The economy and immigration among the weighty issues for American voters

2024-01-18 20:40:12, Kosova & Bota CNA

The state of the economy often affects how Americans vote in elections, including the election of the nation's next president. As Voice of America correspondent Veronica Balderas reports, this year there are signs that other issues are just as important to voters in the presidential elections held in November.

President Joe Biden kicked off the campaign trail in Pennsylvania, where he reminded Americans of the progress he says the American economy has made under his leadership.

"Look at the indicators for consumer confidence, which has increased across the country. Everyone is better off and they believe it. They know this ," said President Biden.

There is no question that the US economy exceeded expectations in the recovery period after the COVID-19 pandemic and that it continues to be strong.

"Inflation has fallen to 3.1%, which is less than half the level when it was at its peak. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate is at the lowest levels of the last fifty years, at 3.7%. This is therefore a real achievement" , says economist Steven Hamilton, from George Washington University.

But it remains to be seen whether the progress made so far will help President Biden win re-election in November.

"The biggest question mark as the election approaches is how quickly will wages rise and how quickly will inflation fall? So will people feel the benefits before the election date?” , says Mr Hamilton.

76% of Americans see the economy as a top priority in 2024, according to a poll conducted last month by the NORC Center for Public Affairs and The Associated Press news agency.

Tim Carter generally votes for the Republican Party. This year his main concern is immigration, but he is also critical of President Biden's policies.

"I don't think he managed as well as he says. And that's not how the average American trying to make ends meet thinks so. Inflation is much higher and so incomes have fallen a lot ," says Mr. Carter.

Other voters interviewed in Washington's Adams Morgan neighborhood said abortion and foreign policy, more than the economy, will determine how they vote in November's general election.

"For me, social issues are the biggest factor. Mainly abortion. I like Nikki Haley's stance on this issue. Let's be realistic, there won't be a nationwide ban ," said Joshua Cain, a Texas voter.

The Ukrainian small business owner says her husband pays close attention to politicians' stances on international affairs, particularly the ongoing war in her country.

"He understands that the Democratic Party helps Ukraine more and has the desire to help more. We are sure that there are many Republicans who want to help, but so far we see how they are interrupting some of the agreements and we don't know what to expect" , says Anastasia Derun.

Although the economy is not the main reason why Elsa Abraham says she will vote for President Biden, she praises his work on this aspect.

"I think the economy is only getting stronger. I think interest rates will fall this year. I'm looking forward to this ," says Democratic voter Elsa Abraham.

But economists warn that it is still uncertain whether the 2% inflation target set by the Federal Reserve will be reached, or whether the interest rate will have to rise again before the November elections./ VOA