In the 2024 Presidential election, voters’ perceptions of each candidate’s economic prowess may ultimately determine the outcome. A recent CBS News and YouGov poll revealed that in battleground states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, the economy is a significant factor for most voters when deciding who to vote for.
In Michigan, 80% of voters ranked the economy as a top issue, followed by 77% who mentioned inflation and 72% who prioritized democracy. Joe Biden currently holds a narrow lead over Donald Trump in the state. Similarly, in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, 80% of voters also ranked the economy among their top concerns for the upcoming election. Other lower-ranked topics included candidates’ positions on gun policy, crime, immigration policy, and abortion.
Robert Costa from CBS News emphasizes the complexity of how people interpret the economy and what they want addressed for their own economic well-being. Despite positive economic indicators like low unemployment rates, rising wages, and a strong stock market, about six out of ten people surveyed by CBS News rated the economy as “fairly bad” or “very bad.” This sentiment could pose a challenge for Democrats looking to attract working-class voters and union members away from Trump with an emphasis on labor issues.
Democrats understand that Trump’s message on immigration can be appealing to working voters. Therefore, they need to focus on their economic policies to sway these voters towards their cause. By highlighting labor issues and addressing concerns about income inequality and job security, Democrats hope to secure support from key voting blocs in the upcoming election.
