Midterm Voters: Are You Better Off Than You Were Four Years Ago?

[m.knox]

Hell yes!

https://issuesinsights.com/2026/06/...-you-better-off-than-you-were-four-years-ago/

his isn’t normally the time when voters are asked whether they are better off than they were four years ago. That’s the question that tends to come around in presidential election years. But as the midterms approach, it’s what everyone should ask themselves as they decide who controls Congress for the next two years.

Because the answer is obvious.

Let’s turn the dial back to June 2022. Joe Biden had been occupying the White House for a year and a half. Democrats controlled Congress, handing him his $2 trillion “Build Back Better” spending extravaganza. The economy had more than recovered the ground it lost from the COVID lockdowns. The country should have been booming.

Four years later, with Republicans in control of Congress, Donald Trump got his One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which cut taxes and spending, funded immigration control, and started deregulating the economy.

Let’s look at the results.

In 2022, real hourly wages were falling. They’d dropped to $11.03 by April 2022.

They were $11.25 in April 2026, which means workers’ incomes have climbed out of the Biden hole and wages are up 2%, after adjusting for inflation. And, unlike 2022, they are going up, not down.

Inflation in April 2022 was 8.3%. In April 2026, it was 3.8%.

The TIPP Economic Optimism Index was 41.2 in May 2022. (It dropped to 38.1 in June.) It was 42.6 this May. (TIPP is a polling partner of I&I.)

The latest jobs data show that there are 5.9 million more private sector jobs today than there were a year ago. That’s the good news. The better news is that there are 190,000 fewer federal workers than there were in 2022.


In April 2022, the border patrol “encountered” 234,088 illegal border crossers, most of whom they released into the U.S.

In April 2026, they encountered … 12,836. (Surely this is one of Trump’s biggest and most unrecognized successes.)

The Dow Jones Industrial Average was 32,813 at the end of May 2022, and was moving sideways. This year, it was 51,075. That’s an increase of 56%. It’s been climbing for most of Trump’s second term.

Despite all the hue and cry over gas prices, they are almost identical to where they were in 2022 – after adjusting for inflation – $4.60 now vs. $4.54 then.

 

[Bonerfarts1]

I am definitely worth more, but that money sure doesn't buy what it used to. I'd say I'm net even after inflation but would prefer that net-even without the innocent murders from ICE and the IRAN war and total corruption from this Trump administration. It's past time for some on either party to hold him accountable.

 

[m.knox]

I am definitely worth more, but that money sure doesn't buy what it used to. I'd say I'm net even after inflation but would prefer that net-even without the innocent murders from ICE and the IRAN war and total corruption from this Trump administration. It's past time for some on either party to hold him accountable.

Well, that's true. Prices never come back unless there is disinflation. There was a period there where inflation was over 6% for roughly 17 months. That's gone. Out the window. Had to replace a 12 year old garage door opener that I paid $380 installed back in 2014. Today's bill? $750. Would have been $950 if I went with a belt drive instead of a chain drive.

 

[OnlyTheObscure]

Yes because I had a decent amount of money in the market and those gains I wouldn’t give back for reduced inflation.

 

[BelemNole]

Financially? Probably.

Every other way? No. The US is currently a sh.itshow. ICE murdering people, health safe guards being dismantled. STEM research being dismantled. Unwinnable war sucking cash from the economy like OP sucks at the truck stop on a tuesday night. POTUS grifting tax payer money like a Russian mob boss. All political norms shi.t upon. The list goes on and on. Worst president in my lifetime.

 

[Pharcyded]

Hell yes!

https://issuesinsights.com/2026/06/...-you-better-off-than-you-were-four-years-ago/

his isn’t normally the time when voters are asked whether they are better off than they were four years ago. That’s the question that tends to come around in presidential election years. But as the midterms approach, it’s what everyone should ask themselves as they decide who controls Congress for the next two years.

Because the answer is obvious.

Let’s turn the dial back to June 2022. Joe Biden had been occupying the White House for a year and a half. Democrats controlled Congress, handing him his $2 trillion “Build Back Better” spending extravaganza. The economy had more than recovered the ground it lost from the COVID lockdowns. The country should have been booming.

