Swing Voters Cite Gas Prices as Strain, NPR Poll Finds Majority Blame Trump
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An NPR project tracking swing voters finds gas prices are straining household budgets, with a national average reaching a four-year high. A majority of respondents in a related poll blame former President Donald Trump for the current price increase. The voters, who have switched party support in recent elections, report paying between $3.67 and $5.50 per gallon.
Facts First
- The national average gas price is $4.56 per gallon, the highest in four years and up 54 cents from last month.
- 81 percent of poll respondents said current gas prices are a strain on their household budgets.
- More than 60 percent blamed Donald Trump for the current increase in prices.
- Swing voters in NPR's Swing Shift project report paying from $3.67 to $5.50 per gallon.
- Recent Midwest price spikes were caused by refinery problems and high global oil prices.
What Happened
NPR is conducting a project called Swing Shift, which involves regularly checking in with approximately a dozen swing voters in swing states over several months. These voters, who have supported candidates from both major political parties over the years, are using pseudonyms. Participants report paying between $3.67 and $5.50 per gallon for gas. According to AAA, the national average gas price for regular gas is $4.56 per gallon, which is the highest in four years and an increase of 54 cents from the previous month. An NPR/PBS News/Marist poll found that 81 percent of respondents stated current gas prices are a strain on their household budgets, and more than 60 percent blamed Donald Trump for the current increase. Gas price spikes in the Midwest earlier this month were caused by regional refinery operation problems and high global oil prices.
Why this Matters to You
If you are feeling the pinch at the pump, you are not alone. The poll indicates a vast majority of people find current prices a strain on their budgets. The national average has reached a four-year high, suggesting you may be paying significantly more than you were a month ago. The specific prices reported by voters across different states show the cost varies widely by location, which could affect your travel plans or daily commute. The poll results suggest public opinion on the cause of these prices is leaning toward a specific political figure, which may influence the political discourse you encounter.
What's Next
The NPR Swing Shift project will continue to check in with these voters over several months, which could provide further insight into how economic pressures like gas prices influence political views. Gas prices may continue to fluctuate due to factors like global oil markets and regional refinery operations.