Trump feted with golden gifts overseas as Americans struggle to make ends meet

Political Optics and Public Perception - Republicans do not feel pressure regarding the shutdown, believing they will win, while Democrats also believe they will win, though both sides are likely wrong as no one truly wins in a shutdown [3][4] - Voters tend to forget about shutdowns by the time elections come around, and other news and events will likely distract from the shutdown [5] - What resonates with voters outside of Washington and New York City are issues like beef and energy prices, not the intricacies of the White House [9] - Independent voters, by a 2 to 1 margin, blame Republicans and the President more than they blame Democrats for the shutdown [23] Impact of the Shutdown - The shutdown is starting to affect a large segment of the American public, particularly the 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits [12] - The shutdown could impact upcoming elections in Virginia and New Jersey, influencing the margins and potentially indicating a "blue wave" [13] - The shutdown is transitioning from a theoretical issue to something felt nationwide, impacting affordability and potentially hurting both parties in future elections [14][15] SNAP Benefits and Political Divide - The President stated that SNAP is largely used by Democrats, but this is inaccurate as SNAP benefits are largely used by Republicans in the South, particularly lower-income Caucasian individuals [16][17] - The working class is under assault due to high prices, falling wages, and cuts to Medicaid and SNAP subsidies [20][21] Economic Impact - The cost of living has not gotten cheaper since the election, with grocery and retail prices up, despite some decreases in fossil fuel costs [22]