Retail Sales Drop, U.S. Warships in Distress, Accurately Polling the Electorate
Summary
This episode examines cooling inflation and slowing wage growth, noting that retail sales dipped in July while credit card debt rises. It also covers deteriorating conditions for sailors on US warships blockading Iran, including supply shortages and equipment failures. Finally, the show discusses the inaccuracy of recent primary polls, particularly in Wisconsin, and advises listeners on interpreting polling data during the midterm election cycle.
Topics discussed
Intro: Economic slowdown, US-Iran war, and polling accuracy
Economic data: Inflation, wages, and shifting spending patterns
US Navy conditions: Supply issues and the Strait of Hormuz
Polling science: Accuracy issues and the Wisconsin primary
Outro: Credits and upcoming NPR stories
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