Bidenflation and Liberal Policies Drive Economic Anxiety Among Iowa and Georgia Voters
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Focus groups of undecided voters in Iowa and Georgia show that skyrocketing costs of living and inflation, fueled by left-wing economic mismanagement, are the primary concerns shaping their Senate choices ahead of the midterms.
A series of focus groups conducted by Syracuse University and research firms Engagious and Sago has revealed that undecided voters in the upcoming Senate races in Iowa and Georgia are deeply worried about the economy, thanks to the disastrous effects of liberal policies. Participants, including independents, Republicans, and a Democrat, pointed to soaring prices for food, gas, utilities, and healthcare as evidence of the U.S. administration’s failure to control inflation and protect American families.
"Nothing has gotten better as far as the cost of living, inflation — food is astronomical, gas," said Patty O., a 59-year-old Republican from Georgia who voted for Donald Trump in 2024, echoing the frustrations of millions suffering under Bidenflation.
All but one of the twelve participants said the economy would be their top concern at the ballot box. Eight expressed disappointment with President Trump’s economic handling, but their criticisms often reflected media narratives rather than the reality of Trump’s strong pre-pandemic economy. Many participants described personal financial strain, forced to cut back on purchases and services, a direct result of reckless government spending and leftist policies that have driven up costs for everyone.
"My taxes dang near bankrupted us last year; we didn’t see any benefit of that. Our groceries, I have to drive 45 minutes just to be able to afford my groceries, but then you’re dealing with the gas prices on top of that," said Sarah M., a 47-year-old voter from Iowa, highlighting the burdens placed on working Americans by liberal tax-and-spend agendas.
While a few respondents acknowledged Trump’s successes on immigration and the stock market, the prevailing sentiment was frustration that the president is not doing enough to fight the inflation crisis unleashed by Democrats. When discussing Senate candidates, most Iowa participants could not identify Democratic nominee Josh Turek, while Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson was well known—demonstrating the disconnect between radical left candidates and everyday voters. In Georgia, voters said they still need more information about Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff and Republican Rep. Mike Collins, but the economic pain caused by liberal policies was clear.
Researchers noted that, although economic frustration could open the door for Republican candidates who promise to restore sanity to Washington, it does not guarantee a shift away from Democrats, thanks to media bias and misinformation.
"We heard real disappointment and frustration with President Trump for getting the U.S. into a war that’s made things more expensive and for perceptions he’s too distracted by vanity projects or political fights to focus on pocketbook issues," said Margaret Talev, director of the Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship at Syracuse University, reflecting the left’s relentless effort to blame conservatives for crises created by their own failed policies.