Poll: Economy, top issue for US voters

2024-04-10 16:19:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

American voters say the economy is one of their biggest concerns in this year's presidential election. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns reports on the two front-runners' approach to the economy at a time when the US Labor Department says the US economy has added more jobs and wages have increased than expected.

Wisconsin voter Theresa Laabs is worried about the economy and her family's affordability.

"It's hard for a family like ours to grocery shop and not spend $100 to $150 every weekend as we try to decide, 'What do I absolutely need today and what can I leave for next week?' Gasoline prices are going up and I don't understand why," says Mrs. Laabs.

She says she will vote for Democrat Joe Biden in hopes that, as she puts it, "he will continue to work even harder over the next four years" to make life easier for the middle class.

This economic anxiety is also fueling support for former President Donald Trump. Georgia voter Faye Bowling says this is the worst economy she's ever experienced.

"I'm a 73-year-old grandmother and I've never seen an economy as bad as it is now in my life. I'm pro-Donald Trump. I want everyone to come out and vote Republican in droves in November because we need to win Congress and the Presidency and make this country great,” Ms. Bowling said.

Last month's Harvard CAPS/Harris poll shows that most respondents say inflation is the top issue that affects them personally.

The Labor Department reported better-than-expected data for the first three months of this year. According to the report, the government, health and construction sectors recorded the largest increase in the number of jobs, while unemployment fell below 4% and wages continued to rise.

Former President Trump says the American economy is "collapsing". Addressing a fundraiser in Florida, he said he is the right man to improve the economy.

"People want change, including rich and poor people. The country is doing really badly. The whole world is making fun of us. We will bring change very quickly," said Mr. Trump.

President Biden, at a rally in Nevada, said he is improving an economy damaged by the coronavirus and tax cuts for the wealthy under President Trump's administration.

"Things are moving in the right direction. Unemployment has dropped dramatically. In Nevada, the number of those who have a job today is higher than ever before. Thousands of American cities are seeing this historic change," said President Biden.

He says the economy will also improve thanks to his plan to forgive some student loans.

“I will never stop providing student debt relief. This is only in America's interest and it is for the good of our economy. It's getting stronger and stronger," said President Biden.

The Harvard CAPS poll shows that nearly two-thirds of Democrats say the economy is on the right track, but only 12 percent of Republicans share the same view./ VOA