The Forward Party has released the latest edition of its Controlling What You Can series, expanding on last week’s findings about the cost of living to address broader economic preferences. According to the party, this installment generated the most engagement to date with the most divided responses since the series began.
Last week, the party shared the first half of its economic data, reporting that supporters are largely unsatisfied with the direction of the country. Respondents identified the cost of groceries and everyday items as their biggest financial stressors, while also citing concerns about retirement losses and various forms of debt. The party noted at the time that a follow-up installment focused on broader economic questions would be released this week.
That follow-up was distributed to Forward Party supporters on Wednesday, with the party exploring what respondents think about national economic competitiveness and what policy solutions they want to see.
A slider poll on the party’s website found that 66% of respondents believe current economic policies are making the U.S. less competitive, while 34% expressed support for the country’s current economic direction. Among those who viewed the U.S. as less competitive, a plurality reported feeling strongly about their position, whereas those who do support the current direction are more evenly distributed.
The party also asked X users in a separate poll what economic issues besides inflation should be the government’s top priority. With 2,438 responses, 49% of participants identified the national debt as the top economic issue besides inflation. Wage stagnation followed at 37%, while job growth and large trade deficits trailed behind at 9.6% and 4.3%, respectively.
In its summary, the party outlined three recurring themes it observed from respondent feedback: a call for long-term economic modernization, growing concern over AI and its effects on employment, and dissatisfaction with existing safety nets like Social Security. Respondents called for a forward-looking approach to policy, with many stressing that stagnating wages and rising living costs have made traditional economic aspirations feel increasingly out of reach.
Participants also “strongly expressed desire” for the United States to remain a leadership in global innovation, warning that underinvestment in research and development could see the country fall behind in emerging technologies.
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