"It's the economy, stupid."
That was the phrase coined by political strategist James Carville to help the 1992 presidential campaign of Bill Clinton — who went on to defeat President George H.W. Bush. And it encapsulates the idea that how voters are thinking about the economy often is the most important factor in deciding a presidential election.
If recent polling can be trusted, that sure seems to be the case this time. In a recent Gallup survey, for example, the economy was ranked as the most important of 22 issues U.S. registered voters said would influence their choice for president. "It is the only issue on which a majority of voters, 52 percent, say the candidates’ positions . . . are an 'extremely important' influence on their vote," according to Gallup.
Meanwhile, climate change was next to last on the list of concerns (just above transgender rights).
This makes sense. ...
