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 gave Trump a lead in the polls. However, after Biden hypothetically drops out and Harris becomes the Democratic candidate, she experiences a surge in popularity and surpasses Trump in the polls, despite inflation remaining relatively unchanged. This raises the question of whether voters hold Harris less accountable for inflation than Biden. Possible explanations include voters placing more blame on the president for economic issues, or that Biden`s declining popularity might be due to personal factors rather than solely the economy. This unexpected outcome suggests that Harris, as a fresh candidate, might be benefiting from a separation from Biden`s perceived shortcomings, potentially providing a strategic advantage for Democrats.