Is the economy still the determining factor?

The 538 Politics podcast mini-series, “Campaign Throwback,” kicks off with a deep dive into campaign tropes from past elections. The first installment focuses on the famous saying, “It’s the economy, stupid,” which originated during Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign. Clinton’s chief strategist, James Carville, emphasized the importance of focusing on the economy as a key message for the campaign, alongside other critical factors like change vs. more of the same and healthcare.

The phrase, “It’s the economy, stupid,” captured the essence of the Clinton campaign’s message and became a prominent theme in election analysis. The saying was featured in a 1993 documentary called “The War Room,” which documented the behind-the-scenes workings of the Clinton campaign. But does this trope still hold true today? The podcast explores the origins of the saying, its impact on past elections, and whether it remains a relevant factor in modern political campaigns.

Listeners can tune in to the episode to learn more about the history and significance of the “It’s the economy, stupid” trope, as well as its implications for future election cycles. The mini-series promises to provide valuable insights into iconic campaign themes and their enduring relevance in the world of politics.