logo

Was Kamala Harris the most unpopular vice president since polling began?

By Tom Kertscher
NO

At their peak, the unfavorability ratings of Republican vice presidents Dan Quayle (1989-93) and Dick Cheney (2001–09) exceeded that of Kamala Harris.

Republican U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, who represents western Wisconsin, claimed July 29, 2024, that until a couple weeks earlier, Harris “was the most unpopular vice president” since polling began.

His staff did not reply to emails requesting evidence.

Polls commonly ask respondents whether they have a favorable or unfavorable opinion about a politician.

Experts cautioned that polling on vice presidents beyond recent decades is limited.

Among registered voters nationally, Quayle’s unfavorability peaked at 63% (ABC) and Cheney’s at 61% (Fox), according to the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research.

Harris’ peaked at 58% (YouGov) in September 2023.

Her unfavorability was 55% on July 15, two weeks before Van Orden’s claim.

Harris has been vice president since January 2021. She became the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Aug. 5.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
Wisconsin Watch, the news arm of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, increases the quality and quantity of investigative reporting in Wisconsin, while training current and future investigative journalists. Its work fosters an informed citizenry and strengthens democracy.
FACT BRIEF BY
facebook
twitter
email
email