The bogeyman haunting Harris (and Biden) that Trump is cashing in on

# Inflation's Role in the 2024 Presidential Race

Inflation has significantly impacted the political landscape leading up to the 2024 presidential election. Americans experienced a sharp rise in prices for essentials during the early phase of President Biden's term, shaking confidence in his economic strategies. Though inflation is now nearly at normal levels, without triggering a recession, many voters remain dissatisfied as living costs remain high compared to pre-pandemic times.

The enduring economic challenge of affordability has put Vice President Kamala Harris on the defensive. Harris, focusing her agenda on combating high prices, has called for increasing the minimum wage, expanding tax credits for families, and constructing more housing. Despite emphasizing affordability in her recent speech, Harris faces opposition from former President Trump, who highlights his tenure's lower inflation rates compared to the peak during Biden's administration.

While Trump benefited from not encountering certain economic crises like the pandemic-induced supply chain issues and the energy crisis following Russia's actions in Ukraine, the cost of living has undeniably surged since Biden took office. U.S. households spend substantially more monthly than in January 2021, despite recent real wage increases outpacing inflation rates.

Americans continue to face challenges as larger paychecks are absorbed by rising rents and insurance costs. Trump has pledged to address these issues by implementing drastic changes, like tariffs on imports and stringent immigration policies. These measures, however, are viewed by some experts as potentially leading to higher consumer prices and labor shortages. Despite this skepticism, Trump's promises resonate with many voters, who currently trust him more than Harris on economic matters.

While mainstream economists caution that Trump's proposed actions could exacerbate inflation, the issue remains a cornerstone of his potential success in the upcoming election.