Americans agree on at least one thing: A huge margin say their political leaders don't care about them, according to findings from the Axios Vibes survey by The Harris Poll.
Why it matters: This angry, irritated feeling cuts across all groups, without much hope for improvement with a potential Biden-Trump rematch looming in November.
The last year has felt "as close to normal" at Beaverdale Books in Des Moines, Iowa, since COVID-19 forced the store to close for 13 months in 2020-21, says Hunter Gillum, co-owner of the bookstore.
Why it matters: As the GOP presidential candidates make their last push to win the Iowa caucuses, all of them are arguing that Democratic policies have been poor for the economy.
The 2024 campaign for president will unfold amid a striking economic phenomenon: soaring growth rates and ultra-low levels of joblessness in the South and Mountain West, regions that include swing states and several that lean Republican.
Why it matters: The new regional booms help explain why many Americans say they're miserable about the national economy — but are decidedly more upbeat about how things seem closer to home.
President Biden will spend the next 1o months trying to convince voters to trust their wallets about the state of the economy — while acknowledging their persistent concerns about high prices.
Why it matters: Biden's bid for re-election could hinge on whether he can walk that tightrope.
The big picture: The release of the WalletHub ranking coincides with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and ahead of the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act as the nation's population and electorate become more diverse.
