Trumponomics Democrats Find a Potent Political Weapon Named ‘Affordability’
Nov 12, 2025
Join Annie Lowrey, a staff writer at The Atlantic and affordability expert, and Nancy Cook, a senior political correspondent at Bloomberg, as they explore how the theme of affordability is reshaping U.S. politics. They discuss the shift from Trump's slogan to a potent Democratic strategy, the impact of inflation and rising costs on public perception, and why practical policies like universal childcare could appeal to voters. They also delve into the diverse approaches of Democratic candidates versus the more uniform Republican strategy.
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Affordability As A Political Weapon
- Democrats have repurposed 'affordability'—a theme Trump used against Biden—into a potent political weapon against Trump himself.
- The issue now shapes campaigns and could influence 2026 and 2028 national strategy.
Supply Shortages Behind The Feeling Of Squeeze
- Underlying supply problems in housing, childcare and health care are driving persistent affordability pain even though real disposable income rose.
- A visible inflation spike made those long-term price problems salient to voters.
Target Health Care Price Controls
- Focus on health care policy actions that directly lower prices, like drug negotiation and capping copays.
- These moves are politically popular and technically within government power to implement.
