Finance & economics | Free exchange

Biden’s chances of re-election are better than they appear

The economy is providing a headwind at present. That could soon change

A cartoon drawing of an injured donkey floating just above the ground, lifted by some balloons featuring smiley faces.
Illustration: Álvaro Bernis

AMERICANS HAVE not been impressed by President Joe Biden’s handling of the economy. In fact, according to polling averages, nearly 60% disapprove of it. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s ratings on economic matters are considerably better. The gap in perceptions augurs ill for Mr Biden’s chances of winning the presidential election in November, especially since voters rank the economy as the most important issue facing the country.

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This article appeared in the Finance & economics section of the print edition under the headline “I forgot that inflation existed”

From the February 3rd 2024 edition

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