Survey Reveals Increased Cynicism Among Harris Voters

The UnPopulist, an independent publication, focuses on defending liberal democracy against authoritarianism in the U.S. and globally. A recent survey conducted by the Institute for the Study of Modern Authoritarianism (ISMA) highlights a growing cynicism among supporters of Kamala Harris since 2024.

The survey compared data from August 2024 and June 2026. Initially, before the presidential election, 59% of potential Harris voters strongly believed that American elites pursued selfish interests at the expense of people like themselves. By June of this year, this sentiment had risen to 69% among those who reported voting for Harris. This 10-point rise represents the only significant change among the four populist attitudes ISMA tracks among Harris voters.

This trend suggests an increasing distrust toward elites among those who support Harris, despite not showing a growing attachment to a political leader or acceptance of authoritarian tactics.