Why Voters Are Down On The Economy, In Their Own Words
May 2, 2024
35:32
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Senior Politics Reporter Monica Potts and host Galen discuss voter sentiments on the economy, highlighting concerns about rising prices, financial struggles, and challenges in saving. They also explore how a clustering algorithm reveals discrepancies in lawmaker voting patterns and ideological clusters within Congress.
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Quick takeaways
Voters express dissatisfaction with the economy, citing high costs and financial struggles.
Consumer sentiment does not align with positive economic indicators, leading to disappointment in the economy.
Deep dives
Voters' Perception of the Economy
Voters express dissatisfaction with the state of the economy, citing high prices, increased living costs, and financial struggles. Regardless of political leaning towards Trump or Biden, individuals feel economic challenges in areas like groceries, gas, housing, and education costs.
Impact of Economic Indicators on Consumer Sentiment
Consumer sentiment does not align with positive economic indicators under Biden's presidency, leading to disappointment in the economy. Various polls indicate a preference for Trump in improving economic conditions, with voters feeling prices are high and financial burdens are increasing.
Importance of Other Issues Beyond the Economy in Voting Decisions
While the economy remains a significant concern, voters also prioritize issues like democracy, minority rights, immigration, and personal rights when deciding on presidential voting. Both Trump and Biden-leaning groups express concerns about broader issues that influence their voting choices.
Discrepancies in Lawmakers' Voting Behavior
Lawmakers' voting patterns often diverge from their stated caucuses, revealing shifts in alignment within the political landscape. Five Republican clusters demonstrate varying levels of conservatism and governance approaches, highlighting complexities within the party dynamics and legislative decisions.
For much of Joe Biden’s presidency, political observers have puzzled over a disconnect between economic indicators and consumer sentiment. Unemployment is low, growth has been persistent and inflation is receding. Yet, the vibes aren’t great.
In this installment of the 538 Politics podcast, we hear from undecided voters who participated in a focus group with PerryUndem and 538's Senior Politics Reporter Monica Potts, which focused on feelings about the economy.
Later in the show, Galen speaks with 538 researcher and editor Cooper Burton about an algorithm 538 built to group House members into caucuses based on how they vote.