In 1992, James Carville coined his famous phrase, “It’s the economy, stupid.” Inside the Clinton campaign, a laser-like focus on economic issues resonated deeply with voters grappling with a recession they attributed to the policies of George H.W. Bush. Carville’s focus ultimately propelled Clinton to victory. But that famous slogan was only one of three key messages on which the Clinton campaign focused. The lesser-known others were “Change vs. more of the same” and “Don’t forget health care.”
As Democrats gear up for the upcoming elections, it’s clear that voters have a lot on their minds. Recent swing state polling data, commissioned by the Progressive Policy Institute, sheds light on what’s really driving voter concerns. The full poll results and an accompanying memo present a golden opportunity for Democrats to solidify their standing as the party of pragmatic solutions for Americans’ concerns on the economy and where voters believe healthcare costs have run amok.
Let’s face it: The economy is top of mind for most voters. Inflation and the skyrocketing costs of food and housing are causing serious anxiety across the board. This trend cuts across all demographics, signaling a pressing need for an effective economic strategy accompanied with a simple message that voters can understand. Democrats have long struggled in the past to win over voters on economic issues, but there’s a real chance to change that narrative by tackling these concerns head-on.
When it comes to health care policy in general, voters generally trust Democrats to handle the policy. Half of the voters trust Democrats more on setting policy related to the price of prescription medications, compared to 40% who trust Republicans. Democrats are also seen as more reliable when it comes to ensuring U.S. drug makers continue to innovate and develop new treatments. And with abortion rights under threat, Democrats will again mobilize voters as they vow to protect access to abortion, contraception, and women’s health care priorities.
Looking specifically at health care costs, while important, they rank third on the list of costs that are most concerning to voters — well below food and housing. A total of 13% of respondents named health care costs as their most pressing concern, compared to 22% who said food and another 19% who pointed to housing costs This suggests that while health care costs remain critical, Democrats need to balance their focus with broader economic policies to truly resonate with the electorate.
The poll then delves into health care costs more specifically. The cost of health insurance is by far the biggest worry, with 28% of voters citing it as their top issue. Out-of-pocket costs and the expense of doctors and hospitals are also major concerns, particularly among Republicans and non-college white voters. While capping the cost of key prescription drugs like insulin is a popular move and common talking point by Democrats on the campaign trail, only 8% of voters think Congress should prioritize expanding Medicare negotiations for more medicines. Voters are much more concerned about the overall cost of health insurance and are looking for more from their leaders on this challenge.
Additionally, the poll highlights several other policy areas that voters prioritize. When asked about the most important policy priorities for the party that controls Congress next year, a significant 30% of voters want to see more investment in manufacturing, energy production, and other industries. Another 24% support increased IRS action to ensure billionaires and millionaires pay their fair share of taxes. These priorities show that voters are looking for comprehensive economic strategies that extend beyond health care.
The poll’s findings underscore the need for strategic messaging that balances health care costs and more pressing economic priorities. When crafting their pitch, Democrats should consider:
• First and foremost, emphasizing broader economic policies that address inflation, housing, and food costs, which align with voters’ top concerns.
• Advocating for investment in manufacturing and fair taxation policies, which resonate strongly with key voter demographics and are more top of mind than health care costs.
• Refocusing the primary message on health care costs to address the cost of health insurance message, rather than solely the cost of prescription drugs, in order to better match voter priorities.
By adopting a balanced approach that addresses both healthcare and broader economic issues, Democrats can effectively connect with voters and reinforce their position as practical leaders committed to addressing the most pressing concerns of the American people.
