Polling News

Kitchen Table Issues

April 12, 2018

Americans’ views of the economy continue to improve, according to a Pew Research survey, with 53% now saying national economic conditions are “excellent or good,” a post-recession high.  The increasingly positive outlook has been driven by Republicans.  Fifty-seven percent of Republicans said the economy was excellent or good in October.  Today that number is 74%.  Only 37% of Democrats believe the economy is in excellent or good shape today.

The numbers are slightly different when discussing Americans’ personal financial situations.  Sixty-two percent of Republicans say their personal financial situation is in excellent or good shape, while 44% of Democrats say the same.  What factors do Americans believe affect their household situations?  Fifty-three percent of Americans (48% of Republicans and 57% of Democrats) say health care costs “affect their household’s financial situation a lot;” 48% say it is food and consumer goods prices; 37% say real estate values; 34% say job availability; 22% say it is the federal budget deficit; and just 21% say the stock market. 

Clearly “kitchen table issues” like health care costs and food prices are the main drivers of opinions about personal economic situation, instead of macro issues like the stock market or budget deficits.  Positive economic sentiment alone will not be enough to lift candidates to victory this November.  They must pay attention to “kitchen table issues” in their campaigns to reassure voters they understand, care, and have plans that will improve conditions for families. 

Related PollingNews

Placeholder polling news
July 03, 2025 |
Polling News
Recent data from Gallup shows Americas are not just divided on policy positions and personalities, but on their feelings of patriotism, too.  ...
Placeholder polling news
June 26, 2025 |
Polling News
There have been a flurry of polls over the last week since President Donald Trump authorized the strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.  ...
Placeholder polling news
June 19, 2025 |
Polling News
As the debate over final passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill” continues in Congress, a recent Pew Research Center poll found that almost half of Americans view the bill unfavorably.  ...
Placeholder polling news
June 12, 2025 |
Polling News
There has been nonstop, wall-to-wall coverage of the recent Los Angeles protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  ...
Button karlsbooks
Button readinglist
Button nextapperance