Economic Factors Shaping the 2024 Election: A Discussion with Journalists Molly Ball and Kate Linebaugh

During the 2024 Cascade PBS Ideas Festival, Kate Linebaugh and Ryan Knutson, co-hosts of The Journal podcast, were joined by Molly Ball, senior political correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, to discuss the economic factors that could impact the upcoming election. The panelists explored the role the economy has played in shaping election outcomes and examined how factors such as unemployment rates, wages, inflation and pandemic recovery could influence voter decisions at the ballot box.

The discussion delved into the unique economic drivers of our time and how they might shape voters’ decisions in the coming election. The panelists also analyzed how economic metrics are often tied to incumbent politicians and debated whether economic considerations have a greater impact on election results than other key issues like social concerns, foreign policy and party platforms.

Recorded live in Seattle on May 4th 2024, this conversation sheds light on the complex relationship between the economy and elections and provides insights into how economic factors may impact the outcome of both national races as well as local contests. To hear more episodes from the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival podcast visit crosscut.com/podcast to listen to full uncut recordings of this discussion.