Half of Americans struggle to afford groceries and gas, exclusive poll finds
4 hours ago
- #affordability crisis
- #midterm elections
- #US economy
- 95% of Americans believe the US is facing an affordability crisis, with rising costs for groceries and gas.
- Economic sentiment has worsened since February, with 57% now saying the economy is getting worse, up from 46%.
- Affordability struggles cross party lines: about half of Democrats, Republicans, and independents report trouble affording necessities.
- Two-thirds of Americans have little faith in the federal government to improve the cost-of-living crisis.
- Republican optimism about the economy has dropped sharply due to the war in Iran, from 49% in February to 27% now.
- Rural Americans, a key Republican base, are increasingly pessimistic, with 64% saying the economy is worsening.
- Cratering economic sentiment may pose problems for Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections.
- Trump's mixed messages on affordability include dismissing high gas prices while demanding companies lower them.
- Among independent voters who see an affordability crisis, 54% believe neither party has a solution.
- Inflation at 4.2% has wiped out wage gains, and half of those polled struggle with debt, including student loans.