James Carville, a Democratic strategist, has a clear message: Democrats should stop asserting that the economy is robust and let voters judge for themselves. He voiced this opinion on CNN, emphasizing the importance of personal experience in economic perception.
Carville reminisced about the Clinton and Obama years, noting that it often takes a considerable time for the public to feel the benefits of an economic recovery. He said, "[P]eople live in an economy and they feel it," stressing the gap between policy impact and public sentiment.
He suggested that President Biden should highlight specific actions taken to ease the cost-of-living burden. Carville pointed to the lowering of prescription drug costs and efforts to stabilize the supply chain as examples of such measures.
However, Carville warned against proclaiming the economy's health outright. "But it's hard — if you tell people they live in a good economy, and they don't think they do, they think you don't understand their lives," he explained. This statement reflects a broader strategy of empathy and acknowledgment of public discontent.
He lauded Biden for the infrastructure bill, calling it a "magnificent achievement." This praise underscores Carville's belief in the significance of tangible, impactful legislation.
Carville's advice comes amid President Biden's struggles against former President Trump, particularly on economic issues and border security. A new NBC News poll reveals Biden trails Trump by 23 points on economic leadership.
Despite Biden's positive economic narratives, such as reducing inflation and job creation in manufacturing, voter confidence remains low. 55% of registered voters believe Trump would manage the economy better, with only 33% siding with Biden.
Trump's advantage extends beyond the economy to border security, health, crime, and global standing. His leads in these areas suggest a challenging path ahead for Biden if he seeks to regain public confidence in his economic policies.
