Electoral outcomes are not always determined by economic conditions, and this election campaign is unique in several ways compared to past campaigns. Joanne Hsu, who conducts surveys in Michigan, noted, “We’re kind of in an unprecedented situation where we’re weighing two incumbents.”
Anthony Rice, a 54-year-old Democrat from eastern Indiana, and many others in his community are currently doing well. Despite the low gas prices, abundant jobs, and direct benefits from the infrastructure law signed by President Biden in 2021, Mr. Rice mentioned that few people in his deeply conservative area acknowledge these positive changes.
“There are more people now who are employed, have better job opportunities, and more chances for improvement than ever before,” he expressed. “I don’t understand why they can’t see the positive aspects.”
Amber Wichowsky, a political scientist at Marquette University specializing in voters’ economic perceptions, highlighted that despite strong economic indicators, many Americans may still feel unsettled. She explained that the disruptions caused by the pandemic and its aftermath could make it challenging for things to return to normal quickly.
Ms. Wichowsky raised the question of whether voters’ perspectives will change as the campaign progresses. While President Biden has not made significant strides in promoting his economic agenda yet, many voters are not fully engaged. Over the next few months, the Biden campaign plans to intensify efforts to showcase the president’s economic achievements, particularly the significant investments in infrastructure and clean energy, which will become more apparent as projects unfold.
