It's a Red State article, but written by the Heartland Institute. This is a right leaning site, but I think it's an important reminder to DJT that for some reason isn't being handled effectively - though there's still time. It's affordability. This got Biden/Harris booted out of the WH - by gaslighting the public that the economy is great even if you don't feel so personally. Well, I don't think those issues are fully resolved - not by a long shot. Despite getting inflation under control, the current prices are still high. People voted for more affordability, and I believe in most people's eyes that's not getting addressed effectively. Granted gasoline pricing went down and so did eggs. Still, plenty of things that shot up in price due to COVID shutdowns and the unchecked illegal immigration causing scarcity of resources surely didn't help. Add in the collective approach that corporations are taking to try to claw back those losses in 2020 thru 2022 and it's still a mess.

We can blame the Biden administration all we want - justifiably so. But...if DJT isn't being perceived as delivering on the affordability front then expect progressives to get their crack at it again. Or perhaps worse - the socialists.

https://redstate.com/heartlandinstitute/...m-n2196970

Quote:Due to their dissatisfaction with the surging cost of living, the American people reelected Donald Trump late last year, believing his policies were best equipped to address the affordability crisis and revive the fading American dream.

So far, the Trump administration has made some progress in reducing prices for gasoline, eggs, and a few other consumer staples. Still, the affordability crisis remains the top concern for Americans, especially those under age 40.

Recently, President Trump has been quoted as referring to the affordability crisis as a “Democrat scam,” “hoax,” and “con job.” Although I think Trump was likely trying to remind Americans that policies enacted when Democrats had total control of the federal government under the first two years of the Biden administration accelerated and exacerbated the affordability problem, it is dangerous for the president to use that type of language.

Next year will be a glorious time. Mortgage rates will be in the mid-high 5% range, people will pay fewer taxes and get more of a refund by April 5th and construction jobs etc. Will increase from the new development coming in.

(12-11-2025 08:18 AM)Eagleaidaholic Wrote:  Next year will be a glorious time. Mortgage rates will be in the mid-high 5% range, people will pay fewer taxes and get more of a refund by April 5th and construction jobs etc. Will increase from the new development coming in.

I agree there is still time and also things are getting better on the economic front. The issue is Trump's inability to be linked to an underperforming venture. He DOES gaslight you if he feels attacked for not doing a good enough job.

(12-11-2025 08:18 AM)Eagleaidaholic Wrote:  Next year will be a glorious time. Mortgage rates will be in the mid-high 5% range, people will pay fewer taxes and get more of a refund by April 5th and construction jobs etc. Will increase from the new development coming in.

Do not bet on Mtg rates dropping that much at least not in 2026.

The current yield curve is still in a U shape. What that means is that the 10 year (which is a primary indicator of Mtg Rates) will not come down much as the expectation is that short term rates have a ways to go to get back to a more normal upward rising rate structure.

It will likely take 2 more moves (or another 50BP) just to get flat on the short end.

I take everything the Fed says with a grain of salt, but they only projected 1 move next year. When Hassett (or whomever) gets in, there will be pressure for more drops than just 1, but until that happens, it hasn't.

(12-11-2025 10:10 AM)Eldonabe Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 08:18 AM)Eagleaidaholic Wrote:  Next year will be a glorious time. Mortgage rates will be in the mid-high 5% range, people will pay fewer taxes and get more of a refund by April 5th and construction jobs etc. Will increase from the new development coming in.

Do not bet on Mtg rates dropping that much at least not in 2026.

The current yield curve is still in a U shape. What that means is that the 10 year (which is a primary indicator of Mtg Rates) will not come down much as the expectation is that short term rates have a ways to go to get back to a more normal upward rising rate structure.

It will likely take 2 more moves (or another 50BP) just to get flat on the short end.

I take everything the Fed says with a grain of salt, but they only projected 1 move next year. When Hassett (or whomever) gets in, there will be pressure for more drops than just 1, but until that happens, it hasn't.

I work with people that are getting 5.75% rates now. 5% is the magic number. When rates get there, there will be a Re-Fi boom. What nobody in the National media talks about is Homeowner's insurance rates. They have gotten out of hand. I am coming in contact with a lot of borrowers that had paid off homes that are doing a small (20-25% of value) cash out refi just so they can have an escrow account so they don't have to stroke a check every year for taxes and insurance. These are typically 15 year loans in the high 5% range.

(12-11-2025 08:18 AM)Eagleaidaholic Wrote:  Next year will be a glorious time. Mortgage rates will be in the mid-high 5% range, people will pay fewer taxes and get more of a refund by April 5th and construction jobs etc. Will increase from the new development coming in.

I sure hope that you're right. I have a grandson and daughter in law in the real estate business. I heard from my son that it's not going well for his son but he doesn't complain and keeps it to himself.

Affordablity is the issue that will drive midterms. I personally will not vote for anyone in my state who supports AI Dara Centers being built anywhere near me. I will be god damned I I will have my electric bill raised by 25% so AI can put me in the unemployment line. I will break a promise to myself to never vote for a democrat again if that’s what it takes.

