Political experts assess impact of economy on midterm elections amid ‘bad economic policies’

The economy has seen a massive slump in recent months and some political pundits wonder how much that will impact the upcoming midterm elections in November, as inflation hits its highest rate in four decades and gasoline prices are at record highs.

The US inflation rate of 8.3% was among the highest in the developed world in April and May, far surpassing Japan, France, Germany, the UK, Italy and Canada. President Biden’s administration has struggled to find a response to inflation and soaring gasoline prices, which remain near $5 a gallon nationwide.

To better understand how the economy will impact the election, or if it will, Fox News Digital reached out to four political experts for their assessment.

GROCERY SHOPPERS ARE MOVING AWAY FROM NATIONAL BRANDS Amid INFLATION, SUPERMARKET CHAIN ​​SAYS

Tulsi Gabbard, former US Congresswoman from Hawaii and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate:

“I think the most important thing is that Americans across the country are looking for solutions. People are already struggling a lot right now, because of inflation, because of rising gas prices. people don’t feel safe in their own communities. You know, the value of the dollar goes down as things get more and more expensive and people struggle to make ends meet. I think what they are looking for, regardless of their political party, these are leaders who are going to provide solutions and actually take action to start solving these problems.

“I sit here in Washington, DC, right now and very aware of the reality of how out of touch most of our political leaders are with this struggle and this frustrating reality that Americans across the country are already facing. … When people hear messages coming in from the White House like, ‘We may be entering a recession, but it’s really not going to be that bad’, things are already bad. Things are already tough for a lot of people and it only increases their lack of faith and trust that people in Washington even know what they are going through when they hear statements like that People want solutions so that is what they will seek now and as we move forward.

“There’s way too much focus on quote-unquote messaging, or changing messaging, or improving messaging, or improving storytelling. What does that have to do with reality? You can say things are going to be different or better, but unless people actually see action, unless people actually see steps towards progress and solving these challenges, all that they will continue to hear, it’s a lot of words…”

Tulsi Gabbard speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida on February 25, 2022.
(Tristan Wheelock/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Kellyanne Conway, former presidential campaign manager and former White House adviser to President Trump:

“When it comes to the economy, Democrats want you to believe not what you see, but what they say. and a “high class issue” that is “caused by” COVID and “has everything to do with the supply chain.”

“Inflation and recession fears have rattled household finances and threatened overall stability and personal savings. U.S. consumer confidence plunged in early June and fell to an all-time low, matched by the numbers inflation rates in 40 years. Recent polls from Fox News and CNN tell the same tale of doom: Well over three-quarters of Americans rate the economy as somewhat or very bad; this includes 81% of independents and 76% women Biden blames Putin for US inflation, Americans blame Biden.

“The contrast between the Trump economy and the Biden economy couldn’t be more stark. Inflation was low, wages were high, baby formula was on grocery store shelves, and gas was cheap. It There is a way out. A growing number of nervous voters know it was much better not so long ago and they want it back.

“Republican leaders and candidates and other influencers must articulate and present policies that benefit the job creator, the job seeker and the job holder. These include unleashing energy independence, reducing tax burdens, ending the regulatory assault on American businesses and workers, enforcing equitable measures and reciprocal trade agreements and building supply chains that put Americans to work and put the ‘America.”

Kellyanne Conway speaks during an education event at the America First Policy Institute on January 28, 2022z, in Washington.
(Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

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Brandon Arnold, Executive Vice President of the National Taxpayers Union (NTU):

“Regardless of what Secretary Yellen claims, we are headed for a recession. The real question is not whether it will happen, but how bad it will be. It’s a similar situation for Democrats in the upcoming election. It’s not about whether or not they’re going to lose, it’s about the severity of their losses.

“Obviously, these situations are intertwined. The poor economic policies of Congressional Democrats and President Biden have turned difficult economic circumstances into an absolute disaster that will manifest itself at the polls in November. If the Democrats are able to save all the positives — like hanging on the Senate — they’re going to need unforced errors from GOP candidates and a very shallow recession.

“Meanwhile, Republicans just have to focus on economic issues while avoiding major gaffes.”

Brandon Arnold, executive vice president of the National Taxpayers Union
(National Taxpayers Union)

Ari Fleischer, former White House press secretary for George W. Bush and Fox News contributor:

“Democrats are in big trouble, with or without a recession. But if there is a recession, many Democrats sitting in safe seats will lose. Recessions are devastating for the public, but they are even more devastating for politicians, especially those in the ruling party.”

Ari Fleischer at the Centurion Club, Hertfordshire, ahead of the LIV Golf Invitational Series.
(Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)

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The comments provided to Fox News Digital in this article are part of a new weekend series where strategists from all political backgrounds are asked the same questions related to hot political topics and given the opportunity to offer their point of view.

Anders Hagstrom of Fox News contributed to this article.