Democrats Struggle on Economic Issues, Despite Market Challenges
CNN’s senior data reporter Harry Enten noted on Monday’s “CNN News Central” that Democrats continue to lag behind Republicans regarding economic issues, even in light of recent stock market fluctuations.
A CNN/SSRS poll released Sunday indicated that Republicans have an eight-point lead on economic matters, a decrease from an 11-point lead back in November 2023. Enten expressed surprise at the sustained Republican advantage in this area. “You would think Democrats might have a significant lead on the economy after the initial months of Donald Trump’s presidency,” he said during his conversation with co-host Kate Bolduan. “Yet here we are: back in November, Republicans were ahead by 11 points, and now it’s an eight-point edge for them.”
“How is that possible, Democrats? How is that possible?” Enten questioned, expressing incredulity. “With all the recession concerns, the stock market’s ups and downs, and public opposition to tariffs, Republicans still maintain this lead. It’s hard to wrap your head around.”
In an April 9 post on Truth Social, Trump announced a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs. He attributed this decision to discussions with other countries about correcting the trade imbalance. Later, after negotiations in Geneva led by Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Trump also revealed a reduction in tariffs on Chinese imports.
Enten argued that it wasn’t just the CNN poll indicating Republican strength. He cited data from Reuters/Ipsos as well. “In May 2024, just before Trump’s reelection, Republicans had a nine-point edge regarding who had the better economic plan,” he explained. “And now, in May 2025, their advantage has increased, showing a 12-point lead.”
“This is particularly striking after all the economic unpredictability—where the stock market has been quite volatile and the tariff disputes have continued. Yet, here we are, with Democrats down by 12 points on economic issues,” he added.
The Consumer Price Index reached a four-decade high of 9% in June 2022, following several spending initiatives signed into law by then-President Joe Biden. These included the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, despite prior warnings about potential inflation. Under Biden’s administration, prices surged by more than 20%.
Enten also mentioned that Republicans have caught up with Democrats on another important polling topic. “In our latest CNN poll regarding which party represents the middle class, the results are tied,” he informed Bolduan. “This seems to highlight some significant issues for Democrats. They’ve historically been seen as the party of the middle class, but that image is fading. Trump and the Republican Party have successfully claimed that identity, diminishing a critical advantage Democrats once had.”
