Every election season, politicians suddenly become economists.They start talking about GDP, inflation rates, job creation, trade deficits and economic growth.They point to charts showing why the economy is doing better or worse depending on which party is holding the microphone.But there’s one problem.
Most Americans don't live their lives on a government spreadsheet, job reports, GDP data or CPI Index information.FOX NEWS POLL: MOST RATE THE ECONOMY NEGATIVELY, INCLUDING HALF OF REPUBLICANSThey live at the grocery store.They live at the gas pump.
They live with when the mortgage payment comes out of their checking account.They live with the credit card bill.American voters might care about the overall economy, but they vote based on their own personal economy.
(DjelicS/Getty Images)And they live it when their kid asks, "Can we afford that?"In Bill Clinton’s successful 1992 presidential campaign, strategist James Carville famously posted the message, "It’s the economy, stupid," as a reminder to keep the campaign focused on what mattered to voters.More than three decades later, I think that famous line needs an update.JAMES CARVILLE BREAKS WITH FAMOUS ‘IT’S THE ECONOMY, STUPID’ SLOGAN BECAUSE OF TRUMPIt’s not the economy, stupid.It’s your personal economy that matters.
And we will see this front and center as the runaway No.1 issue in the midterms.Because when Americans walk into the voting booth, they aren't carrying a copy of the latest GDP report.
They're carrying around 365 days of financial experience.Can I afford groceries? Can I afford my house? Can my kid afford a house? Is my paycheck keeping up with my bills? Can I afford health insurance? Can I fill up my SUV without wondering whether I should have bought a bicycle?Those questions may ultimately matter more politically than any economic statistic Washington can produce.FOX NEWS POLL: ECONOMIC GLOOM, TRUMP RATINGS SIGNAL TOUGH GOP MIDTERM PATHHere’s the disconnect politicians often mi...