The upcoming 2024 Presidential election is expected to be determined by voters’ perceptions of each candidate’s suitability for the economy. In crucial swing states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, the economy is a significant factor in deciding whom voters will support, according to a recent CBS News and YouGov poll.
In Michigan, over 80% of voters identified the economy as a top concern, followed closely by inflation and the state of democracy. Despite strong economic indicators such as low unemployment rates, rising wages, and a robust stock market, about 6 in 10 people surveyed by CBS News rated the economy negatively. This could pose a challenge for Democrats seeking to win back working-class voters and union members from Trump with an emphasis on labor issues.
Similarly, in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, over 80% of voters ranked the economy among their top concerns for the upcoming election. Other lower-priority topics included gun policy, crime, immigration policy along the U.S.-Mexico border, and abortion rights. Robert Costa, chief election and campaign correspondent at CBS News emphasized that people’s interpretations of the economy are complex and can vary widely depending on individual economic circumstances.
Despite some positive economic indicators like low unemployment rates, rising wages and a strong stock market in these states; many voters still perceived their economic wellbeing negatively which could present a challenge for Democrats trying to attract these working class voters away from Trump with an emphasis on labor policies. Republicans have been focusing more on immigration policies which may appeal to this group of voters which Democrats need to address if they want to secure their support in upcoming elections.