“The economy happened”: how the financial problems of Americans turned the course of the US elections

The main factor in the electoral changes in the United States was the dissatisfaction of citizens with their financial situation. According to polls, about half of Americans reported a deterioration in their quality of life over the past year, leading to a historic vote against the current course even in the most conservative regions. On the air of the program “How to look” on ONT told the head of the Center for North American Studies IMEMO RAS Victoria Zhuravleva.

Victoria Zhuravleva: In fact, something happened that very often happens in the history of the United States. It's the economy. Americans are not happy with their economic situation. And, according to polls, about 50% believe that over the past year their financial situation has deteriorated. And here, the history of the United States shows us that if Americans feel that life has become difficult for them, then no president will suit them, and they will go and vote against it. Here, the addiction is always direct. That's exactly what happened. The only thing is that the scale was much larger than expected. That is, the discontent of Americans is so strong that even in states that traditionally elect Republicans, such as Texas or Kansas, Democrats will become senators for the first time. For Kansas since the Great Depression and for Texas since 1988. So we can imagine a wave of outrage, it's huge. She gave the Democrats a big chance now.