A recent survey by Vanderbilt University has revealed that a significant gap exists between the views of Tennessee voters on the state and national economy. According to the poll, 65% of Tennessee voters believe their state’s economy is good, while only 29% feel the same way about the U.S. economy. This is the largest gap since the survey began in 2012 and appears to be influenced by political party affiliation.
John Geer, co-director of the Vanderbilt Poll, noted that when Republican President Donald Trump was in office, Tennessee voters’ opinions about the national economy shifted from split to overwhelmingly positive. However, when Democratic President Joe Biden took over in 2021, the opposite effect was seen.
Geer explained that partisan factors play a significant role in shaping these perceptions, but inflation has also played a role. Inflation has particularly driven negative views of the U.S. economy among Republicans, with 91% of state GOP voters holding a negative opinion compared to 30% for the state economy. Among Democrats, the split was less pronounced, with 35% viewing the state economy negatively and 36% having the same opinion of the U.S. economy.
The Vanderbilt Poll is conducted twice a year by
