The Politics of the Deficit

Other data support these points.  A Democracy Corps poll from June asked voters what they were thinking of when they said they disapproved of Obama’s job as president.  For those who cited negative policies, the highest percent referenced “fiscal irresponsibility.”

A Gallup poll from June found “federal debt” and terrorism as the most worrisome issues to Americans when they consider threats to the future well-being of the U.S. Among independents, “federal debt” stood alone as the most worrisome issue.

Voter perceptions of the economy will no doubt remain a key determinant in the November election.  What may have changed, however, is the perceived connection between rising debt and economic performance.  Scholars may not have been able to find much of a connection between deficits and election results in the past, but 2010 might change that equation.