The FT's Rana Foroohar and James Politi discuss the discrepancy between the strong US economy and President Biden's low approval rating. They explore the potential shift in focus from the economy to other issues in the upcoming election. The hosts also analyze various election issues, including abortion and immigration, while discussing Biden's track record. They take a break to discuss their podcast 'Unhedge' and the Super Bowl's implications for sports betting in the US. The chapter concludes with discussion on football preferences and Biden's missed interview opportunity.
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Quick takeaways
Despite a strong US economy, President Biden's approval rating remains low, indicating that factors other than the economy may be influencing public perception.
In the upcoming 2024 election, social and cultural issues such as migration, the border, and abortion may overshadow the economy as key considerations for voters.
Deep dives
Strong US Economy Despite Lack of Credit for Biden
The US economy is thriving, with low inflation, increased job opportunities, and record-high stock markets. However, President Joe Biden is not receiving credit for this transformation. Despite indicators showing a strong economy, polls indicate a significant deficit in public perception of Biden's handling of the economy. While there are glimmers of improvement in consumer confidence, it is yet to translate into increased support for Biden. The 2024 election may not be defined by the economy, but rather by social and cultural issues like migration, the border, and abortion.
The Importance of Other Issues in the 2024 Election
While the state of the US economy is always a crucial factor in elections, other issues may take center stage in 2024. Trump's character, the future of American democracy, and controversial topics like abortion and personal freedoms are likely to be key considerations. While Biden's team is aiming to improve his economic numbers, the economy alone may not determine the election's outcome. Democrats currently face challenges on issues like the economy, immigration, crime, and foreign policy, but they maintain an advantage on abortion, personal freedoms, and the issue of Trump and American democracy.
The Complex Relationship Between Economy and Politics
Presidents often receive either too much credit or too much blame for the state of the economy. The Biden administration's economic policies, including infrastructure programs and fiscal spending, have aimed to promote long-term equity and sustainable growth. However, the impact of these policies on voters is influenced by partisan perspectives and subjective emotions. The Democrats' frustration stems from their successful economic policies not translating into political benefits. They have limited time to change this dynamic before the 2024 election, considering several factors like geopolitical shocks and voters' psychological views.
For decades, common political wisdom has held that Americans vote based on their satisfaction with the economy. But even as the US economy booms, with persistently low unemployment and wage growth outpacing inflation, President Joe Biden’s approval rating continues reaching record lows. The FT’s Rana Foroohar and James Politi join this week’s Swamp Notes to explain why.
Swamp Notes is produced by Jake Harper, Sonja Hutson, Lauren Fedor, Marc Filippino and Ethan Plotkin. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.