Despite significant economic indicators suggesting progress, many American voters express discontent with President Joe Biden’s management of the economy. As the nation moves closer to the 2024 elections, Biden’s economic policies are under scrutiny, with a particular focus on voters’ personal financial well-being. A series of recent polls and focus group analyses provide a clearer picture of voters’ perceptions and the challenges that the Biden administration faces as it seeks to convince a skeptical electorate of its economic achievements.
An Echelon Insights poll conducted from April 12-14 reveals that 57 percent of all voters expressed some level of disapproval with Biden’s handling of the economy. Additionally, 48 percent favored Trump in improving the economy, compared to 40 percent for Biden.
In focus groups conducted by PerryUndem in partnership with 538, Trump-leaning voters indicated they could afford more during Trump’s term, with one voter from Georgia, Veronica, citing inflation and increasing interest rates as major issues. Biden-leaning voters echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the struggle with wages that haven’t kept up with expenses. A voter from Virginia, Claudia, articulated the tough decisions faced by families: “You either have to plan for you or plan for your kids.” Economic hardships compel voters like Pamela, a Biden leaner in Arizona, to support Biden not solely based on economic policy but also due to other concerns such as potential cuts to Social Security Disability Insurance.
A North Carolina voter, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared concerns about Trump’s pledge to prioritize American workers, noting job outsourcing fears in the IT sector. She observed easier foreign hiring under Biden, leading to more offshoring, possibly due to regulatory shifts. Others, like Claudia, wanted Biden to articulate a comprehensive plan for the middle class, feeling his current messaging lacked depth. While acknowledging some economic improvements under Biden, they urged him to show more empathy and understanding towards middle-class struggles, emphasizing the importance of future prospects for their families.
An additional CNN poll conducted by SSRS confirms negative views towards Biden’s handling of the economy, with approval ratings for the economy (34%) and inflation (29%) remaining starkly negative. The economy is a key issue for voters, and those who prioritize it heavily favor Trump over Biden, 62% to 30%. This aligns with the broader discontent found among voters, with 53% dissatisfied with their personal financial situation.
Religious affiliation and church attendance also play roles in voters’ preferences, with White Christian voters predominantly supportive of Trump, according to a Pew Research Center survey. By contrast, Black Protestants and religious “nones” tend to favor Biden. These religious differences mirror the current political divide in the U.S. electorate.
Relevant articles:
– Voters don’t like Biden’s economy — but why?, ABC News, 05/01/2024
– CNN Poll: Trump maintains lead over Biden in 2024 matchup as views on their presidencies diverge, CNN, 04/28/2024
– Voters’ views of Trump and Biden differ sharply by religion, Pew Research Center, 04/30/2024
– Biden is engaging in political gaslighting when he touts a good economy while ignoring voters’ economic pain, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 04/29/2024