A recent Vanderbilt University poll revealed that 65% of Tennessee voters believe the state economy is good, while only 29% feel the same about the U.S. economy. This marks the largest gap between perceptions of the state and national economy since the survey began in 2012, with views largely influenced by the political party in power.
According to John Geer, co-director of the Vanderbilt Poll, when Republican President Donald Trump was in office, Tennessee voters had a positive outlook on the national economy. However, this shifted negatively when Democratic President Joe Biden took office in 2021. Inflation has also played a role in shaping perceptions, particularly among Republicans who are more likely to view the U.S. economy as bad.
The survey, conducted by Vanderbilt University’s Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions, polled 1,003 Tennessee registered voters from April 26 to May 9. The results show a stark partisan divide, with 91% of state GOP voters viewing the U.S. economy negatively compared to 30% who feel the same about the state economy. Democrats were more evenly split, with 35% having a negative view of the state economy and 36% of the U.S. economy.
The Vanderbilt Poll is known for its nonpartisan approach to local polling, with board members from both Republican and Democratic backgrounds. The survey covers a range of state and Nashville-specific issues, providing valuable insights into the opinions of Tennessee voters.
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