In a recent press briefing, President Joe Biden expressed frustration with the media’s coverage of the economy, stating that if they reported on it “the right way,” his poll numbers would be higher.
This comes as a new Fox News poll shows that a majority of Americans are dissatisfied with the state of the economy and are worried about its future under the Biden administration.
The poll, which surveyed 1,003 registered voters, found that only 14% believe they have benefited from President Biden’s economic policies. In contrast, almost half (46%) said they have personally been negatively impacted by the administration’s economic initiatives. Overall, 78% of respondents said that the economy was in bad condition.
Perhaps most concerning for the Biden administration is the sharp increase in dissatisfaction among Democrats. Just 20% of Democrats said they were not satisfied with the direction of the economy in 2021, but that number has now jumped to 47%.
The economy ranks as the top concern among voters as the 2024 presidential campaigns start to heat up, followed by illegal immigration. As Americans grapple with rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages, trust in President Biden’s ability to turn the economy around is dwindling. 68% of respondents said they were not satisfied with the direction the country was heading in, a 15-point increase from earlier this year.
President Biden’s comments blaming the media for his low approval rating on the economy have drawn criticism. Fox Business host David Asman tweeted about the situation, saying, “Talk about shooting the messenger,” as he shared the poll results that showed the majority of Americans unhappy with the economy.
As the 2024 election approaches, the economy is likely to be a top issue for voters. The Fox News poll also found that 44% of respondents believe the economy will get worse in the next year, while only 22% think it will improve.
The Biden administration has faced criticism for its handling of the economy, particularly regarding the recent surge in inflation. The White House has defended its policies, stating that they are necessary to spur economic growth and recovery from the pandemic.
However, with the majority of Americans dissatisfied with the current state of the economy, it remains to be seen if the administration’s strategies will be effective in the long term.
As President Biden heads to Camp David for the Christmas holiday, the focus on the economy and his ability to lead it will likely continue to be a dominant topic in the media. With midterm elections looming and the 2024 presidential race on the horizon, it is clear that the state of the economy will play a crucial role in shaping the future of American politics.
