The latest Marquette Law School Poll provided insights into Wisconsin voters perceptions of key policy issues over inflation, immigration and border security and the Israeli and Palestinian conflict. The poll reveals significant preferences for former President Donald Trump over President Joe Biden on these critical issues. The poll measured and asked voters, “who will handle issues better.”
Economic Leadership
The poll finds a strong preference for Trump over Biden in handling the economy. With 50% of respondents favoring Trump compared to 29% for Biden. It’s evident given the inflationary environment we have been in since Biden took office that a sizable portion of the electorate are being crushed by higher cost and standard of living and believes things were better under Trump’s presidency. Inflation rates were normal under Trump with small increases of 2-3%. Under Biden inflation peaked at nearly 10%. Democrat economist Larry Summers reported that inflation was more like 18% when higher borrowing cost (interest rates) under the Biden administration. Overall, most Wisconsinites just feel things were better prior to Biden and may perceive Trump as having a more business-friendly approach, resonating particularly with those prioritizing economic prosperity.
Immigration and Border Security
Trump also maintains a significant advantage over Biden regarding immigration and border security, with 52% of respondents favoring Trump compared to 25% for Biden. This result underscores the enduring impact of Trump’s hardline immigration policies, which resonated with a substantial portion of the electorate concerned about border control and national security. Despite Biden’s efforts to implement more progressive immigration reforms, Trump’s reputation for prioritizing border enforcement and building a wall continues to influence public opinion.
Trump’s Handling of Israel-Hamas Conflict
In the realm of foreign policy, Trump also outpaces Biden in the handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with 42% of respondents favoring Trump compared to 28% for Biden. This preference likely reflects perceptions of Trump as a staunch ally of Israel, highlighted by his administration’s decision to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and successfully broker peace agreements in the Middle East at the end of his administration. Biden’s democrat base is torn on the issue, many calling for a ceasefire and saying Israel is committing genocide although Hamas killed and kidnapped over 1200 Jews in the October 7 massacre.
The Marquette Law School Poll offers valuable insights into American preferences on key policy issues, with strong support for Trump’s leadership on the economy, immigration, and foreign affairs. While Biden’s administration reversed a lot of Trump actions on the economy, immigration and foreign policy, voters prefer the Trump administration policies.
