The affordability crisis (aka cost of living crisis) in the U.S. is multifaceted and has been growing for 45 years, due to low pay and high prices. There are many factors pushing up prices well beyond normal inflation, including profit-taking middlemen and privatization of public goods and services.

The U.S. affordability crisis is multifaceted and has been growing for 45 years, driven by low pay and high prices. Many factors push up prices including monopolistic price gouging, tariffs, personalized pricing driven by AI, profit-taking middlemen, privatization, and premiumization of markets.

Two key questions for 2026: Will we have fair and honest elections? What do the Democrats need to do to win – and win big? I encourage you to contact your state election officials, as well as national and state Democratic Party leaders and elected officials. This post provides answers and messages.

Many Americans are worried about the cost of living. Government policies can reduce or control the costs of everyday expenses. If Democrats or others want to garner support and votes, they should aggressively promote such policies. Here are some examples.

Americans are worried about the cost of living. Government policies can increase the pay and benefits they get, as well as reduce the cost of living. If Democrats want support and votes, they should unequivocally advocate for policies that would improve the affordability of everyday life.