Democratic Party Members Express Concerns to President Biden About the Rising Cost of Living

Anxious Democrats are urging President Joe Biden to show more empathy regarding inflation, as voters are not swayed by his positive comments on the economy, as reported by The Wall Street Journal on Monday.

Surveys consistently show that voters have a more favorable view of the economy under former President Donald Trump and give him more credit on economic matters.

When discussing the economy, Biden often highlights encouraging data, such as a significant decrease in inflation. However, David Axelrod, the lead strategist for former President Barack Obama’s campaigns, warned that “we learned … in 2011 and 2012 [that] you can cite data until the cows come home, but what matters is how people perceive the economy.”

Trump’s campaign is making the rise in prices a key issue in the presidential race, viewing inflation as one of Biden’s major weaknesses. Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated that “workers and families are feeling the impact of Joe Biden’s failed economic policies, with prices on essential items like gas, food, rent, and diapers skyrocketing.”

Despite many positive economic indicators since Biden took office, with the U.S. being the only major economy to have returned to pre-pandemic levels, a recent Federal Reserve study found that output has recovered. Additionally, unemployment remains low, and wage growth has outpaced inflation for the past year, according to The Wall Street Journal.

However, a Cook Political Report poll in swing states revealed that 54% of voters consider the cost of living as the best measure of economic well-being, compared to 13% who prioritize the unemployment rate.

Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican representing an Omaha district Biden won in 2020, stated that Biden seems out of touch when boasting about the economy’s performance.

Another challenge for Biden in communicating his domestic economic message is his upcoming international trips, where global issues are expected to take precedence.