
CNN anchor Anderson Cooper has cast doubt on polls showing Vice President Kamala Harris leading in the 2024 presidential race, citing past polling failures that underestimated Donald Trump’s support. Cooper shared his concerns during an interview on “Late Night with Stephen Colbert,” where he admitted his skepticism about the current polling numbers.
“I don’t think I buy them,” Cooper said, referencing how polls in both 2016 and 2020 did not accurately reflect Trump’s base of support. Harris has seen a notable bump in polls since she became the Democratic nominee following President Biden’s decision to suspend his re-election campaign in July.
In addition to the polling bump, Harris’ favorability ratings have also improved. When she entered the race in July, she held a net favorability of -14 points, but that number has since risen to +1, according to CNN. Trump’s favorability remains at -9 points, though his ability to outperform polling predictions in past elections has led analysts like Nate Silver to urge caution in interpreting these numbers.
Silver, a prominent election analyst, reminded voters that Trump’s support was underestimated in both previous general elections. He also pointed out that with three months remaining until Election Day, the race could still see significant changes.
Cooper’s doubts about the current polls, along with Silver’s caution, highlight the unpredictability of the 2024 race. With Trump’s base historically underestimated, it remains to be seen whether the polls will once again miss the mark.