April 20, 2006
WAR IS SCARY:
Why a strong economy is no GOP asset: Republicans have struggled to get credit for low unemployment and steady growth. (Linda Feldmann, 4/21/06, The Christian Science Monitor)
In many ways, they say, these are the best of times: Unemployment is at 4.7 percent, lower than the averages of the 1970s, '80s, and '90s. The economy is showing strong, consistent growth, without significant inflation. And the stock market is roaring along. [...]Posted by Orrin Judd at April 20, 2006 8:15 PMIndependent pollster John Zogby sees the public's skepticism over the economy as part of a larger picture of overall concern over the direction of the nation and a president struggling to recapture Americans' confidence. "It's not just the economy," he says. "If we were at peace or the war was going well or there was confidence in other areas, then the economic news could be bolstered and people could begin to feel better."
John Zogby is neither "independent" nor a "pollster", having invented the results of his recent "poll" of troop attitudes.
He may be a historian, though.
Posted by: Noel at April 20, 2006 8:51 PMThis is probably true though.If we're not drawing down in Iraq by Labor Day, the Donkeys get the house and senate despite the stellar numbers.
Posted by: JAB at April 20, 2006 8:58 PMJAB - I agree although I think the Dem's ability to pick up the Senate and/or House is farther out of reach than most people admit.
And with all of the reports that the Iraqis are taking more responsibility for patrols, etc. you gotta think some troops will be coming home before the elections. Whether it will be enough to help Bush and the GOP remains to be seen.
Posted by: AWW at April 20, 2006 9:19 PMFor a bad economy, the housing market in the Chicago far west suburbs sure is going strong.
Three weeks ago I drove by an empty corn field with a couple dozen CAT tractors on it. Two weeks ago there were streets scraped in the dirt. Today I drove by it again, and there are some 20-30 two story houses framed up waiting for siding. These are going for $300,000.
Posted by: ray at April 20, 2006 9:46 PMThe media and the pollsters are doing what they do best. They're the concerned looking guy you meet first thing in the morning saying you look like crap.
Posted by: Tom Wall at April 21, 2006 2:45 AMThe Christian Science Monitor isn't Christian or scientific and the only thing it monitors is the DNC's daily talking points.
It's only the "economy stupid" when the Dems are in power. When they're out of power, nothing matters except getting back in by using any and all nefarious means.
Public opinion on the economy is being influenced by what the price of gas happens to be. A drop in gas prices, and the Dems will be even more hard pressed to take congress.
Posted by: Buttercup at April 21, 2006 9:00 AMOJ already posted on this. It's 80% gas prices and 20% Iraq.
Posted by: Bruno at April 21, 2006 1:48 PMGas prices, Iraq, whatever. It's the MSM that feeds unwarranted pessimism through every medium they can pump their sewage through that undermines the mood of the country. Read Goebbels. Their power may be the demise of our democracy.
Posted by: Genecis at April 21, 2006 5:23 PM