No surprise what the top issue is for voters

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - There is less than a month between now and Election Day and voters have a lot to think about as they head to the polls. However, there is one thing that pollsters say is top of mind for voters and it is the same topic that consistently has remained number one.

“It’s the economy, stupid.”

That was James Carville’s essential advice to then presidential candidate Bill Clinton 30 years ago. It worked then and according to weekly surveys this year from Morning Consult, the issue is most important for voters once again.

“That is driving a lot of the energy particularly among voters in the middle,” said Eli Yokley, senior reporter with Morning Consult.

Morning Consult/Politico surveys conducted the last two years show voters trust Republicans more than Democrats to handle the economy as well as national security and immigration. That is why Danielle Alvarez with the RNC says it is time to give control of Congress back to the GOP.

“(House Minority) Leader (Kevin) McCarthy and the House Republicans just recently put out a ‘Commitment to America’ to address the economy, make sure that we have an economy that works for everyone, make sure America is safe, make sure that our government is accountable, and make sure that America is free,” said Alvarez.

However, those same surveys say about half of voters think gun violence and abortion are “very” important issues which could likely help Democrats following the shooting massacre in Uvalde, Texas, and the overturning of Roe vs. Wade.

“We’re seeing horrific stories of ten-year-old rape victims who are forced to drive across state lines just to be able to make their own health care decisions and this is this is what the Republican Party has been talking about for 50 years. And now, because they’ve successfully overturn Roe v Wade, they’re pushing even further,” said Ammar Moussa, rapid response director for the DNC.

Midterms are often seen as a referendum on the sitting president and Morning Consult shows the president’s approval rating around 45 percent. Morning Consult also says Democrats are more enthusiastic about voting in November but that is no guarantee they hold onto the House or the Senate.