According to AAA, gas prices in Kentucky and around the country are falling. In the commonwealth, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded is down about 12 cents from a month ago and 35 cents from this time last year. Al Cross, who’s covered state and local politics for five decades, said anecdotal and scientific research suggests the price of gas is the top economic determinant for voters.
“It shouldn't be, but you know, people do not grasp the complexities of the economy. They care about how it affects them day to day, and if they have to pay 25 percent more for gas than they were paying a year earlier or whenever, then they really feel that.”
Cross said past evidence suggests if gas prices continue to fall, the Harris-Walz ticket should benefit – a little.
“Well, past practice or performance indicates that it would increase their chances marginally. But sometimes other issues become more important, and generally, people react more strongly to an increase than a decrease.”
Cross said presidents don’t really have much impact on the economy, but the Biden-Harris administration will take some blame for inflation due to post-pandemic spending – and because while inflation is waning, people still remember how much cheaper things used to be.
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