The upcoming 2024 Presidential election is likely to be heavily influenced by voters’ perceptions of each candidate’s ability to improve the economy. In crucial swing states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, the economy is a top concern for many voters when deciding whom to support in the election, according to a recent poll by CBS News and YouGov.
In Michigan, 80% of voters identified the economy as their top issue, followed closely by inflation (77%) and the state of democracy (72%). President Joe Biden currently leads former President Donald Trump in the state by a narrow margin. Similarly, in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, 80% of voters also ranked the economy as one of their top concerns for the upcoming election. Other lower-ranked issues included candidates’ positions on gun policy, crime, immigration, and abortion.
CBS News chief election and campaign correspondent Robert Costa highlighted the complexity of how people interpret the economy and what they consider important for their own economic well-being. Despite positive economic indicators such as low unemployment rates, rising wages, and a strong stock market, about 6 in 10 people polled by CBS News rated the economy as “fairly bad” or “very bad.” This sentiment could present a challenge for Democrats looking to attract working-class voters and union members away from Trump with an emphasis on labor issues.
Democrats are aware that Trump’s message on immigration can be appealing to working voters. As such, they must emphasize their economic policies to persuade these voters. By focusing on labor issues, Democrats hope to win over key swing voters in the upcoming election.
