As April began and Americans were being told to fear COVID-19 and stay home, President Trump said there would not need to be a “massive recession.” As recently as Monday, he said the economy would have “a tremendous third quarter.” By Wednesday, he was looking forward to “a fourth quarter that’s going to be fantastic” and then to “a tremendous 2021.” The moving time frame for the hoped-for recovery reflected a shifting of the president’s rhetorical gears now that the recession has hit with hurricane force. …
Scholars and political strategists generally agree there is nothing more important for a president’s reelection prospects than the state of the economy. Presidents with a robust economy routinely win a new term. Those without, as a rule, do not. CONT.
Ron Elving, NPR News