The Economy as the Deciding Factor for Independent and Moderate Voters
In the 2024 election, Independent and Moderate voters are once again in the driver’s seat. The economy remains their top concern, with inflation, job opportunities, and the rising cost of living dominating conversations in communities across the country. A recent Pew Research poll found that 75% of Independents consider the economy their number one issue when heading to the polls.
At this critical moment, the economic records, policies, and plans of both political tickets must be examined. On one hand, you have former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, who advocate for policies that promote economic growth, reduce inflation, and support free-market principles. On the other, you have Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz, whose economic policies resemble the continuation of Biden’s approach—a philosophy characterized by increased government spending, higher taxes, and burdensome regulations.
We will break down the key economic issues that matter most to Independent and Moderate voters. We will compare the two tickets and explore why, for voters concerned about financial stability, job creation, and economic growth, Trump and Vance are the clear choice.
Inflation and the Cost of Living: A Comparison of the Two Tickets
When Joe Biden took office in 2021, inflation was at a relatively low 1.4%. However, after a year of unprecedented government spending, inflation skyrocketed to its highest level in 40 years, reaching 9.1% by June 2022. Prices for everything from groceries to gas surged, putting tremendous pressure on working families. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, food prices have risen by nearly 11% over the last year, while energy prices jumped by 25%. Housing costs have similarly seen steep increases, leaving families struggling to afford basic needs.
The Biden-Harris Economic Record
The Biden administration has consistently downplayed the severity of the inflation crisis, often pointing to global factors such as the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. However, their policies—including trillions in new spending for social programs, infrastructure, and environmental initiatives—undeniably played a significant role in driving up prices. The Biden-Harris administration’s “Build Back Better” agenda, which emphasizes renewable energy and climate initiatives, has been criticized for stalling growth and contributing to higher energy prices.
Trump/Vance Approach to Inflation
Under Donald Trump, the economy flourished before the pandemic, with record-low unemployment rates and a strong stock market. While inflation remained stable at around 2%, his administration’s focus on energy independence helped keep gas prices low. Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement and reduce regulations on the oil and gas industry contributed to the stability of energy prices during his Presidency. Furthermore, Trump’s tax cuts provided relief to middle-class families and small businesses, allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned income.
J.D. Vance, running alongside Trump, has advocated for a balanced approach to reducing inflation. He emphasizes reducing government spending and focusing on energy production, particularly expanding domestic oil and natural gas output. Vance also supports cutting red tape for small businesses to help them grow and keep prices affordable for consumers.
Why Independent Voters Should Choose Trump/Vance
For voters concerned about inflation, Trump and Vance present a compelling case. Their focus on lowering energy costs, reducing taxes, and curbing government spending offers a clear contrast to the Harris/Walz ticket. By returning to policies that prioritize free-market principles and energy independence, Trump and Vance provide a roadmap for reducing inflation and the cost of living, offering working families the relief they desperately need.
Job Creation and Economic Opportunities
The Biden/Harris Job Creation Record
One of the key talking points of the Biden-Harris administration is their claim to have overseen record job growth. However, much of this job creation has been the result of the post-pandemic economic rebound rather than new growth. By 2021, millions of Americans who had lost their jobs due to COVID-19 lockdowns were returning to the workforce. While the Biden-Harris administration has claimed credit for this bounce-back, many economists argue that their policies have hindered, rather than accelerated, true job creation.
The Biden-Harris economic approach has focused heavily on government-driven initiatives like infrastructure spending and renewable energy investments. While these projects have created jobs in certain sectors, they have also increased the burden on taxpayers and added to the national debt. Meanwhile, small businesses—the backbone of the American economy—have struggled under higher taxes and increased regulations.
Trump’s Record on Jobs
In contrast, Donald Trump’s pre-COVID economic record speaks for itself. Between 2017 and 2020, the U.S. experienced significant job growth, with unemployment hitting a 50-year low of 3.5% in February 2020. Trump’s focus on cutting taxes and reducing regulations spurred economic growth, especially in industries like manufacturing and energy, which had been neglected under previous administrations. Trump’s renegotiation of trade deals, such as the USMCA, also created a more favorable environment for American workers, helping to bring jobs back to the U.S. from overseas.
Vance’s Approach to Job Creation
J.D. Vance has consistently spoken about the need to revitalize American industries, particularly in the Rust Belt, where manufacturing jobs have been lost for decades. Vance has proposed policies that would incentivize companies to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., offering tax breaks and reducing regulations to encourage investment in American workers. Vance also supports vocational training programs to help workers in struggling communities develop new skills and transition into high-demand industries.
Why Trump/Vance Are Better for Independent Voters
For Independent voters concerned about job creation, Trump and Vance offer a proven record and a clear plan for future growth. Their focus on reducing the regulatory burden on businesses, cutting taxes, and supporting American manufacturing is a winning formula for creating new job opportunities and ensuring long-term economic stability.
Energy Independence and its Impact on Economic Stability
Harris/Walz Energy Policies
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have both been strong supporters of renewable energy initiatives, often citing the Green New Deal as a guiding framework. While a transition to renewable energy is a noble goal, the rapid shift away from traditional energy sources like oil and gas has had serious consequences for working families. Gas prices soared under the Biden-Harris administration, with the average price of gasoline reaching over $5 per gallon in mid-2022, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Trump’s Focus on Energy Independence
During his time in office, Donald Trump made energy independence a cornerstone of his economic policy. By cutting regulations and expanding oil and gas production, Trump ensured that the U.S. would not be reliant on foreign energy sources. Under Trump, the U.S. became a net exporter of energy for the first time in decades. This not only stabilized gas prices but also created jobs in the energy sector.
