Democrats in crucial swing states are distancing themselves from the term “Bidenomics,” originally coined to encapsulate President Joe Biden’s economic policies, as they gear up for the 2024 election.
President Biden introduced the term earlier this year; however, it failed to resonate with voters and has gained limited traction within the Democratic Party, as reported by NBC News. Despite the president mentioning “Bidenomics” earlier in the year, the phrase did not gain momentum, and by the end of November, Biden had used it only once since the beginning of the month.
As of Wednesday, December 20, 2023, an analysis by the Conservative Brief revealed that House Democrats, particularly those in battleground states facing re-election, have refrained from incorporating the term into their messaging. Out of 19 Democrats representing seats categorized as “Toss Up” or “Lean Democrat” by the Cook Political Report, 18 have not utilized the term “Bidenomics” in their online posts or congressional office press releases.
The lone exception was Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, who employed the term along with a graphic on social media, emphasizing that “Bidenomics works” when discussing monthly job growth figures.
In contrast, Republicans running for these battleground seats actively attempt to associate incumbent Democrats with the term. Republican candidate Joe Kent in Washington’s 3rd District criticized incumbent Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, stating on social media that “Perez-Bidenomics is driving up drug costs.” House GOP conference chair Rep. Elise Stefanik echoed this sentiment on social media, declaring, “Make no mistake House Democrats own #Bidenomics.”
The cautious approach by Democrats to the “Bidenomics” label aligns with their awareness of public sentiment. Public dissatisfaction with the economy, fueled by concerns about inflation, high-interest rates, and rising home prices, is a crucial factor in the upcoming election. A late October poll in key swing states, including Wisconsin, Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina, revealed that only 39 percent of voters expressed confidence in President Biden’s ability to handle the economy.
As Democrats navigate these challenges, their reluctance to embrace the “Bidenomics” label reflects a calculated attempt to mitigate potential negative associations and appeal to voters in the critical 2024 election.