The Democratic Party just proved it’s more despised than AI and ICE, but one thing still polls worse

A recent NBC News poll has unveiled a significant image problem for the Democratic Party, showing its favorability ratings are even lower than those for AI and ICE among registered voters. This data point really grabbed attention, especially on social media, because it highlighted AI’s dwindling popularity, coming in at 20 points underwater on favorability. ICE wasn’t far behind, sitting at minus 18.

It’s truly striking to see the Democratic Party, as an institution, poll even worse than those two, with only Iran – a nation we’re currently in what’s described as a military action situation with, definitely not a war – receiving a lower favorability rating. This survey included 1,000 registered voters, conducted over the telephone and via text message, and carries a 3-point margin of error. So, while you should always take polls with a grain of salt, these numbers are certainly noteworthy.

The party’s likely 2028 presidential candidates didn’t fare much better in the poll. Kamala Harris registered a minus 17 favorability, while Gavin Newsom came in at minus 18. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, often referred to as AOC, showed comparatively better numbers at minus 11, which, for context, is the same as JD Vance and only slightly worse than Marco Rubio’s minus 7.

Polls like this one highlight a persistent challenge for the Democratic Party

Speaking of Harris, she’s reportedly still undecided about whether she’ll run for president again, but it’s clear she’s keeping her options open. A recent profile noted her taking steps toward a potential run, yet she hasn’t committed either way.

The desire for her among the Democratic base, however, seems practically nonexistent; it doesn’t sound like anyone is demanding she be put forward again. Her most recent political move, a last-minute endorsement of Jasmine Crockett in the Texas Senate primary, wasn’t a winning strategy either, as Crockett was decisively beaten by James Talarico, who is now the Democratic nominee.

Despite these figures, Harris did receive a favorable shoutout from a potential 2028 rival, Newsom, who posted on X, “This wouldn’t have happened under her watch.” He was presumably referring to the events unfolding in Iran. It’s true that Harris had indicated she would have opposed this type of action, which is an interesting twist considering the Trump campaign, especially Vance, had previously implied it would be Harris, not President Trump, who would lead the nation into a conflict with Iran.

Polls like this one highlight a persistent challenge for the Democratic Party. No matter how many policies the President Trump administration pursues that might create openings for Democrats – say, by significantly increasing gas prices – the party itself remains broadly unpopular. It seems Americans might not love everything President Trump does, but they’re still really, really unsure about trusting Democrats to govern again.