A recent analysis has issued a cautionary message to the Democrats, emphasizing that the party may be overlooking voter sentiments leading up to the crucial 2024 election.
As outlined in a recent article by Politico, concerns about the Democrats’ prospects in 2024 are warranted. Rather than focusing solely on President Joe Biden’s overall low approval ratings, there is a particular concern about the president’s diminished support in polls related to economic matters.
The piece is titled, “Democrats Are Panicking About the Wrong Thing,” with a subheadidng stating “Polls that show Joe Biden trailing other candidates aren’t worth much at this point.
“What voters are saying about the economy is what Democrats need to be alarmed about.”
Kromer begins by underscoring President Biden’s significant decline in recent polls.
The author highlights three specific poll outcomes: the NBC poll, marking Biden’s lowest approval rating to date; the Economist/YouGov poll, revealing that only around 25% of Americans support Biden seeking reelection in 2024; and the New York Times/Siena College poll, indicating that former President Donald Trump is leading Biden in five out of six key swing states in hypothetical 2024 polling.
While these polls have raised concerns among Democrats about Biden’s prospects in the 2024 general election, Kromer argues that their primary worry should be centered around how Americans perceive Biden’s handling of the economy.
Kromer writes:
“Horse race polls, approval ratings and other candidate-centered indicators a full year out from the 2024 election aren’t something Democrats need to set their hair on fire over — at least not yet.
“Instead, what should be causing a considerable sense of panicked urgency is what voters have been telling pollsters about economic issues.”
After emphasizing the crucial role of economic issues in elections, Kromer proceeds to underscore the widespread awareness among Americans that the U.S. economy has faced challenges under Biden’s economic policies, commonly referred to as “Bidenomics.”
“Over the last year, polls have shown voters holding a decidedly grim economic outlook,” Kromer writes.
“Most Americans rate current economic conditions as ‘poor.’
“Many think we are in a recession and aren’t optimistic that things will improve.”
The author continues:
“They view Republicans as better able to address economic issues and, in the crucial battleground states, have more trust in Trump than Biden to do a better job on the economy — and by a whopping 22 points.
“An October poll from PRRI found that, in a rare moment of bipartisan agreement, ‘increasing costs of housing and everyday expenses’ topped the list of the most important issues for voters.
“Other polls have found similar results. ”
Kromer proceeds to provide instances illustrating how economic matters can be decisive factors in election outcomes.
Concluding the piece, Kromer reiterates the call for Democrats to prioritize addressing economic concerns. She expresses optimism, suggesting that Biden has an opportunity to alter public perceptions of the economy.
While the effectiveness of this approach is yet to be determined, Kromer’s overarching argument, emphasizing the critical importance for Biden and Democrats to tackle economic issues to avoid potential setbacks in the 2024 elections, stands as a valid point.