Despite the political media focus on the theater and drama of changing candidates, Americans continue to report the main issues facing the country are economic in nature. A plurality of Americans consistently identify inflation as the most pressing problem facing the nation, with concerns about immigration, democracy, and other issues taking a backseat. On this front, Trump maintains a perceived advantage over Harris, with voters expressing greater confidence in his economic policies. Although the margin has narrowed since Biden was the Democratic nominee, it remains a significant obstacle for Harris to overcome.

Furthermore, President Biden's persistently low approval ratings cast a long shadow over Harris' candidacy. The historical correlation between a president's approval rating and the electoral success of their party's nominee is well-established. With Biden's approval numbers remaining stubbornly low, it is likely that this will act as a drag on Harris' chances in November.