It’s the economy, stupid. Here’s what you need to know about it for the presidential debate

Bill Clinton’s campaign was right on the money when it coined the famous “It’s the economy, stupid” slogan in 1992. That’s because the economy has consistently ranked among the top – if not the very top — voter issues in presidential election after presidential election.

Bill Clinton’s campaign was right on the money when it coined the famous “It’s the economy, stupid” phrase in 1992. That’s because the economy has consistently ranked among the top — if not the very top — voter issues in presidential election after presidential election. The current contest is far from an exception, with close to 90% of respondents in a May ABC News/Ipsos poll indicating that the economy is the most important issue in determining who gets their vote in November. That means it’s all but guaranteed to be a major talking point during Thursday night’s debate, which kicks off at 9 pm ET on CNN. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have polar opposite views on the economy — and both undoubtedly will try to sell you on their visions, policies and records. To make heads or tails of what they say (or if you’re trying to impress anyone you might be watching the debate with), it’s good to make sure you understand the economy we’re in right now. Disclaimer: The topics below are in no way an exhaustive list of everything going on in the US economy, plus, everyone experiences it differently. The nation’s unemployment rate stayed below 4% for 27 months, its longest such streak and a match for a period in the 1960s. That streak ended last month, when the unemployment rate rose to 4% from 3.9%.