Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin voters: Economy is key factor in 2024 Presidential election

The upcoming 2024 Presidential election is likely to be influenced by voters’ perceptions of each candidate’s ability to handle the economy. In crucial swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, the economy is a significant factor for most voters when deciding which candidate to support, according to a recent poll by CBS News and YouGov.

In Michigan, 80% of voters identified the economy as their top priority, followed closely by inflation and democracy. President Joe Biden currently holds a narrow lead over former President Donald Trump in the state. Similarly, in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, 80% of voters ranked the economy as one of their top concerns in the upcoming election. Other lower-ranked topics included candidates’ positions on gun policy, crime, U.S.-Mexico border policy and abortion.

CBS News chief election and campaign correspondent Robert Costa emphasized how complex it can be for people to interpret the economy and what issues they want addressed for their own economic well-being. Despite positive economic indicators like low unemployment rates, rising wages and a strong stock market, about 6 in 10 people polled by CBS News rated the economy as “fairly bad” or “very bad.” This sentiment could pose a challenge for Democrats hoping to attract working-class voters and union members away from Trump with a focus on labor issues.

Democrats are aware that Trump’s message on immigration can be appealing to working-class voters. Therefore it is crucial for them to emphasize their economic policies to win over these voters. By focusing on labor issues, Democrats hope to secure the support of key swing voters in the upcoming election.