After a surge of support that could have made her a true contender in the Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris has now dropped below Pete Buttigieg into fifth place.
Recent polls show her with a national average of just 5%, down from over 15% in the RealClearPolitic average. Biden is still in the lead with 28%, though Elizabeth Warren has eclipsed him in a few polls.
Warren’s increase in popularity may have something to do with Harris’ struggles, notes CNN: “Warren’s rise over the past three months tracks pretty closely with Harris’ fall. When Harris announced for president, she was the one with the big crowds and all the excitement. That candidate is Warren now.”
Other reasons for Harris’ decline include:
- Her back-and-forth comments on healthcare
- Her failure to attend a CNN forum on climate change
- Her failure to follow through with her attacks on Biden (she eventually agreed with him that federal busing should be an option for schools but not ordered for desegregation)
- Her poor performance at this month’s debate in Houston
- Her failure to present a clear message to voters
Days after the debate in Houston, Harris announced changes to her campaign schedule that will have her spending much more time in early primary states like Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.
Her campaign is planning to add 10 additional offices and more than 60 full-time employees to its organizing staff in Iowa. Harris spent three days there this week and plans to visit the state at least once a week next month.
“I’m f—ing moving to Iowa,” she told one colleague.
At least one Iowa poll conducted this month shows her in sixth place in the state.
Author’s Note: Harris is a determined woman, but she isn’t stupid. If her polling averages doin’t improve by the end of the year, I predict she will drop out of the race.