In the current presidential election, voters are considerably concerned about the economy as voters were in the election of 1896. The 1896 election dwelled on the “Battle of the Standards” (Boller 167) which was brought on by the Panic of 1893. Considering the state of the economy now, many are worried about the repercussions it will have on them directly, ie, unemployment and decrease in income.
A recent article from Reuters, talks about the economy and how significant it is to voters in presidential elections. The article states, “The results of the latest CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll showed 42% of respondents cited the economy as the most important issue influencing their decision in voting for President.” Following the economy is the war in Iraq with 21%, healthcare with 18%, terrorism with 10% and illegal immigration with 7%.
Perceptions of the economy also differ, for example, in class we discussed that many people have varying ideas of what a bad or good economy is. Rather than looking at the GDP or GNP people look upon personal benefit and unemployment factors for assessing the economy. The article from Reuters gives further depth to peoples‘ views of the economy, “The poll also revealed that nearly three-quarters (74%) of 515 respondents interviewed believe the economy is now in a recession, with 29% considering the downturn serious. Fifty-three percent of respondents (53%) are expecting the recession to last at least one year.”
The present campaigns however are not solely based on the economy, many other issues play significant roles in casting a vote, as opposed to the election of 1896 where the gold and silver issue dominated the campaigns.
A recent article from Reuters, talks about the economy and how significant it is to voters in presidential elections. The article states, “The results of the latest CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll showed 42% of respondents cited the economy as the most important issue influencing their decision in voting for President.” Following the economy is the war in Iraq with 21%, healthcare with 18%, terrorism with 10% and illegal immigration with 7%.
Perceptions of the economy also differ, for example, in class we discussed that many people have varying ideas of what a bad or good economy is. Rather than looking at the GDP or GNP people look upon personal benefit and unemployment factors for assessing the economy. The article from Reuters gives further depth to peoples‘ views of the economy, “The poll also revealed that nearly three-quarters (74%) of 515 respondents interviewed believe the economy is now in a recession, with 29% considering the downturn serious. Fifty-three percent of respondents (53%) are expecting the recession to last at least one year.”
The present campaigns however are not solely based on the economy, many other issues play significant roles in casting a vote, as opposed to the election of 1896 where the gold and silver issue dominated the campaigns.
Sources:
Presidential Campaigns, Paul F. Boller Jr.
Reuters.com, "Economy chief Issue Influencing Presidential Vote..."
-Diana Davino
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