A Democratic Party strategist expressed worry about large losses for her party because candidates did not listen to voter concerns.
Strategist Hilary Rosen told CNN’s “State of the Union” host Dana Bash Sunday Democrats did not listen to voters expressing economic concerns. Party officials decided instead to focus on issues such as abortion and the January 6 Capitol riot.
“I’m a loyal Democrat, but I am not happy,” Rosen said. “I just think we did not listen to voters in this election, and I think we are going to have a bad night.”
“When voters tell you over and over and over again that they care mostly about the economy, listen to them,” Rosen continued. “Stop talking about democracy being at stake. Democracy is at stake because people are fighting so much about what elections mean. Voters have told us what they wanted to hear. I don’t think Democrats have delivered this cycle.”
Polls have shown all along that voters have concern about inflation and the rising cost of living. It should not take polls to wake politicians up about something that is regularly discussed everywhere. Polls do indicate that, though.
The ABC News/Washington Post poll showed 80% of likely voters consider the economy their top issue. Inflation, which is running near a 40-year high, was the top issue for 77% of those polled.
Consumer Price information released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals overall inflation rose 8.2% for the year ending September. That averaged number obscures large increases in things most families need on a regular basis.
Food prices, for example, rose an average 11.2% for the year. Energy is up 19%, with fuel oil showing a 58.1% price hike.
Electricity costs rose an average 15.5% while natural gas piped to homes increased 33.1%.
Transportation costs also recorded a double-digit increase at 14.6% higher this year.
Former President Bill Clinton famously reminded Democrats, “It’s the economy, stupid!”
Rosen fears that Democrats will face backlash from voters Tuesday for inflation that spiked during the Biden administration.
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