‘People’s attitudes about the economy are pretty stubbornly in the wrong place’
President Joe Biden has a problem. America’s journalists are doing everything they can to help him solve it, but as is often the case when journalists try to help, the problem is only getting worse.
The 81-year-old president has sought to base his reelection campaign on “Bidenomics.” Alas, most voters aren’t pleased with the state of the economy. Just 14 percent of Americans, and just 24 percent of Democrats, said they were better off financially under Biden, according to a Financial Timespoll of registered voters released last month.
Enter the liberal journalists, who have rushed to Biden’s aid by doing what they do best: shaming the American public for having the wrong opinions. “The U.S. economy is humming, so why are Americans so grumpy about it?” asked NPR host A Martínez in late October. “Bidenomics looks like nothing short of a miracle right now,” said Medhi Hasan, the anti-Israel MSNBC host whose show was recently canceled. “And yet, ask Americans these days about the economy and most of them think and say it’s in really bad shape.”
Politicolamented last week that Biden “may soon bear witness to an economic miracle” that “might not mean a lick to voters,” and quoted longtime Democratic strategist James Carville scolding voters for failing to appreciate the president’s success. “People’s attitudes about the economy are pretty stubbornly in the wrong place,” he said. Joy Behar, cohost of The View, complained about Americans holding negative views of Biden when “statistically the economy has gotten better.”
The Atlantic published several articles shaming voters for failing to appreciate Biden’s economic achievements. “Inflation Is Your Fault,” wrote Annie Lowrey, the wife of multimillionaire New York Times columnist Ezra Klein. Staff writer Jerusalem Demsas tried to explain “why Americans hate a good economy,” noting that a former Barack Obama adviser had described the aforementioned Financial Times poll results as “impossible” because the “vast majority of Americans are better off financially. Full stop.”
MSNBC host Chris Hayes, among others, blamed the mainstream media for highlighting “negative” news about the economy while downplaying the positive news—as if a New York Times headline about upwardly-adjusted quarterly GDP numbers will resonate with average Americans who are tired of paying more for the things they need.
Former CNN correspondent John Harwood agreed, berating his fellow journalists for their “astonishingly obtuse” coverage of the post-pandemic recovery. He implored the media to do a better job explaining that the economy “is doing well, not poorly” and that Biden “is handling the job effectively.” If they don’t, Harwood warned, “Trump could win.”
That is ultimately what explains the mounting frustration among journalists and other Democrats. If the experts with the “right” opinions can’t use their annualized data spreadsheets to persuade American voters the economy is actually good, those voters might make the “wrong” choice in 2024. Our cherished democracy would cease to exist and all that.
Journalists don’t know how to relate to average voters but they do know how to read polls. They know that Biden is unpopular and widely considered too old to serve another term. They are particularly alarmed by the fact that most voters, who don’t really care about politics and are just struggling to get by in the Biden economy, are immune to their hysterical doom-mongering about former president Donald Trump, who currently leads Biden in several key states.
The message to the American people is clear: We journalists sacrificed so much for you by saving democracy during the first Trump administration. We might not be able to do it again. You racist simpletons think you’re struggling financially? No, you’re not. But even if you are, that’s not a good enough reason to vote for the candidate we don’t like.
In what ways can President Biden and his administration address the rising costs, inflation, and stagnating wages that many Americans are experiencing, and bridge the gap between perception and reality in the economy
Y the crux of the issue: the disconnect between the perception of the economy and its actual state. While economists and liberal pundits continually tout the supposed success of Biden’s economic policies, the average American is not feeling the effects.
The media’s role in shaping public opinion cannot be understated. As MSNBC host Chris Hayes pointed out, the mainstream media has a tendency to emphasize negative news about the economy while downplaying positive news. This selective reporting not only misleads the public but also perpetuates the divide between expert opinions and popular sentiment.
Furthermore, liberal journalists and pundits are quick to shame voters for having “the wrong opinions” about the economy. Instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue and addressing legitimate concerns, they resort to condescension and dismissiveness. This approach only serves to alienate voters and further deepen the divide.
It is crucial to recognize that individual experiences and perceptions of the economy can vary widely. While macroeconomic indicators may show signs of growth, the everyday realities of rising costs, inflation, and stagnating wages are undeniable for many Americans. Dismissing their concerns as misguided or ignorant is not only disrespectful but also counterproductive.
President Biden and his administration must take these concerns seriously and work towards addressing them. Instead of relying on rhetoric and empty promises, they need to implement tangible policies that will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of everyday Americans. This includes addressing inflation, creating job opportunities, and ensuring fair wages.
Moreover, the media has a responsibility to provide balanced and unbiased coverage of the economy. This means not only reporting positive news but also acknowledging and analyzing the challenges and concerns raised by the public. By doing so, they can foster a more informed and constructive public discourse.
Ultimately, the disconnect between people’s attitudes about the economy and the perceived success of Bidenomics is a complex issue that goes beyond political affiliations. It requires empathy, understanding, and a willingness to address the real concerns of the American people. Only through open and honest dialogue can we bridge this gap and work towards building a stronger and more inclusive economy for all.
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