A Wall Street Journal headline this week claimed “Earning More but In Worse Shape,” underscoring the fact that while overall economic numbers have moved in a positive direction, Americans are still struggling and feel as though they cannot get ahead. A new Fox News poll confirms these concerns.
By The Numbers:
Only 32% of voters said the condition of the U.S. economy is “excellent/good.” That’s up from 21% who said the same in March and 23% who said the same in December.
Today, 44% of voters said the condition of their personal finances is “excellent/good,” while 56% said the condition of their personal finances is “only fair/poor.” That’s a slight improvement from 39% in March and 38% in December.
Seventy-one percent of voters said inflation caused them financial hardship in the last six months. While that’s the lowest number since 2021 and down from a high of 78% in 2022, the hardship is widespread. Democrats (79%), independents (74%), and Republicans (62%) all said they feel it, as do those with yearly income both below $50,000 (81%) and $50,000 and higher (64%).
The Bottom Line: While there’re indicators that the economy is improving, that hasn’t yet been felt at kitchen tables across America. Republicans must avoid the trap the Biden Administration fell into of declaring premature victory. Republicans must communicate that they know families are still struggling and the GOP is working hard every day to control the cost of living.
