Nearly every American (95%) believes the country is in an affordability crisis, according to a recent poll conducted by Harris Poll for The Guardian. Their concerns center on kitchen table issues such as gas prices, grocery costs, utility bills, and loan payments.
By The Numbers:
The affordability crisis affecting Americans cuts across party lines. Seventy-one percent of Democrats said the economy is getting worse (up from 62% in February). Sixty-three percent of Independents and 38% of Republicans said the same, up from 53% and 22%, respectively, in February.
Fifty-two percent of Americans said they have trouble affording gas, while 51% said they struggle to afford groceries. Forty-six percent reported difficulty affording loan payments and utilities; 45% cited debt payments, housing, and car insurance; 42% said healthcare; and 41% said health insurance.
While Republicans seeking to retain power this November should pay close attention to these numbers, Democrats also have reason for concern. Among Independents, 54% said neither party has a solution to the affordability crisis.
The Bottom Line: While Republicans must not ignore the concerns of everyday Americans as they keep grappling with kitchen table issues, Democrats also face challenges. They have yet to offer widely accepted alternative policies to improve the status quo, and they must also contend with the party's progressive wing as it seeks to reshape primary contests in states like Michigan.
