The anticipation of the upcoming election intensifies as Donald Trump advances towards securing the Republican nomination, setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch with President Joe Biden. However, amidst the attention on Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris finds herself under scrutiny, with her declining approval ratings posing a significant challenge for the Democratic ticket.

In the latest NBC News survey, Harris’s ratings paint a troubling picture, with a substantial 53 percent of respondents holding a negative view of her, marking a four percent decline since June. Of those expressing disapproval, a significant 42 percent harbor a “very” negative sentiment, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction.

Yet, beneath the surface lies a deeper electoral dynamic. While traditionally, the vice presidency is seen as symbolic, this race deviates from the norm. Biden’s advancing age and apparent health concerns raise legitimate questions about his ability to fulfill presidential duties effectively, thrusting Harris into the spotlight as a potential successor in case of incapacity or resignation.

As concerns about Biden’s health persist, the specter of a Harris presidency looms large—a scenario that unnerves many voters, particularly moderates and independents. Republicans capitalize on Harris’s unpopularity, portraying it as indicative of broader Democratic fragility.

Leveraging Biden’s age-related vulnerabilities and Harris’s perceived incompetence becomes crucial in swaying undecided voters toward the Republican camp. While such tactics may not single-handedly determine the outcome, they contribute to a narrative painting the Democratic ticket as undesirable and unreliable.

Ultimately, the race hinges not solely on Harris’s unpopularity but on the broader narrative crafted by both parties. By highlighting the potential consequences of a Harris presidency and amplifying the perceived instability of the Democratic ticket, Republicans aim to gain an advantage in the electoral arena.