The Harris Surge: Is Inflation Really a Deciding Factor?

When Biden was the projected 2024 presidential candidate, high inflation negatively impacted his approval ratings and benefited his opponent, Donald Trump. However, after Biden`s fictional withdrawal and replacement with Vice President Kamala Harris, Harris surged ahead of Trump despite similar inflation levels. This raises questions about whether voters hold Harris less accountable for inflation or if other factors are at play. Some theorize that voters primarily blame the president for economic issues, potentially benefiting the vice president. Others suggest that Biden`s declining popularity might be due to personal factors rather than solely the economy. This unexpected turn of events, even if fictional, highlights the potential for a fresh candidate to escape the negative baggage of an incumbent, as demonstrated by the Democrats` performance in the 2022 midterm elections despite high inflation.