What Voters Are Focusing On
A Commentary By Douglas Schoen
"It's the Economy Stupid" remains the manta of the electorate.
To be sure, with 28% naming the economy as the top issue facing the country and with 31% say we are in a recession, the electorate clearly wants the candidates for President and their elected officials to focus on economic concerns.
Moreover, detailed probing by Rasmussen shows that voters in urban areas across the country are getting more nervous about their jobs and local economies.
This has enormous implications for what the candidates say and what tone they take in their communications. Voters are increasingly focusing on the economy and are getting somewhat more nervous as well.
By contrast, only 18% cited the war on terror as the top issue and 13% mentioned the war in Iraq, indicating these issues have receded somewhat in importance.
Health care was the second domestic issue chosen as 13% called it most important. As the Presidential candidates increasingly discuss the issue, it can only be expected to increase in importance.
Douglas Schoen is a founding and former partner of Penn Schoen & Berland, and a Fox News Contributor.
Schoen was President Bill Clinton's research and strategic consultant during the 1996 reelection campaign.
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