“Bidenomics” is a term that has failed to resonate with voters, Democratic officials, and even President Joe Biden himself. While Biden has made the state of the nation’s economy a central tenet of his re-election pitch, polling data shows that voters have not been convinced by his economic policies. A Gallup survey in September indicated that 48% of adults rated economic conditions as “poor,” and a University of Michigan survey found that 20% of consumers felt that their personal finances had deteriorated since Biden’s inauguration. The high prices of food and gas have also left a lasting impact on Americans, despite a reduction in inflation. “Bidenomics” has been criticized by Democratic strategists, who believe that it was a poor choice of messaging.
The Biden administration initially hesitated to embrace the term “Bidenomics,” understanding the potential risk if the economy were to sour. Democratic strategists have argued that economic conditions are often not necessarily under a president’s control and that focusing on day-to-day issues is more important to voters. Republican candidates, on the other hand, see “Bidenomics” as a winning argument and have used it as a rallying cry. Biden has yet to provide a succinct definition of the term, describing it in various ways, such as an antidote to low wages, a catalyst for manufacturing jobs, and a path to profitability for small businesses. While the Biden campaign believes that its ads featuring the positive impact of Biden’s spending have been effective, Biden’s sluggish approval ratings indicate that more needs to be done to sway public opinion.
Some Democrats are concerned that the party may be fighting old wars and that economic policy alone may not be enough to combat a candidate like former President Donald Trump. They argue that Trump’s circus-like style and controversial actions dominate media coverage and are more captivating for voters. However, others advise patience and believe that Biden can spend time reminding voters of his achievements in reviving the economy. They argue that there will be ample time to focus on a potential Trump candidacy in the future. Overall, the term “Bidenomics” has failed to gain traction with the public, and the Biden administration’s messaging will need to evolve to address voters’ concerns.