Why Vance’s Energy Policies Align with Job Creation
J.D. Vance has argued that energy independence is essential for both economic stability and national security. He supports expanding domestic energy production while gradually transitioning to renewable energy sources. By focusing on both traditional and renewable energy, Vance believes the U.S. can keep energy costs low and create new job opportunities in a balanced, sustainable way.
Government Spending and Debt: Who Has the Better Fiscal Plan?
Biden/Harris Spending Record
The Biden-Harris administration has overseen massive increases in government spending. From COVID-19 relief packages to infrastructure and social welfare programs, the federal government has added trillions to the national debt under their leadership. While some of this spending was necessary in the wake of the pandemic, much of it has been criticized as wasteful and unnecessary. The result has been higher inflation, increased taxes, and a greater burden on future generations.
Trump/Vance Approach to Fiscal Responsibility
Donald Trump, while not without his own spending increases, kept taxes low and sought to reduce unnecessary regulations and government programs. Trump’s focus was on stimulating economic growth through tax cuts and private-sector investment, rather than relying on government-driven solutions. J.D. Vance has echoed this approach, arguing that reducing government spending is essential for long-term economic stability.
Why Independent Voters Should Choose Trump/Vance on Fiscal Responsibility
For voters concerned about the national debt and the long-term sustainability of government spending, Trump and Vance offer a more responsible approach. Their focus on reducing taxes, cutting unnecessary spending, and promoting economic growth through free-market principles is a stark contrast to the Harris/Walz approach, which relies heavily on government intervention.
Small Businesses and the Middle Class: Which Ticket Supports Them More?
Biden/Harris Approach
While the Biden-Harris administration has touted its support for small businesses, many small business owners have struggled under the weight of inflation, higher taxes, and increased regulation. The administration’s emphasis on larger government programs has often left small businesses feeling overlooked and overburdened.
Trump’s Small Business Legacy
Donald Trump’s tax cuts and deregulatory policies were a boon for small businesses. By reducing the corporate tax rate and eliminating unnecessary regulations, Trump made it easier for small businesses to grow and succeed. J.D. Vance has similarly emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses, arguing that they are the backbone of the American economy.
Why Trump/Vance are the Better Choice for Small Businesses and the Middle Class
For small businesses and the middle class, Trump and Vance have a proven track record of supporting policies that foster economic growth. One of the key factors is their commitment to cutting taxes and reducing regulatory burdens. Small businesses are often the backbone of local economies, and the Trump administration emphasized creating an environment where these enterprises could thrive. By lowering the corporate tax rate and rolling back burdensome regulations, Trump helped many small businesses expand, invest, and hire more workers.
For instance, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act significantly reduced the tax burden on businesses, which encouraged growth across the country. Small businesses saw opportunities to invest in new ventures and expand their operations, creating more job opportunities for American workers. The reduction in regulatory red tape also made it easier for entrepreneurs to start and manage their businesses without being bogged down by excessive government intervention.
Additionally, the Trump administration worked to bolster manufacturing, reviving jobs in an industry that had suffered decline for years. By renegotiating trade deals, such as the USMCA, Trump put American businesses first, ensuring they had fair access to international markets.
In contrast, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are more likely to expand government control over the economy, raising taxes and introducing regulations that could stifle small business growth. Both Harris and Walz have supported higher corporate taxes and pushed for expanded government programs, which often come at the cost of increased taxes for individuals and businesses alike. Their progressive economic policies risk imposing significant burdens on small businesses, reducing the incentive to innovate, invest, and create jobs. In turn, this would have a trickle-down effect on the middle class, hurting working families who depend on these businesses for their livelihoods.
Trump and Vance’s approach offers a free-market, business-friendly environment that focuses on empowering small business owners to grow and invest, driving both job creation and economic prosperity.
Big Earl’s Take: Why Trump and Vance Are the Right Choice for the Economy
Now folks, I don’t know about y’all, but when it comes to keeping our pockets full and our bellies fed, we gotta be smart. Trump ain’t perfect, no sir, but if you want someone who knows how to keep jobs growing and inflation low, then he’s your guy. I remember a time not long ago when gas prices didn’t make you want to cry every time you filled up your tank. And that was Trump’s doing.
Now, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, bless their hearts, they seem to think government knows best how to run our lives. Well, let me tell you something—more government just means more of our hard-earned money going to Washington. That don’t sit well with me, and I reckon it don’t sit well with most of you either.
Trump and Vance, they’ll keep the government out of our wallets, cut those regulations, and help bring jobs back to towns like ours that’ve been forgotten for too long. So, before you cast that vote, remember, it’s about putting food on the table and making sure our grandkids have a future worth looking forward to.
Trump and Vance are the Clear Economic Choice for 2024
As we are in the 2024 election cycle, Independent and Moderate voters need to look past personalities and focus on the policies that will improve their lives and the nation’s economic well-being. Donald Trump and J.D. Vance offer a clear path forward, with proven policies that reduce inflation, create jobs, and lower the cost of living. Their approach prioritizes energy independence, supports small businesses, and embraces free-market principles—an economic vision that contrasts sharply with the heavy-handed, government-driven policies of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
The stakes are high in this election, and the future of our economy and nation depends on the choices we make. Trump and Vance offer a real opportunity for economic growth, stability, and prosperity. Independent and Moderate voters, concerned about their financial future and the direction of this country, should consider the strong economic leadership of Trump and Vance as the best choice for America’s future.
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