Democrats won the midterms, but that does not mean they can fix the economy quickly. This analysis argues that prices remain the biggest issue for voters. Neither party has an easy answer. Affordability is the issue the column puts at the centre of the result. Food, rent and energy bills are still much higher than a few years ago.
US presidents have little direct control over prices. Interest rates are set by the Federal Reserve, which acts independently. Congress can pass tax cuts or spending plans, but those take time to work. Democrats now face the same trap that hurt the last government. Voters expect fast results, and they blame whoever is in charge.
Whoever wins elections still has to deal with high prices. For households, the cost of basics matters more than who controls Congress.

Democrats won the midterms, but that does not mean they can fix the economy quickly. This analysis argues that prices remain the biggest issue for voters. Neither party has an easy answer. Affordability is the issue the column puts at the centre of the result. Food, rent and energy bills are still much higher than a few years ago.

US presidents have little direct control over prices. Interest rates are set by the Federal Reserve, which acts independently. Congress can pass tax cuts or spending plans, but those take time to work. Democrats now face the same trap that hurt the last government. Voters expect fast results, and they blame whoever is in charge.

Whoever wins elections still has to deal with high prices. For households, the cost of basics matters more than who controls Congress.

📰 Source: News Source
theguardian.com ↗
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