特朗普又开始“画饼”？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing political battle in the U.S. over "affordability," highlighting its significance in recent elections and the differing perspectives of the two major parties on economic policies and consumer experiences [3][4]. Group 1: Understanding Affordability - "Affordability" is described as a psychological term rather than an economic one, significantly impacting lower-income groups more than higher-income groups [4]. - The concept of "unaffordable" refers to items that are not only economically difficult to obtain but also feel out of reach, particularly for basic needs like food and housing [4]. - The sentiment of "I can't afford it" is central to the current anger among voters, who often blame the government for their struggles with affordability [4][5]. Group 2: Economic Disparities - The U.S. economy is experiencing a "K-shaped" recovery, where the top 10% of income earners contribute nearly half of total consumer spending, up from 44.6% in 2019 [5]. - Data from the Atlanta Federal Reserve indicates that wage growth for the lowest 25% of earners has dropped to its lowest level in nearly a decade, while high-income earners see faster wage growth [5]. - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is criticized for reflecting a consumption pattern biased towards high-income groups, while affordability issues are more democratic and relate to larger expenditures like housing [5][6]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior and Market Trends - There is a growing preference for private label products among price-sensitive consumers, with sales of private label foods increasing by 4.2% over the past year, compared to a 1.1% increase for national brands [6]. - The expectation of declining prices has shifted to a reality of stable or rising prices, contributing to consumer frustration [7]. - Social media exacerbates feelings of inadequacy regarding affordability, as curated lifestyles create unrealistic expectations for many consumers [7]. Group 4: Political Responses and Proposals - Recent elections saw Democratic candidates winning by focusing on affordability measures like free public transport and rent freezes, prompting a shift in Republican strategies to address affordability [8][9]. - Trump's administration has proposed various measures to lower food prices, including tariff exemptions and a $2,000 "tariff dividend" for low-income Americans, although these proposals face scrutiny regarding their feasibility and potential fiscal impact [9][10]. - The introduction of a 50-year mortgage plan has raised concerns about increased interest costs and potential housing market implications [10][11].