Four years later, with Republicans in control of Congress, Donald Trump got his One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which cut taxes and spending, funded immigration control, and started deregulating the economy.

Let’s look at the results.

In 2022, real hourly wages were falling. They’d dropped to $11.03 by April 2022.

They were $11.25 in April 2026, which means workers’ incomes have climbed out of the Biden hole and wages are up 2%, after adjusting for inflation. And, unlike 2022, they are going up, not down.

Inflation in April 2022 was 8.3%. In April 2026, it was 3.8%.

The TIPP Economic Optimism Index was 41.2 in May 2022. (It dropped to 38.1 in June.) It was 42.6 this May. (TIPP is a polling partner of I&I.)

The latest jobs data show that there are 5.9 million more private sector jobs today than there were a year ago. That’s the good news. The better news is that there are 190,000 fewer federal workers than there were in 2022.


In April 2022, the border patrol “encountered” 234,088 illegal border crossers, most of whom they released into the U.S.

In April 2026, they encountered … 12,836. (Surely this is one of Trump’s biggest and most unrecognized successes.)

The Dow Jones Industrial Average was 32,813 at the end of May 2022, and was moving sideways. This year, it was 51,075. That’s an increase of 56%. It’s been climbing for most of Trump’s second term.

Despite all the hue and cry over gas prices, they are almost identical to where they were in 2022 – after adjusting for inflation – $4.60 now vs. $4.54 then.

You really do love your Trump.

No, most Americans are struggling. The cost of housing, groceries, insurance, and everyday necessities has skyrocketed. Millions have lost healthcare coverage or can no longer afford it. Tariffs function as taxes on consumers, raising prices on countless goods while ordinary families absorb the cost.

At the same time, we have a president who appears more interested in enriching himself and those around him than serving the public. The stock market increasingly feels like a system that rewards insiders, political allies, and the wealthy while average Americans are left behind. America's standing in the world has declined, our alliances have been strained, and we're arguably less secure than we were before.

Meanwhile, this administration continues pushing for larger military budgets and greater foreign entanglements while discussing cuts to programs like Social Security and Medicare that millions of working people depend on.

If you look at all of that and conclude this administration is looking out for ordinary Americans, I think you're being played. From my perspective, it's a government that serves the powerful and well-connected while asking everyone else to foot the bill.

 

[dpic73]

Hell yes!

https://issuesinsights.com/2026/06/...-you-better-off-than-you-were-four-years-ago/

his isn’t normally the time when voters are asked whether they are better off than they were four years ago. That’s the question that tends to come around in presidential election years. But as the midterms approach, it’s what everyone should ask themselves as they decide who controls Congress for the next two years.

Because the answer is obvious.

Let’s turn the dial back to June 2022. Joe Biden had been occupying the White House for a year and a half. Democrats controlled Congress, handing him his $2 trillion “Build Back Better” spending extravaganza. The economy had more than recovered the ground it lost from the COVID lockdowns. The country should have been booming.

Four years later, with Republicans in control of Congress, Donald Trump got his One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which cut taxes and spending, funded immigration control, and started deregulating the economy.

Let’s look at the results.

In 2022, real hourly wages were falling. They’d dropped to $11.03 by April 2022.

They were $11.25 in April 2026, which means workers’ incomes have climbed out of the Biden hole and wages are up 2%, after adjusting for inflation. And, unlike 2022, they are going up, not down.

Inflation in April 2022 was 8.3%. In April 2026, it was 3.8%.

The TIPP Economic Optimism Index was 41.2 in May 2022. (It dropped to 38.1 in June.) It was 42.6 this May. (TIPP is a polling partner of I&I.)

The latest jobs data show that there are 5.9 million more private sector jobs today than there were a year ago. That’s the good news. The better news is that there are 190,000 fewer federal workers than there were in 2022.


In April 2022, the border patrol “encountered” 234,088 illegal border crossers, most of whom they released into the U.S.

In April 2026, they encountered … 12,836. (Surely this is one of Trump’s biggest and most unrecognized successes.)

The Dow Jones Industrial Average was 32,813 at the end of May 2022, and was moving sideways. This year, it was 51,075. That’s an increase of 56%. It’s been climbing for most of Trump’s second term.

