For all the talk about Biden stepping aside and his possible replacement -- will it be Kamala? Newsom? Whitmer? Clinton? -- there's one thing the Democratic Party is overlooking as it deals with soap opera-worthy levels of drama: the economy.
And with good reason. It's bad. Gas prices are up 55.3% under Biden. Grocery prices are also up, and all Biden says is it's due to 'price gouging' (shocker: it's not). Americans aren't feeling keen on finances, no matter how hard the Biden administration gaslights them.
So it's no surprise to me that this survey shows the economy and inflation are the biggest issue ahead of the 2024 election. Not abortion. Not Project 2025.
The economy.
Most Americans point to inflation as biggest issue ahead of election: Survey https://t.co/zsOr03jL18
— The Hill (@thehill) July 12, 2024
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Nearly two-thirds of Americans say inflation is a very serious problem heading into the November election, and voters are more likely to trust former President Trump to handle the issue over President Biden, according to a new poll.
The latest YouGov poll, released Friday, found that inflation tops the list of issues voters surveyed identified among their top concerns, with 64 percent of respondents saying it is a major problem.
The survey included 25 issues to rank as a serious problem, somewhat serious problem, minor problem or not a problem.
Other issues that ranked among voters’ most serious concerns included corruption (57 percent), drug abuse (56 percent), homelessness (55 percent), weakening of democracy (54 percent) and a shortage of affordable housing (54 percent).
About half said violent crime (51 percent), gun violence (51 percent), illegal immigration (50 percent), and poverty (49 percent) are very serious problems the country faces.
And not one of these issues is one the Biden administration seems keen to address.
They are, however, issues the GOP and Trump should absolutely be hammering.
Inflation is a regressive tax on the poor and middle-class. Every debate, every ad, every campaign statement should be beating this drum relentlessly.
Bidenomics caused inflation.
Bidenomics made inflation worse.
Bidenomics will continue to make things you need to live more expensive.
Any time the Biden administration tries to pivot to abortion, or Project 2025, or Putin -- pivot right back to American families not being able to afford gas and groceries. Don't let Biden (or the media) get away with controlling the narrative. Set the narrative: under Trump, you could afford food and gas. Under Biden, you can't.
Make it a referendum on the policies that will carry over regardless of whether or not Biden is the nominee in November. Hang this albatross around the neck of every Democrat who even thinks about making a play for the White House.
It's already costing the average family $11,343 more to afford the same things they could in January 2021 (gee, what happened in January 2021?). People are working multiple jobs to make ends meet, credit card debt is at record highs, and people are defaulting on car notes and other loans.
This is an easy play, and one that will resonate with voters.
The GOP just has to pounce on it.