Democrats Fear Backlash from Voters Over Rising Inflation

Back in their districts and states for the August recess, Democrats are playing defense as voters’ fear the rising prices of goods and services. A recent poll found that more than 80 percent of voters were concerned about inflation, and a majority believed the Democrats’ excessive spending on welfare programs were hurting the economy.

Additionally, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said that inflation “could turn out to be higher and more persistent than we expected.”

Real Clear Politics: The jumbled July responses and flat-out denials came with a political cost for Democrats, senior party strategists argue. Nearly six in 10 Americans believe that Biden administration economic policies are to blame for the 13-year high in inflation, according to a Politico/Morning Consult poll released Wednesday. . .

In a confidential memo delivered to party leaders, strategists for Build Back Together, a dark-money group formed to promote Biden’s agenda, called the GOP’s inflation attack ads the most powerful critique of his proposals “to date.” Citing focus-group findings, the memo specifically referenced the National Republican Congressional Campaign’s July Fourth weekend ads.

Democrats, especially those in vulnerable seats, will be forced to address their constituents’ concerns. Voters got a preview in July when Cindy Axne, a vulnerable Iowa Democrat, called concerns about inflation a “false advertisement” and denied inflation was occurring at all.

Bottom Line: Democrats are right to fear voters’ reactions to skyrocketing inflation caused by reckless spending. Driving up the cost of essential goods and services is extremely unpopular, and voters will hold these radical Democrats accountable during the August recess and at the ballot box.