Despite all the hue and cry over gas prices, they are almost identical to where they were in 2022 – after adjusting for inflation – $4.60 now vs. $4.54 then.

Dude nobody is taking you seriously if you're using 2022 as your gauge, instead of January 2025 when Trump entered office.

Since then employment growth has slowed dramatically, GDP growth has decelerated, inflation is higher, consumer confidence is down and gas is 43% higher.

Of course you had to find a sh*tty article to make a claim that you can't make with your own words but it's still a laughable FAIL.

 

[m.knox]

You really do love your Trump.

No, most Americans are struggling. The cost of housing, groceries, insurance, and everyday necessities has skyrocketed. Millions have lost healthcare coverage or can no longer afford it. Tariffs function as taxes on consumers, raising prices on countless goods while ordinary families absorb the cost.

At the same time, we have a president who appears more interested in enriching himself and those around him than serving the public. The stock market increasingly feels like a system that rewards insiders, political allies, and the wealthy while average Americans are left behind. America's standing in the world has declined, our alliances have been strained, and we're arguably less secure than we were before.

Meanwhile, this administration continues pushing for larger military budgets and greater foreign entanglements while discussing cuts to programs like Social Security and Medicare that millions of working people depend on.

If you look at all of that and conclude this administration is looking out for ordinary Americans, I think you're being played. From my perspective, it's a government that serves the powerful and well-connected while asking everyone else to foot the bill.

I don't love Trump. What I observe is the opposite. How much you hate him. You do know it's been going on for an entire decade now, don't you?

Many Americans are struggling due to inflation. Like I said, there was ~17 month period where it was over 6%. We aren't ever getting it back.

We can all be "insiders." Get a job, pay into your 401k, get the match, and in 40 years you will be in decent shape. That's precisely how it is supposed to work.

 

[m.knox]

Dude nobody is taking you seriously if you're using 2022 as your gauge, instead of January 2025 when Trump entered office.

Since then employment growth has slowed dramatically, GDP growth has decelerated, inflation is higher, consumer confidence is down and gas is 43% higher.

Of course you had to find a sh*tty article to make a claim that you can't make with your own words but it's still a laughable FAIL.

LOL.. You don't get inflation back unless there is disinflation. Use your brain. Yes, 2022 matters.

The results speak for themselves. Just because they make you angry and more hateful doesn't mean they aren't results. Grow the F up.

 

[Huey Grey 2]

They have polls about stuff like this. America is feeling down. And hard to blame them. Gas is $5 a gallon, beef is insanely costly, job production is nearly non existent, we are in an unwinnable war, and we have a president who has no policy beyond how he can steal from the US taxpayer.

Americans have completely soured on the economy and optimism has cratered. OP can pretend things are fine but it only makes him come across as out of touch.

 

[southerncaltiger]

Yes because I had a decent amount of money in the market and those gains I wouldn’t give back for reduced inflation.

Same. Four years ago, I was still working (retired early) and had a much higher stress level. Therefore, I’m absolutely better off now vs. then, but it doesn’t have a thing to do with whether it was Clueless Joe & The Cackler or Limitless Ego Donald in the White House.

Where I am today is a function of what I DID over the years leading up to my retirement and not them. Do I have more in my investment accounts? Sure, but I fully understand that not everyone is in the same place and while I don’t give two shites if gasoline goes to $8/gal out here, I know others are hurting, so I’d like to see better management of our domestic policies.

 

[m.knox]

Financially? Probably.

Every other way? No. The US is currently a sh.itshow. ICE murdering people, health safe guards being dismantled. STEM research being dismantled. Unwinnable war sucking cash from the economy like OP sucks at the truck stop on a tuesday night. POTUS grifting tax payer money like a Russian mob boss. All political norms shi.t upon. The list goes on and on. Worst president in my lifetime.

We know you have visceral hatred for America's democratically elected president. We know when you hear good news it makes you angry and more hateful yet. We know you want the economy to be lousy so your hatred can be confirmed.....

That's emotion. Try facts.

 

[m.knox]

They have polls about stuff like this. America is feeling down. And hard to blame them. Gas is $5 a gallon, beef is insanely costly, job production is nearly non existent, we are in an unwinnable war, and we have a president who has no policy beyond how he can steal from the US taxpayer.

