LARRY KUDLOW: Five days left. The economy is booming. Get out there and sell it, Republicans

Critics have highlighted alleged Democratic dirty tricks, decoy candidates in Alaska, and personal controversies involving Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s husband in Minnesota, as well as socialist movements in Michigan, Minnesota, Florida, and other states. However, the central concern for voters appears to be the difficulty in communicating this message.

The economy is strong, with real GDP expanding 3.4% in the third quarter, ending September 30. While some argue that GDP is not a direct measure of living standards, it remains a key indicator of national prosperity, and Republicans should emphasize these figures continuously.

President Trump has effectively promoted the robust economy. Speaking in South Carolina, he noted that today’s figures surpassed 72% of economists’ forecasts, highlighting rising consumer spending, record business investment, and a 21% surge in new equipment spending.

Trump emphasized that tax credits from the expansive legislative package benefit businesses, noting that core inflation remains low, and declared that the economy is thriving.

This messaging is compelling and accurate. However, many Republican leaders are not fully supporting this narrative. Despite elevated gasoline prices, broader economic indicators show consumer spending increasing at a nearly 4% annual rate, adjusted for inflation, over the past six months.

These trends emerged during a period of rising energy prices linked to the Iran conflict. Yet, despite higher energy costs, consumer spending remains robust, prompting the question of why the economy appears so strong.

Business investment rose 21% in the third quarter, following 13.5% growth in the second quarter and 15.5% in the first quarter, representing substantial and unprecedented expansion.

A ‘Kudlow’ panel examines the Trump administration’s economic achievements and plans to convey this message to voters, with affordability remaining a primary concern.

Core GDP, which includes consumption and investment after inflation, is expanding at nearly 5% annually—levels not observed since the remarkable Reagan-era boom of the 1980s.

The GDP report also showed modest inflation, with the overall deflator increasing 2.2% annually. Manufacturing is thriving, as durable goods orders and shipments rose nearly 15%, and 72,000 new manufacturing jobs have been added year to date, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Approximately one million private‑sector jobs have been created since Trump took office, while federal employment has fallen by 328,000, illustrating a shift toward private enterprise. Unemployment claims are near historic lows, under 200,000 weekly, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins notes that egg prices have dropped 54%.

Butter prices have fallen 19%, cheese by more than 6%, and milk by 5%. These staples, which surged during the Biden administration—eggs rising nearly 240%—now reflect improved affordability, a point Republicans should highlight despite media reluctance.

With core economic growth near 5%, consumer spending up about 4%, and business investment rising nearly 20%, the economy shows broad-based strength.

Tax cuts and deregulation have spurred energy production and a trade policy that is attracting trillions of dollars in foreign investment and creating jobs across America. While questionable tactics must be pursued legally, voters are discerning and will recognize these achievements.

The GOP should emulate Trump’s vigorous outreach to promote the robust economy nationwide. This includes restoring sovereign borders, reducing crime, and ending what is labeled as “woke” excesses. There are five days remaining.

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