Economic angst is prevalent in Tennessee, new poll finds
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Economic anxiety is widespread among Tennesseans of all political stripes and income levels, according to a new poll released Wednesday by Vanderbilt University.
Why it matters: Registered voters reported serious concerns over the rising cost of basic necessities such as groceries and gas. They are urging public officials to address the growing crisis, a dynamic that is already shaping the midterm elections.
By the numbers: Half of the respondents describe the cost of living as "very expensive," up 7 percentage points since last year. Another 38% call it "somewhat expensive."
- The combined 88% represents voters from different income levels and circumstances.
- 49% said they were anxious about simply affording food, housing and transportation.
What they're saying: "Unemployment and inflation rates might look good on paper, but voters are reeling from sticker shock at the grocery store and bracing for what's next in uncertain international and domestic times," Vanderbilt poll co-director John Geer said in a statement.
The big picture: That angst is contributing to pessimism here and nationally: 58% of Tennesseans believe the country is on the wrong track, per the poll.
- They were nearly evenly split on Tennessee's trajectory, with 49% saying the state was going in the wrong direction.
Zoom in: President Trump's approval rating, which is typically high in ruby-red Tennessee, fell to 49% among the state's voters. That's a 7-point drop since November.
- Support for state leaders was more sturdy, with outgoing Gov. Bill Lee sitting at 56% approval and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn at 51%.
How it works: The poll was conducted by Vanderbilt University's Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions. It surveyed 1,203 registered Tennessee voters from April 13-29.
- The survey's margin of error was +/-3.2 percentage points.