Americans have completely soured on the economy and optimism has cratered. OP can pretend things are fine but it only makes him come across as out of touch.

Another emotional lefty who hates facts.

 

[Huey Grey 2]

We know you have visceral hatred for America's democratically elected president. We know when you hear good news it makes you angry and more hateful yet. We know you want the economy to be lousy so your hatred can be confirmed.....

That's emotion. Try facts.

What about these facts?

Pay for American workers is lagging inflation — again

U.S. wage growth is lagging inflation for the first time since 2023, eroding consumers' purchasing power.

www.cbsnews.com

 

[Huey Grey 2]

Another emotional lefty who hates facts.

Wages aren't keeping up with inflation. You say you love facts. Why is this acceptable?

 

[OnlyTheObscure]

Same. Four years ago, I was still working (retired early) and had a much higher stress level. Therefore, I’m absolutely better off now vs. then, but it doesn’t have a thing to do with whether it was Clueless Joe & The Cackler or Limitless Ego Donald in the White House.

Where I am today is a function of what I DID over the years leading up to my retirement and not them. Do I have more in my investment accounts? Sure, but I fully understand that not everyone is in the same place and while I don’t give two shites if gasoline goes to $8/gal out here, I know others are hurting, so I’d like to see better management of our domestic policies.

I consider the national debt the biggest threat to everybody.

Working the debt is like saving for retirement for a big chunk of Americans. It sounds like a good idea until it forces people to sacrifice now for a better tomorrow.

Will be retiring at 59 and riding my bike across the US. Because of the choices my wife and I made for decades.

 

[dpic73]

LOL.. You don't get inflation back unless there is disinflation. Use your brain. Yes, 2022 matters.

The results speak for themselves. Just because they make you angry and more hateful doesn't mean they aren't results. Grow the F up.

America is NOT better off than it was in January 2025 when Trump entered office, which should be the measurement that matters most, if you're honest with yourself. Inflation in 2022 was due to a once in a century pandemic that Trump heavily contributed to as well but you're willing to let him get away with clean hands because the worst of it hit after he left office. But since that time, one thing is absolutely true. Trump has not improved the economy. The stock market is not the economy fyi

October 2024

 

[m.knox]

What about these facts?

Pay for American workers is lagging inflation — again

U.S. wage growth is lagging inflation for the first time since 2023, eroding consumers' purchasing power.

www.cbsnews.com

Again. Not nearly 6% like under your DOTARD GOD.

 

[baltimorened]

Dude nobody is taking you seriously if you're using 2022 as your gauge, instead of January 2025 when Trump entered office.

Since then employment growth has slowed dramatically, GDP growth has decelerated, inflation is higher, consumer confidence is down and gas is 43% higher.

Of course you had to find a sh*tty article to make a claim that you can't make with your own words but it's still a laughable FAIL.

if we're totally honest, I was better off at the end of biden's admin than I was at its beginning, and am better off today than I was at the beginning of this trump term.

 

[Huey Grey 2]

Again. Not nearly 6% like under your DOTARD GOD.

Trump gave Biden an economy with inflation outpacing wages. By the end of Bidens term it was flipped and wages were outpacing inflation. But now Trump has flipped it again so wages once again can't keep up with inflation. This is winning to you?

 

[m.knox]

Job openings reach two-year high at 7.6 million​

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2026/06/02/jobs-bls/7621780415373/

 

[m.knox]

Trump gave Biden an economy with inflation outpacing wages. By the end of Bidens term it was flipped and wages were outpacing inflation. But now Trump has flipped it again so wages once again can't keep up with inflation. This is winning to you?

LOL... You probably should try to assassinate him........ Again.

All of this is related to Iran. And the world will be better off with them being less of a threat.

 

[OnlyTheObscure]

Job openings reach two-year high at 7.6 million​

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2026/06/02/jobs-bls/7621780415373/

Talked to several hiring people at manufacturing companies and their biggest issue is passing drug tests and showing up to work.

 

[BelemNole]

Another emotional lefty who hates facts.

Says the most emotional guy on this board.

