McCollister: Remember, ‘It’s the economy, stupid’ By Deanna B. Narveson - May 5, 2023 FacebookXLinkedinEmailPrint In 1992, Louisiana native James Carville coined the phrase, “It’s the economy, stupid.” America was going through tough times and families were struggling at the time, and Carville cut right to the main issue for voters. Already an INSIDER? Sign in.