Recession Fears Could Swamp Trump Even Before a Recession

The Trump administration is pinning its hopes for reelection on voters’ perceptions of the economy

A trader wipes his eyes as he watches stock prices at the New York Stock Exchange August 23, 2019 in New York. Photo: Don Emmert/Getty Images

Fears about a recession can become a self-fulfilling prophecy — in consumer behavior, and in their voting habits.