Americans’ views of the economy have become so hardened along partisan lines that the economy may matter less in next year’s presidential election than in the past.
Both major political parties have emphasized the economy in the early stages of the campaign. Republicans hope that a rock-bottom unemployment rate and rising wages will cause voters to stick with President Trump despite the various scandals enveloping his administration. Democrats believe high levels of income inequality and fears of a looming recession will make voters willing to consider a new direction.
Surveys suggest that those arguments are resonating — but only with voters already inclined to agree with them. CONT.
Ben Casselman & Jim Tankersley, New York Times