significant portion of the population remains unaware of either candidate; around 40% of Americans do not have enough information about Walz, and approximately 30% feel the same about Vance. Still, their visibility has improved compared to prior to their nominations.

As Walz prepares to speak at the Democratic National Convention, his favorability among Democrats appears strong, with around 60% expressing a positive opinion and nearly 40% rating him very favorably. Nevertheless, a considerable number within key demographic groups remain unfamiliar with him. Approximately 40% of women and young adults under 45 lack sufficient knowledge to form an opinion about Walz, as do around half of Black adults and about 40% of Hispanic adults. Moreover, lower-income demographics and individuals without college degrees are similarly uninformed about him.

Analysis from AP VoteCast reveals that during his 2022 gubernatorial campaign, Walz garnered support from women, young voters, union members, and urban residents. However, he struggled to win over rural voters and military families, indicating an area where the Harris-Walz partnership needs to gain ground against Trump’s support.

One supporter, Samantha Phillis, a 33-year-old home care nurse from Mankato, who has known Walz since his teaching days, credited him with policies beneficial to her children with disabilities. She applauded his initiative to provide free school meals, expressing excitement about the possibility of Walz contributing positively as vice president alongside Harris. “He’s done great things for my family,” Phillis stated, noting that now, with Walz on the ticket, her support is unwavering.

On the Republican side, JD Vance has seen a notable increase in favorability among his peers since being selected by Trump. The same AP-NORC poll revealed that about 60% of Republicans now express a favorable opinion of Vance, a sharp rise from 30% in a previous poll conducted before his nomination. Conversely, only 20% share an unfavorable view, and around 25% remain undecided about him.

Vance is particularly well-regarded among adults over 45, with 32% viewing him positively, compared to 22% of younger voters. Data from VoteCast indicates he enjoys strong backing from traditional Republican demographics, including around 60% of male voters and older age groups in Ohio, outperforming national Republican trends among young men.

Vance’s supporter Mary Lynch, a 62-year-old Republican from Michigan, noted her growing admiration for him through various media appearances leading up to his Senate run. She appreciates his stance on family-oriented policies, including anti-abortion measures and educational choice. While initially backing Nikki Haley, Lynch intends to support Trump in the upcoming election and recognizes Vance as a promising figure for future leadership within the party. “I like his personality a lot. He says things nicer,” she commented, highlighting her hopes for Vance’s future in politics.

Overall, the polling data suggests a rapidly evolving political landscape as both candidates work to enhance their visibility and appeal to voters. With key political events approaching, each will be looking to solidify their standing within their parties while aiming to broaden their appeal among the wider electorate.

Source: AP News