A CNN analysis suggests that Democrats' persistent use of the term "weird" to describe Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance is having an impact, as Google searches for "weird" have increased and Vance's favorability ratings have dropped.
Democrats' incessant attacks on Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance as "weird" and "creepy" may be proving effective, according to a new analysis of Google search and polling data by CNN analyst Harry Enten.
Since former President Donald Trump selected Vance as his running mate last month, many Democrats have relentlessly employed the "weird" buzzword to criticize Vance's views on abortion and other contentious issues.
Democrats' "Weird" Attack Against Vance Gaining Traction, Data Shows
Enten's analysis reveals that Google searches for "weird" have skyrocketed by 32% in the past three days compared to three months ago. Moreover, these searches are increasingly linked to "MAGA," "JD Vance," and the "GOP."
"This indicates that the term is entering the public consciousness and resonating with people," Enten observed. "It's a rare instance where a political attack phrase is actively being searched online."
Democrats' "Weird" Attack Against Vance Gaining Traction, Data Shows
Coincidentally, Vance's net favorability ratings have plummeted this week. Enten's analysis of polls from AP-NORC and ABC/Ipsos shows an eight to nine-point drop since mid-July.
"The attack lines against JD Vance appear to be working," Enten asserted. "The 'weird' label is undoubtedly one of the major lines of attack, and it's clearly being searched for more frequently in conjunction with his name and other Republican-related terms."
Democrats' "Weird" Attack Against Vance Gaining Traction, Data Shows
While Enten acknowledges that factors beyond the "weird" attack may be contributing to Vance's declining favorability, he emphasizes that it is "definitely having an impact."
"The data suggests that people have a visceral distaste for him," Enten said.
Trump has vehemently denounced the "weird" attack, claiming that it is a mere "sound bite" picked up by the media.
Vance has also defended himself against the criticism, arguing that his comments about "childless cat ladies" in the Democratic Party have been taken out of context.
"The left has deliberately twisted my words and misrepresented what I said," Vance told Fox News' Trey Gowdy. "I believe the left has become overtly anti-child and anti-family."
Despite Vance's defense, Democrats are doubling down on their "weird" attack, convinced that it is resonating with voters. The Harris campaign, in particular, has repeatedly used the term to paint Vance as an extremist who is out of touch with mainstream values.
As the presidential election draws nearer, it remains to be seen whether the "weird" attack will continue to be effective or if it will ultimately backfire. However, Enten's analysis suggests that it is currently gaining traction and may be damaging Vance's standing among voters.
