Focus group: Florida swing voters open to Harris as nominee
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Vice President Kamala Harris during a campaign event at Resorts World Las Vegas on July 9. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Florida swing voters are open to Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, even though they have some doubts about her, according to our latest focus group with Engagious/Sago.
Why it matters: Some of the voters' willingness to accept Harris as the nominee, even with doubts about her preparedness, underscores the degree to which some of them have concerns about President Biden.
- "I just haven't seen her around as much in the four years of being vice president, but I mean, it can't be worse than the other option," said participant Marie C., referring to former President Trump.
- While a focus group is not a statistically significant sample like a poll, the responses show how some voters are thinking and talking about current events.
- The Florida focus group of 13 voters — who voted for Trump in 2016 and Biden in 2020 — included five Democrats, three Republicans and five independents.
Driving the news: Nine participants said they would vote for Harris if she became the Democratic presidential nominee in a six-way race with Trump, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cornel West, Jill Stein and Libertarian Party nominee Chase Oliver.
- Six said they would vote for Biden if he were the Democratic nominee in a six-way race.
- "While Florida swing voters aren't yearning for Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee, most would accept her as Biden's replacement," said Rich Thau, president of Engagious, who moderated the focus groups.
Zoom in: Some of the Florida swing voters said they would support Harris because of the opportunity to make history if she won the White House.
- "First African American female to actually win the presidency. I don't mean grandfather the presidency, but actually win it. Take it," said participant Mark K.
- Participant April G. said it would be an easier transition. "She's already doing the job, so she's just basically in my eyes getting a promotion," she said.
The big picture: Some of the voters voiced similar concerns about Biden's fitness for office that lawmakers and donors have expressed.
- "I think he should just accept that he is not the person that he was 20 years ago," said participant Ali C.
- "It happens and comes with age to certain people at different times in their life that he should just be honest in the fact that he is not the best person to serve."
The other side: Some other Florida swing voters were skeptical about Biden withdrawing at this stage in the process, with some worrying it would just create more chaos.
Go deeper: 67% of Americans say Biden should bow out of presidential race
