In recent years, a survey conducted by Vanderbilt University has revealed a significant gap between state and national economic views among Tennessee voters. According to the poll, around 65% of Tennessee voters believe that their state’s economy is in good shape, while only 29% think the same about the U.S. economy. This disparity marks the largest gap since the survey began asking this question in 2012.
The differing opinions on the economy often correspond with the political party of the president in power. When Republican President Donald Trump was in office in 2017, Tennessee voters’ views on the national economy became overwhelmingly positive. However, with Democratic President Joe Biden in office since 2021, perceptions of the national economy among Tennessee voters have shifted negatively.
John Geer, co-director of the Vanderbilt Poll, explained that partisan politics and inflation are driving the divide in economic opinions among Tennessee voters. The poll revealed that Republicans were more divided on their views of both state and national economies than Democrats were. In particular, inflation has led to more negative views of the U.S. economy among Republicans. Over 90% of state GOP voters consider the national economy to be bad compared to only 30% who feel similarly about their state’s economy. On the other hand, Democrats were less divided, with around 35% viewing both state and national economies negatively.
Vanderbilt University’s Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions conducts this survey twice a year covering various state and Nashville-related topics. The poll is known for its nonpartisan nature as both Republican and Democratic political figures serve on its board
