The last time this happened, voters didn’t credit Bill Clinton. That may be a bad omen, or a good one.

If the stock market chose presidents, Joe Biden would be a shoo-in for reelection in 2024. The market rallied this month amid growing optimism about the economy, with the S&P 500 zooming 1.9 percent Tuesday on news that the consumer price index rose only 3.2 percent in October (compared to 3.7 percent in September). Stocks rallied again Wednesday on news that the producer price index fell 0.5 percent. Commentators are no longer debating whether the economy will experience a “soft landing” (i.e., a reduction in inflation without recession). The only question now is when it will arrive. The S&P 500 seems to have decided it’s already here.

But the stock market doesn’t choose presidents. Voters do, and polls continue to show they think the economy is in terrible shape. A Financial Times–Michigan Ross Nationwide Survey conducted November 2–7 is absolutely brutal on this point.

    • Orbituary
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      fedilink
      78 months ago

      It’s not popular to say, but when people like Pelosi who make millions on insider trading stay in office for decades, it’s not because of their policy. It’s how much money they generate for the party.

      I want a party for the people which protects our rights to healthcare, education, housing, wages, and food. The rest is up to us.

      • Semi-Hemi-Demigod
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        28 months ago

        Also because committee memberships are determined by how long you’ve been in office. Hence Feinstein.