Eau Claire, Wisconsin – It is likely that President Biden and former President Trump will face off again in the 2024 presidential election. But a majority of Americans don’t like either candidate, according to a Fox poll.
According to the latest FOX News Power Rankings, there are eight battleground states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
In downtown Eau Claire, Wisconsin, most people are still not thinking about what’s happening in Washington. But people in Washington are thinking about Wisconsin.
“I don’t really like politics,” Jennifer Linville said. “It doesn’t matter which side I feel on at this point. Like, show me what you’re going to do for us.”
Wisconsin, Nevada, Arizona, and Pennsylvania are competitive states.
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“I think many people in Wisconsin are tired of being asked what they think about elections,” Reba Krueger said.
Six out of 10 Americans don’t like either candidate.
“I’m probably not going to vote. I don’t think either side is good for me,” said Jose Ortez of Wisconsin.
The economy is a big issue for voters in the 2024 election, with a majority of Americans disapproving of Biden’s handling of inflation and the economy.
“I’ve been a nurse for a year,” said Carly Olson. “I thought I would make more money compared to the prices of things, but it seems like the prices of things keep going up.”
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Linville plans to open a new business in downtown Eau Claire in the coming months.
“Everything is getting more and more expensive. Construction costs are going through the roof, so I’ve fallen a little behind,” Linville said.
“If you’re not going to vote, I don’t think you should complain too much about what’s going on,” said Carly Olson, a 26-year-old nurse. She said the economy would influence who she votes for, but she declined to say who she would vote for. (Mills Hayes)
Some Wisconsin voters say they are hopeful about the economy.
“I think there are certainly signs that the overall economy is improving,” Krueger said. “In election years, you hear people talk about the economy over and over again. What can we do to actually change things?”
Krueger said economic policy should address student loan forgiveness and investment in infrastructure.
“I’ve lived in rural Wisconsin for most of my life, and I’ve seen broken roads and bridges and no access to broadband, so the local economy I’ve lived in has… “We’ve seen similar shortages impact many,” Krueger said.
But House Republican Speaker Mike Johnson says Trump and the Republican Party can really turn things around.
“Republicans have the right answers. You can already see what the Democrats have achieved,” Johnson told Fox.
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Dr. Thomas Kemp, an economics professor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, said U.S. unemployment and inflation rates are low, which bodes well for the economy.
“Presidents at any given time don’t have that much influence on the economy at that point in time. Of course they appreciate that, right? When the economy is good, they’re responsible; when the economy is bad, they’re responsible. ”’ Kemp said.
Dr. Thomas Kemp said, “When governments decide to spend large deficits, that money flows into the economy.” “It contributes to business success and personal prosperity. It can also have other negative consequences down the road.” (Mills Hayes)
Inflation has fallen from a high of 3.4% in 2022, and the unemployment rate is 3.7%.
Menzie Chin is a professor of public affairs and economics at the University of Wisconsin La Follette School of Public Affairs. He studies the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index, a monthly survey of how consumers feel about the economy. He finds it strange that how consumers feel about the economy doesn’t match the reality of the economy.
“All the indicators from economists and macroeconomists are that the U.S. economy is doing very well, and even more so compared to other countries,” Chin said.
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Chin said there are several explanations for why consumers feel so negatively about the economy, even though the situation is improving. He says no reason is a complete answer. Chin said partisan influence has increased, inflation is significantly higher than in the past, good economic news takes longer to register with people, and news coverage of macroeconomic conditions is biased. Ta.
Biden’s allies recognize that if the president wants a second term, he will need to address economic challenges, especially during the State of the Union. Democratic Representative Dina Titus represents Nevada’s 1st Congressional District. She represents another important swing state.
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“I want him to brag about what we’ve accomplished. Talk about investing in infrastructure, talk about creating good union jobs in renewable energy, talk about building high-speed trains to California,” Titus said. the congressman said. “We also have to acknowledge that there is still work to be done because people still feel that prices at grocery stores are high. I want them to clearly state their plans.”
