Tuesday, May 12, 2026

'My Life is Not Affordable. No One Cares'

A new CNN poll finds a large increase in Americans calling high prices and the cost of living their top economic problems. Strong majorities are pessimistic about the economy -- almost 7 in 10 believe a recession is likely in 2026 -- and about their own ability to cover expenses.

Posted by retort at 11:52 AM | 11 COMMENTS | permalink

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From CNN: "Worries about the costs of food and gas are particularly prominent, with the share specifically naming gas prices rising from 5% a year ago to 23% now."

Comments

Consumer sentiment is one of the most significant drivers of economic activity, for better or worse. As more and more Americans see their lives and economic situations in negative terms, this sentiment becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, with the result being an economic turndown. The last thing the MAGA/GOP cabal needs right now is voters upset about how politicians are doing their jobs. If these folks can be motivated to get out and vote in November (assuming there is an election) there could be a blue wave the kind of which has not been seen in decades.

And that, kids, was how Donald Trump was impeached in 2027...

#1 | Posted by catdog at 2026-05-12 12:12 PM

And that, kids, was how Donald Trump was impeached in 2027...

#1 | Posted by catdog

Which would be pointless, unless the Senate is willing to convict and remove him.

#2 | Posted by Whatsleft at 2026-05-12 02:20 PM

almost 7 in 10 believe a recession is likely in 2026 -- and about their own ability to cover expenses.

"It's just wonderful that Americans are maxxing out their credit cards for groceries and fuel."

-Kevin Hassett.

#3 | Posted by Nixon at 2026-05-12 02:28 PM

I don't believe I'm alone when it comes to knowing I'll probably leave debt behind me when I pass. There was a time not all that long ago when I could buy two weeks+ worth of groceries for $40. Now $40 worth barely lasts a week, no matter how artfully I stretch it.

#4 | Posted by dutch46 at 2026-05-12 04:16 PM

@4 I am sad to read that, Dutch46.

Many Americans die with less than $1,500 in savings and some are completely impecunious.

Source: The Feudal States of America

"America's the greatest country in the world!"

#5 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-05-12 04:41 PM

#2

Not to mention what's next if they find the nuts for that...

#6 | Posted by South_American at 2026-05-12 11:46 PM

Impecunious...triple word score! In my case, rather on the nose. I was shockingly unprepared for how quickly my nest egg vanished after I flipped the retirement switch. Especially when a simple loaf of bread for example, containing any semblance of real nutrition, now is over $4.00. I'm being priced out of my own life...again. In 2010, I realized I could no longer afford to live in Los Angeles, no matter how many side hustles I juggled. My current situation was somewhat affordable when I first landed in this little AZ burg, but ten years later my rent & utilities alone have more than doubled.

#7 | Posted by dutch46 at 2026-05-13 01:21 AM

Predator/prey cutthroat capitalism, the kind practiced by the Trump grifting gang, says things are going absolutely wonderfully if a few billionaires at the top run the show for the rest of us buried at the bottom.
And one watches the sold out Supreme Court make sure your vote doesn't actually control anything or anyone. Today's Republican Party is the property of the grifting class, Wall Street and the rest, who are doing great.
If you voted for Trump twice...this is so on you.

#8 | Posted by Hughmass at 2026-05-13 06:22 AM

Anyone who's republican should stop complaining. This is what your ideology looks like in practice.

There is no world in where your ideology only applies to those you've been told to hate. The "others" you've been assured are the root of all your problems.

You're a fool if you ever thought that was remotely possible.

#9 | Posted by jpw at 2026-05-13 10:08 AM

Life is not affordable because EVERYONE IS LYING TO YOU FOR MONEY. (by actor and economist Ben McKenzie)

#10 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-05-13 10:53 AM

The last thing the MAGA/GOP cabal needs right now is voters upset about how politicians are doing their jobs.

Publicly the Pedo junta is out extolling the virtures of $5 per gallon gasoline, going into credit card debt to buy groceries and flat out lying that prices are "dropping" when they are not.

The GOP congress critters are panicking about the midterms.

They should be.

They deserve to be relegated to the trash heap.

#11 | Posted by Nixon at 2026-05-14 08:04 AM

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