(12-11-2025 10:26 AM)No Bull Wrote:  Affordablity is the issue that will drive midterms. I personally will not vote for anyone in my state who supports AI Dara Centers being built anywhere near me. I will be god damned I I will have my electric bill raised by 25% so AI can put me in the unemployment line. I will break a promise to myself to never vote for a democrat again if that’s what it takes.

Why would you ever vote Democrat in the first place?

(12-11-2025 10:40 AM)andybible1995 Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 10:26 AM)No Bull Wrote:  Affordablity is the issue that will drive midterms. I personally will not vote for anyone in my state who supports AI Dara Centers being built anywhere near me. I will be god damned I I will have my electric bill raised by 25% so AI can put me in the unemployment line. I will break a promise to myself to never vote for a democrat again if that’s what it takes.

Why would you ever vote Democrat in the first place?

I think you miss his point. He is saying if Republicans support the AI data centers then he'll vote Democrat.

(12-11-2025 10:47 AM)mlb Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 10:40 AM)andybible1995 Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 10:26 AM)No Bull Wrote:  Affordablity is the issue that will drive midterms. I personally will not vote for anyone in my state who supports AI Dara Centers being built anywhere near me. I will be god damned I I will have my electric bill raised by 25% so AI can put me in the unemployment line. I will break a promise to myself to never vote for a democrat again if that’s what it takes.

Why would you ever vote Democrat in the first place?

I think you miss his point. He is saying if Republicans support the AI data centers then he'll vote Democrat.

That makes it sound like the Democrats WON'T support the AI data centers. Democrats will get paid by the same people to get it done.

(12-11-2025 11:04 AM)Eagleaidaholic Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 10:47 AM)mlb Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 10:40 AM)andybible1995 Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 10:26 AM)No Bull Wrote:  Affordablity is the issue that will drive midterms. I personally will not vote for anyone in my state who supports AI Dara Centers being built anywhere near me. I will be god damned I I will have my electric bill raised by 25% so AI can put me in the unemployment line. I will break a promise to myself to never vote for a democrat again if that’s what it takes.

Why would you ever vote Democrat in the first place?

I think you miss his point. He is saying if Republicans support the AI data centers then he'll vote Democrat.

That makes it sound like the Democrats WON'T support the AI data centers. Democrats will get paid by the same people to get it done.

It was just a hypothetical. A good one actually, because it's confirmation that someone is more interested in an idea - a policy position - than focusing on a party. We're so worried about who is in charge of the senate and house. But reality is - we're always let down when we give allegiance to one of the parties.

(12-11-2025 10:47 AM)mlb Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 10:40 AM)andybible1995 Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 10:26 AM)No Bull Wrote:  Affordablity is the issue that will drive midterms. I personally will not vote for anyone in my state who supports AI Dara Centers being built anywhere near me. I will be god damned I I will have my electric bill raised by 25% so AI can put me in the unemployment line. I will break a promise to myself to never vote for a democrat again if that’s what it takes.

Why would you ever vote Democrat in the first place?

I think you miss his point. He is saying if Republicans support the AI data centers then he'll vote Democrat.

regardless, there’s no stopping it … it’s projected to be ~25% of ‘26 GDP … good luck stopping that…


is absolutely not the hill to go turncoat and vote donk … watch the mini nuclear stations start poppin’ like rabbits wherever they are located…

Inflation is down significantly, close to where it was when Trump was first president. You can't undo the damage Biden did.

This is just a way for Democrats to blame Biden's inflation on Trump. Its Democrat and MSM propaganda.

And y'all have all bought into it.

(12-11-2025 12:20 PM)bullet Wrote:  Inflation is down significantly, close to where it was when Trump was first president. You can't undo the damage Biden did.

This is just a way for Democrats to blame Biden's inflation on Trump. Its Democrat and MSM propaganda.

And y'all have all bought into it.

who’s y’all??? … I’ve been screaming gouging since the first branch covidian check was mailed…

the only thing that will bring down pricing is when people run out of $$$ … the price point has been set…

(12-11-2025 12:20 PM)bullet Wrote:  Inflation is down significantly, close to where it was when Trump was first president. You can't undo the damage Biden did.

This is just a way for Democrats to blame Biden's inflation on Trump. Its Democrat and MSM propaganda.

And y'all have all bought into it.

Safe to say that everyone who is moderate to right wing understand exactly what it means for costs to stabilize due to inflation being better controlled. However, your typical low info voter along with those who don't a good working knowledge of economics won't understand it. Trump and the administration need to make that case. They're not doing a great job of it though. My opinion.

(12-11-2025 01:06 PM)miko33 Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 12:20 PM)bullet Wrote:  Inflation is down significantly, close to where it was when Trump was first president. You can't undo the damage Biden did.

This is just a way for Democrats to blame Biden's inflation on Trump. Its Democrat and MSM propaganda.

And y'all have all bought into it.

Safe to say that everyone who is moderate to right wing understand exactly what it means for costs to stabilize due to inflation being better controlled. However, your typical low info voter along with those who don't a good working knowledge of economics won't understand it. Trump and the administration need to make that case. They're not doing a great job of it though. My opinion.

