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WG Economy: Will Harris Be Able to Escape Inflation?

WG Economy | David Winston

July 31, 2024

The Associated Press reported that new Democratic nominee Kamala Harris "freshens up" her economic message on equity and fairness and incorporating progressive themes like price gouging. The article pointed out that "Not once in speeches in Wisconsin, Indiana or Texas did she mention the word "inflation" - the overwhelming economic challenge that has dogged Biden's administration." It went on to say that "there is an expectation that criticism on inflation will not stick to her because for many voters she represents a fresh voice..."

Democrats will try to avoid the issue of inflation unless Republicans allow them to do so and choose to focus on other topics. To the frustration of the Biden administration, voters still believe inflation is getting worse (51%) rather than better (21%) or not changing (26%). The year-over-year rate has moderated since its peak in 2022, but the cumulative rate of inflation since the start of the Biden presidency is 20.1%. That means this same level of price increase happened on her watch too.

The Biden inflation record is second only to Jimmy Carter's at this point in their administrations. Gas has gone up almost 50% since the start of the Biden term (48.7%), electricity 31.6% and food over 20% (21.7%)

There is a belief among the electorate that government policies under President Biden and Democrats in Congress have caused inflation to increase and prices to go up (53-36 believe-do not believe).

WG Discussion Points: An Initial Look at

the Harris Candidacy

WG Discussion Points | David Winston

July 26, 2024

We have just come out of the field with an initial look at the state of the race and the Harris candidacy. (July 23-25). Here is where the situation stands as she enters the race:

1.) As the new Democratic frontrunner, Harris is less defined than Biden, but she is not an unknown candidate. She starts off with a favorable-unfavorable of 46-50. This is significantly better than Biden at 41-57. She has a better image among Democrats (88-10) than Biden (82-57).

Many of the public polls done before Biden's decision to withdraw showed a less positive result for her, indicating she has gotten a brand bump since she has assumed frontrunner status. Examples include ABC (July 19-20) 35-46 favorable-unfavorable; Wall Street Journal (June 29-July 2), 35-58; NBC (July 7-9), 32-50.

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