 

[m.knox]

America is NOT better off than it was in January 2025 when Trump entered office, which should be the measurement that matters most, if you're honest with yourself. Inflation in 2022 was due to a once in a century pandemic that Trump heavily contributed to as well but you're willing to let him get away with clean hands because the worst of it hit after he left office. But since that time, one thing is absolutely true. Trump has not improved the economy. The stock market is not the economy fyi

October 2024
View attachment 1311300

Four year ago, the inflation rate was over 8%.

 

[m.knox]

Talked to several hiring people at manufacturing companies and their biggest issue is passing drug tests and showing up to work.

Same here. Getting ghosted is common. I live in a state where weed was legalized, many companies just decided to stop testing for it. It's just like booze now. Don't come to work drunk or high.

 

[m.knox]

Says the most emotional guy on this board.

LOL.... that was funny.

 

[dpic73]

Four year ago, the inflation rate was over 8%.

 

[BelemNole]

LOL.... that was funny.

No at funny as watching you stomp your feet and complain that everyone is sooooo emotional.
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

 

[Finance85]

Am I better off? Yes. That said, I could be even more better off without Biden's "infrastructure" bill, Trump's tariffs, and Trump's war.

 

[bdgan]

if we're totally honest, I was better off at the end of biden's admin than I was at its beginning, and am better off today than I was at the beginning of this trump term.

Me too. That's probably because we lived on less than we earned and saved / invested. The people who didn't do that don't have a lot of investment growth to offset the higher cost of living.

 

[bdgan]

Trump gave Biden an economy with inflation outpacing wages. By the end of Bidens term it was flipped and wages were outpacing inflation. But now Trump has flipped it again so wages once again can't keep up with inflation. This is winning to you?

That's very selective. Wages have been consistently higher than inflation under Trump for the first year and a quarter of his second term. Now because of the war there's been a spike in inflation. Of course that counts but it's only been for the last two months and things might go the other way when the war is resolved.

No, that's not giving him a pass on the war. It's just stating the facts.

 

[bdgan]

All of this is related to Iran. And the world will be better off with them being less of a threat.

Agree, but we don't know if they will be less of a threat or for how long.

 

[baltimorened]

Me too. That's probably because we lived on less than we earned and saved / invested. The people who didn't do that don't have a lot of investment growth to offset the higher cost of living.

well, I don't earn anything anymore. I have defined benefit retirement, military retirement and social security. And when I send my money off to work every day it has been been giving me an "honest days pay for an honest days work"...

 

[AlexanderUrinis]

If the fedgov is not going to work for the people, like it is right now, then it needs to spend next to zero dollars. Keep the lights on, that is it. Instead, we have EOs that will be reversed day 1 of the next administration AND have a freaking mountain of additional debt.

If that is better for you, then I would guess you are a boomer and/or have no kids.

 

[baltimorened]

If the fedgov is not going to work for the people, like it is right now, then it needs to spend next to zero dollars. Keep the lights on, that is it. Instead, we have EOs that will be reversed day 1 of the next administration AND have a freaking mountain of additional debt.

If that is better for you, then I would guess you are a boomer and/or have no kids.

well, I'm not a boomer and I have kids, I was better after Biden and am better now than when Trump took office.

And, I'd be fine if the government just took your advice and spent next to zero dollars.

 

[Huey Grey 2]

LOL... You probably should try to assassinate him........ Again.

All of this is related to Iran. And the world will be better off with them being less of a threat.

You completely avoided the inflation vs wages problem that Trump has. Why?

 

[Huey Grey 2]

That's very selective. Wages have been consistently higher than inflation under Trump for the first year and a quarter of his second term. Now because of the war there's been a spike in inflation. Of course that counts but it's only been for the last two months and things might go the other way when the war is resolved.

No, that's not giving him a pass on the war. It's just stating the facts.

Inflation is absolutely tied to his tariffs and his stupid war. Are you claiming otherwise? And if you agree with me, then how is it "selective" to fairly criticize him for this?

 

[m.knox]

You completely avoided the inflation vs wages problem that Trump has. Why?

Because he doesn't have them. Biden sure did though.

Look, I know you HATE Trump, but just pretend to be rational once in a while. It will be refreshing.. lmfao...

 

[m.knox]

No at funny as watching you stomp your feet and complain that everyone is sooooo emotional.
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Not nearly as funny as you lashing out because you lost an election.