Inflation Feared More Than COVID-19 in the US... "Biggest Immediate Challenge"

Published 17 Feb.2022 08:24(KST)

Quinnipiac University Poll: 27% Identify Inflation as the 'Most Urgent Issue'
Immigration 12%, COVID-19 10% Follow

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Americans have identified inflation as the most urgent issue they currently face. The rapid price increases not seen in 40 years were prioritized over global crises like COVID-19 or the climate emergency. In particular, 60% judged that the economy is worsening, viewing the current situation pessimistically.

The Hill, a U.S. political news outlet, reported on the 16th (local time) citing a Quinnipiac University poll. According to the survey, 27% of respondents see inflation as the most urgent problem in the U.S., followed by immigration (12%) and COVID-19 (10%).

The U.S. has been struggling with soaring prices since mid-last year while recovering from the COVID-19 phase. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) surged 7.5% last January, marking the largest increase in 40 years since February 1982.

Judgments on priority issues varied somewhat by political affiliation. According to the survey, 36% of Republican-leaning respondents named inflation as the top priority, followed by immigration (23%), crime (10%), and COVID-19 (9%).

Conversely, Democratic-leaning respondents identified climate change (17%) as the most urgent issue, followed by election law reform (16%) and inflation (13%).

President Joe Biden’s average approval rating was 35%, and support for his economic policies was 33%, below average. When asked which party they would vote for if the election were held today, 45% favored the Republican Party and 43% the Democratic Party, showing a close divide.

Regarding the current economic condition, 59% responded that "the economy is worsening," 25% said it is "the same," and only 15% believed "the economy is improving."