Inflation was down by end of 2024 to ~trump 1st term too. This isn’t trumps doing.

Powell even mentioned tariffs are helping keep inflation higher which anyone with common sense already knew

(12-11-2025 01:24 PM)ballantyneapp Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 01:06 PM)miko33 Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 12:20 PM)bullet Wrote:  Inflation is down significantly, close to where it was when Trump was first president. You can't undo the damage Biden did.

This is just a way for Democrats to blame Biden's inflation on Trump. Its Democrat and MSM propaganda.

And y'all have all bought into it.

Safe to say that everyone who is moderate to right wing understand exactly what it means for costs to stabilize due to inflation being better controlled. However, your typical low info voter along with those who don't a good working knowledge of economics won't understand it. Trump and the administration need to make that case. They're not doing a great job of it though. My opinion.

Inflation was down by end of 2024 to ~trump 1st term too. This isn’t trumps doing.

Powell even mentioned tariffs are helping keep inflation higher which anyone with common sense already knew

Greatest damage by far was done in the Biden years. That's why he (Kamala) was booted. Kamala was also a flaming idiot and the voters realized she was low IQ so that factored in as well.

(12-11-2025 01:27 PM)miko33 Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 01:24 PM)ballantyneapp Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 01:06 PM)miko33 Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 12:20 PM)bullet Wrote:  Inflation is down significantly, close to where it was when Trump was first president. You can't undo the damage Biden did.

This is just a way for Democrats to blame Biden's inflation on Trump. Its Democrat and MSM propaganda.

And y'all have all bought into it.

Safe to say that everyone who is moderate to right wing understand exactly what it means for costs to stabilize due to inflation being better controlled. However, your typical low info voter along with those who don't a good working knowledge of economics won't understand it. Trump and the administration need to make that case. They're not doing a great job of it though. My opinion.

Inflation was down by end of 2024 to ~trump 1st term too. This isn’t trumps doing.

Powell even mentioned tariffs are helping keep inflation higher which anyone with common sense already knew

Greatest damage by far was done in the Biden years. That's why he (Kamala) was booted. Kamala was also a flaming idiot and the voters realized she was low IQ so that factored in as well.

There were three rounds of stimulus sent out during Covid, two of which were signed by Trump. Furthermore, inflation was also fueled by pandemic era supply chain disruptions and global shocks to the energy sector.

Nearly every developed country in the world saw inflation jump dramatically during the Covid years and the aftereffects in the years following. I don't think its fair to say that the Biden administration along is at fault for the entirety of it.

I'll admit that some of Biden's policies likely did lead to an increase. But IMO, any administration, whether republican or democrat, would have seen large increases in inflation during 2021-2024.

(12-11-2025 01:06 PM)miko33 Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 12:20 PM)bullet Wrote:  Inflation is down significantly, close to where it was when Trump was first president. You can't undo the damage Biden did.

This is just a way for Democrats to blame Biden's inflation on Trump. Its Democrat and MSM propaganda.

And y'all have all bought into it.

Safe to say that everyone who is moderate to right wing understand exactly what it means for costs to stabilize due to inflation being better controlled. However, your typical low info voter along with those who don't a good working knowledge of economics won't understand it. Trump and the administration need to make that case. They're not doing a great job of it though. My opinion.

He's talking mostly about other things, agreed.

(12-11-2025 01:39 PM)BobcatEngineer Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 01:27 PM)miko33 Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 01:24 PM)ballantyneapp Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 01:06 PM)miko33 Wrote:  

(12-11-2025 12:20 PM)bullet Wrote:  Inflation is down significantly, close to where it was when Trump was first president. You can't undo the damage Biden did.

This is just a way for Democrats to blame Biden's inflation on Trump. Its Democrat and MSM propaganda.

And y'all have all bought into it.

Safe to say that everyone who is moderate to right wing understand exactly what it means for costs to stabilize due to inflation being better controlled. However, your typical low info voter along with those who don't a good working knowledge of economics won't understand it. Trump and the administration need to make that case. They're not doing a great job of it though. My opinion.

Inflation was down by end of 2024 to ~trump 1st term too. This isn’t trumps doing.

Powell even mentioned tariffs are helping keep inflation higher which anyone with common sense already knew

Greatest damage by far was done in the Biden years. That's why he (Kamala) was booted. Kamala was also a flaming idiot and the voters realized she was low IQ so that factored in as well.

There were three rounds of stimulus sent out during Covid, two of which were signed by Trump. Furthermore, inflation was also fueled by pandemic era supply chain disruptions and global shocks to the energy sector.

Nearly every developed country in the world saw inflation jump dramatically during the Covid years and the aftereffects in the years following. I don't think its fair to say that the Biden administration along is at fault for the entirety of it.

I'll admit that some of Biden's policies likely did lead to an increase. But IMO, any administration, whether republican or democrat, would have seen large increases in inflation during 2021-2024.

Not for the entire amount. But US inflation shot up dramatically under Biden well before the other developed countries. And it was that last stimulus that everyone warned him would be inflationary.