Voters across key states are closely considering the impact each presidential candidate could have on the economy as they prepare to cast their ballots in the upcoming 2024 Presidential election.
Recent polling data from CBS News and YouGov reveals that in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, where the competition between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump is particularly tight, the state of the economy is a major deciding factor for voters.
Michigan voters, in particular, are focused on economic issues, with 80% prioritizing the economy and 77% expressing concerns about inflation. Additionally, 72% of voters in the state consider the state of democracy as a crucial issue. Biden is currently holding a slight lead over Trump in Michigan.
Similarly, in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, 80% of voters have identified the economy as a top priority in this election.
Other issues such as candidates' positions on gun policy, crime, the U.S.-Mexico border, and abortion have been ranked lower in terms of voter priority.
"The economy continues to be a central issue, but the way people perceive and want to address economic issues for their own well-being is a complex matter," stated Robert Costa, chief election and campaign correspondent at CBS News.
Around 60% of individuals surveyed by CBS News expressed that they considered the economy to be either "fairly bad" or "very bad," despite positive economic indicators such as low unemployment, rising wages, and a strong stock market, signaling a robust U.S. economy.
This could present a challenge for Democrats, as Costa noted their desire to attract "labor voters, union members" to support the Democratic party and surpass Trump in the upcoming election.
"Democrats are aware that working-class voters sometimes resonate with Trump's messaging on immigration, making it appealing to them. That's why Democrats are emphasizing labor and the economy in their campaign efforts," Costa explained.
