买不起成热议焦点，多张图表揭示背后缘由

Core Insights - The issue of consumer payment capacity has become the top concern for both consumers and politicians [1] - Despite a decrease in inflation rates from the peak in 2022, prices for essential goods such as housing, food, and electricity have significantly increased since before the COVID-19 pandemic [1][21] - Surveys indicate that high prices and living costs have led to a more pessimistic consumer sentiment, influencing recent electoral outcomes in favor of the Democratic Party [1][12] Inflation and Consumer Prices - The annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows that inflation peaked at 9.1% in 2022, the highest in about 40 years, and has since decreased to 2.7% in November 2025 [21] - However, the prices of everyday goods remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, with a cumulative increase of 26% over the past six years [21][24] - Certain essential items have seen price increases that exceed the overall inflation rate, including housing, groceries, and utilities [24][27] Consumer Sentiment and Political Impact - A recent poll indicated that approximately 46% of respondents attribute their poor financial situation to high prices, the highest level recorded since the late 1970s [27] - The political divide is evident, with 82% of voters for Kamala Harris acknowledging rising living costs, compared to only 45% of Trump voters [29] - The Democratic Party's focus on consumer payment capacity has been a key factor in their electoral successes in recent elections [12][30] Economic Factors Influencing Prices - The rapid increase in prices is attributed to a combination of factors, including supply-demand imbalances exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic stimulus measures [33][35] - The ongoing geopolitical tensions, such as the conflict in Ukraine, have further contributed to rising energy and food prices [35] - Economic indicators suggest that while high-income households have benefited from stock market gains, low-income groups have not experienced similar financial relief [35][36]