As the 2024 presidential race starts to heat up, both former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden are using the age-old question of “Are you better off today than you were four years ago?” to shape their narratives and appeal to voters. While Trump emphasizes the successes of his administration and claims that America was stronger and more prosperous under his leadership, Biden focuses on the challenges faced during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The handling of the pandemic, which defined the 2020 presidential race, is still a significant factor as voters weigh their choices in the upcoming election.
Biden, in a series of fundraisers in Texas, reminded voters of the dark moments of the pandemic, highlighting the overwhelming strain on hospitals and healthcare workers. In contrast, Trump paints a picture of a more confident and secure America under his administration, claiming that various international conflicts and economic challenges would not have occurred if he were still in office. The question of whether Americans feel better off now than they did four years ago is complicated by a mix of nostalgia for pre-pandemic days and concerns about the current state of the economy and society.
While a February poll showed that only 24% of Americans feel better off than they were when Biden took office, Biden’s team argues that this question is often overshadowed by partisan views and personal experiences. Biden’s approach is to remind voters of the hardships of 2020, including widespread unemployment and shortages of essential supplies, in contrast to Trump’s claims of a more prosperous and secure America during his time in office. Both candidates are trying to shape the narrative around their leadership and contrast their visions for the future.
Trump’s national press secretary pushed back against Biden’s claims, arguing that Americans were better off under Trump’s administration and that Biden’s handling of the pandemic has been a failure. While Trump faced criticism for his response to the pandemic, including the infamous suggestion to inject bleach, the majority of COVID-19 deaths occurred during Biden’s presidency as he grappled with new variants and vaccine distribution. The question of whether Americans feel better off now than they did four years ago is further complicated by these contrasting narratives.
The impact of government aid during the pandemic also plays a role in how Americans perceive their current situation. While many felt a temporary boost in their incomes due to stimulus packages and relief programs, concerns about inflation and economic stability remain. Biden is trying to frame the question of whether Americans are better off as a forward-looking one, focusing on his plans for the future and contrasting them with Trump’s leadership. Ultimately, the outcome of the 2024 election may hinge on how voters weigh these competing narratives and their own experiences over the past four years.
