---
title: "Again, it’s the Economy, Stupid"
description: "Strengthening the nation's economy remains the public’s top political priority."
date: "2010-02-02"
authors:
  - name: "Russell Heimlich"
    job_title: "Former web developer"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2010/02/02/again-its-the-economy-stupid/"
---

# Again, it’s the Economy, Stupid

Just as it was a year ago, growing and repairing a troubled economy remains at the top of the public’s political agenda. Fully 83% say strengthening the nation’s economy is a “top priority” for President Obama and Congress. Improving the job situation is viewed as nearly as vital, with 81% saying it should be a top priority. Reducing the budget deficit is also cited as a top priority by the majority of Americans (60%), slightly more than the 53% who considered deficit reduction a priority a year ago. Other economic-related policies are not seen as imperative by the public. Fewer than half consider stricter regulation of financial institutions (45%) and reducing federal income taxes for the middle class (42%) to be top priorities for 2010. And just a third (32%) say trade policy should be a top concern for Washington. [Read More](https://www.pewresearch.org/pubs/1472/public-priorities-president-congress-2010)