In an effort to address waning poll numbers, President Joe Biden is advised to refine his economic messaging, drawing a stark contrast with former President Donald Trump, according to research presented to the White House.
Research conducted by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC), aligned with Senator Elizabeth Warren, indicates that voters currently trust Republicans more than Democrats to manage the economy. However, avenues exist to bridge this trust gap by emphasizing Trump’s past economic missteps and his perceived threat to social security.
Adam Green, co-founder of the PCCC, emphasizes the need to acknowledge public concerns and strategically position the messaging to underscore the contrast with Trump. The research suggests that simply reiterating the positive economic indicators may not be sufficient to win public trust.
Despite robust economic indicators, including a 4.9% annual rise in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and record-low unemployment, recent polls indicate a preference for Trump over Biden on economic matters. A New York Times and Siena College poll revealed a 59% to 37% margin in favor of Trump.
National polling by the PCCC and the Data for Progress thinktank further underscores the challenge for Democrats in gaining public trust on the economy. While 42% of likely voters trust Republicans, only 35% trust Democrats, with 20% expressing trust in neither party.
The research emphasizes the importance of message framing. A statement like “the economy is getting better for people like me” resonates with only 24% of likely voters. However, when additional context is provided, such as contrasting Biden’s approach with Trump’s, the figure rises to 43%.
The PCCC’s research indicates that blaming Trump for mishandling the economy by cutting taxes for the wealthy and failing to combat corporate price gouging on essential goods narrows the gap between Republicans and Democrats.
Furthermore, the research suggests that Democrats can gain significant traction by emphasizing their commitment to taxing the wealthy to support social security. Statements aligning with this position garner substantial support, particularly from independent voters.
Green underscores the need for intentional messaging that not only highlights positive Democratic initiatives but also draws a clear distinction by showcasing Republicans as advocating the opposite. The research findings aim to guide a more effective messaging strategy for the Biden administration as it seeks to navigate economic challenges.
