In a new Fox News poll, both presidential candidates struggle with personal likability among the American public, even after Biden’s decision to step down. A majority of Americans hold unfavorable views of both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
Harris has a slight advantage in terms of likability, with 48% of voters viewing her favorably and 51% unfavorably, putting her 3 points underwater. Trump, on the other hand, is 6 points underwater, with 47% favorable and 53% unfavorable ratings—his best numbers in over four years. Both candidates have seen improvements since last month when Harris had a net negative rating of 10 points, and Trump was down by 12.
In contrast, Biden’s current favorability is 23 points underwater, with only 38% viewing him positively and 61% negatively—his lowest rating since before being selected as Barack Obama’s running mate in 2008.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is the only candidate with a net positive rating, with 41% viewing him favorably and 39% unfavorably, though 16% of voters are unfamiliar with him. Ohio Senator JD Vance is 13 points underwater, with 38% favorable and 51% unfavorable ratings, and 9% of voters unfamiliar with him. Notably, twice as many Republicans (21%) view Vance negatively compared to the number of Democrats who have an unfavorable view of Walz (10%).
Voter motivation is equally strong among supporters of Harris and Trump, with 68% of each group reporting they are extremely motivated to vote this year. Last month, Trump supporters were slightly more motivated than Biden supporters, 66% to 61%.
Harris outperforms Trump by 7 points in being perceived as honest and trustworthy (48% vs. 41%) and by 5 points in showing empathy (49% vs. 44%). She also leads by 8 points in being seen as mentally sound enough to serve effectively as president (58% vs. 50%). However, Trump holds a 5-point advantage in being viewed as a strong leader (52% vs. 47%).
Nearly half of voters believe Harris’s positions are “too liberal” (45%), while an equal number view Trump as “too conservative” (45%). Similarly, about the same percentage of voters think each candidate’s positions are “about right” (43-45%).
