Economy Tops Voter Concerns as Midterms Near, With Inflation and Growth Data Pointing Different Ways
Photo: NBC NewsAmericans vote in the midterm elections on Tuesday with the economy ranking as the top issue, according to polling and economic data cited in several articles. An NBC News Decision Desk Poll found the economy matters most to voters and that a majority are deeply frustrated with President Donald Trump on it. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that inflation jumped to 3.7% in September while wages rose 3% from a year earlier; inflation has outpaced wage gains for six months. The personal consumption expenditure price index rose 3.6% year over year in September. Prices have climbed since the war with Iran began. AAA data show regular gasoline averaging above $4 a gallon, up from $2.98 just before the war, and diesel above $6, up from $3.75. At the same time, the economy grew at a 3.4% annual rate in the third quarter. S&P Global said its survey is consistent with 5% growth in October, and the Institute for Supply Management reported the strongest manufacturing production in nearly five years. Democrats are trying to retake control of Congress.
Breitbart opens with the Republican case, arguing the party has a strong economic story built on 3.4% growth, the S&P Global projection and the ISM manufacturing reading. It says growth rarely moves midterm votes, notes inflation is lower than under Biden though still high, and accuses Democrats and their media allies of talking endlessly about prices. NBC News, on the left, leads with pocketbook strain, using charts on inflation outpacing wages, gas and diesel prices, and Trump's poor standing on the economy. The New York Times highlights its polls showing the economy as the biggest motivator and Democrats more trusted to fix it. Both sides acknowledge the Iran war has pushed up fuel costs and inflation; they differ on whether growth or prices matter more. The Hill, an alternative source, largely matches the left, saying troubling data and sour views give Democrats an opening.
How the sides differ Right sources stress strong GDP and manufacturing growth but doubt it will sway voters; left and alternative sources emphasize inflation, gas prices and a Democratic opening.
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- The New York TimesPaywallWhat Are Voters’ Top Concerns? Midterm Election Polls Point to the Economy.
NBC News and The New York Times lead with polling and charts showing the economy as voters' top issue, inflation outpacing wages, soaring fuel prices, and Democrats seen as more trusted on the economy.
The Hill's newsletter says troubling economic data and Americans' sour views give Democrats an opening to retake Congress on Tuesday.
Breitbart highlights strong GDP and manufacturing growth as a Republican economic case, but says growth rarely sways midterm voters, while acknowledging Iran-war inflation and criticizing Democrats' and media focus on prices.