By Ben Ritz
In the past two presidential elections, working-class voters have proven to be a decisive swing vote in the pivotal states that determine the winner. A new comprehensive survey of working-class voters from the Progressive Policy Institute reveals how and why these voters, who once formed the backbone of the Democratic Party, have become estranged from it. The poll also points to the serious reorientation of both policy and messaging that will be necessary to build durable majorities.
In partnership with YouGov, PPI surveyed a representative national sample of voters without a four-year college degree and oversampled in seven key battleground states. The poll found these voters see the Democratic Party as out of sync with not only their cultural values but also their economic priorities.
When asked what the greatest economic challenge is facing the United States today, a whopping 69% of respondents said the high cost of living and inflation outpacing economic growth. Among these voters, 55% believe recent inflation is primarily driven by excessive stimulus spending rather than the COVID pandemic or supply chain bottlenecks. Notably, another 11% said high deficits and debt are the greatest challenge, while all other potential challenges registered single digits.
