Key Takeaways:
– More than 60% of voters understand and prefer Kamala Harris’ economic policies.
– A majority of voters agree with her proposal of a federal ban on the price-gouging of food and groceries.
– The cost of living was the top issue for those polled, with 66% acknowledging it as their main economic concern.
– Although Trump’s no-tax policy on Social Security was favored, it is criticized for not explaining how lost revenue will be replaced.
A Closer Look at Voters’ Preferences
Despite criticism from certain media outlets accusing VP Kamala Harris of being ‘light on policy’, it’s clear that voters have a different perception. Over 60% claim they comprehend her economic policies. And it’s not just about understanding. They prefer them too.
The Most Favored Harris Proposal
Harris proposes a federal ban on price-gouging of food and groceries. It has won the hearts of most voters. With grocery prices skyrocketing by 25% since 2020, half of the voters feel such a ban could strengthen our economy. Although some economists question this, 37 states in the US already enforce bans on price gouging with no negative effects.
Understanding Price Gouging Laws
The question that arises is: How do these laws work? Well, unlike Soviet-style fixed-prices, price gouging laws aim to control corporate conduct. They don’t set concrete prices. Instead, they require the enforcing agency to consider several facets and determine whether any unlawful behavior has occurred.
In short, Harris’s plan seeks to keep corporations in check against unfair pricing, a common government role in most capitalist economies, ensuring businesses don’t cause harm while seeking profits.
Trump’s Policy vs Reality
Contrasting this, the one economic policy from Donald Trump that seems popular amongst voters is the idea of not taxing Social Security. While this sounds great on the surface, it fails to explain how to replace the revenue lost if Social Security isn’t taxed.
John Larson, who is a prominent Democrat, warns that such a plan could drastically deplete the Social Security trust fund. He labels Trump’s plan as a ‘fatal mistake’.
The Mysterious Guardian Poll
The Guardian’s poll reveals an interesting fact. Contrary to common belief that Republicans have a stronger grip on the economy, voters prefer Harris’s economic policies. This challenges the narrative set by the mass media that has been relentlessly criticizing Harris for being ‘short on policy’, while largely ignoring similar shortcomings from Donald Trump.
Biden-Harris Administration’s Recent Success
Moving with the concerns of the masses, today, the Biden-Harris administration has announced a cost-saving for 54 prescription drugs through the Medicare Rebate Program, ensured by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. The act met opposition from Republicans, not receiving a single vote from their side.
Media reporting and Perception
The media seems to be struggling in creating a stereotypical narrative for Vice President’s presidential candidacy. While some sections of the media relentlessly focus on Harris’s weaknesses, they conveniently ignore addressing issues that voters genuinely care about. But voters aren’t igorant. This poll shows that voters are more interested in actual policies.
Reality Check for the Beltway
Ian Sams, Harris spokesperson has labelled this poll a ‘reality check for the Beltway class’. And he’s not incorrect. Only if the class doesn’t remain in denial.
Indeed, it can be said that this poll sends a clear message that voters are more concerned with practical, real-world results. They want the media to educate them on the policies that will affect their day-to-day lives, rather than drama-laden narratives from politicians’ lives. One can only hope that such findings would help shift media coverage towards issues that actually matter to the voters.