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

[baltimorened]

I definitely worry about future generations. The debt will hit them harder than it hit us. Entitlement programs are in trouble.

Do you have a plan to reduce the debt? I haven't heard one from either party. Even small things like funding for PBS and work requirement for able bodied working age people without dependents meets strict opposition.

P.S. My kids will be fine. Both have good jobs and both save a lot.

it seems as if a lot of the younger generations on here believe that the boomers had life so easy and somehow just "walked into" the financial positions they have today. I posted a study in the WSJ about comparative generations financials and one of the basic facts that I admit surprised me was the comparison of housing. The boomer generation, when you consider the age they would have bought their first houses, the mortgage rates (as high as 18%), and the constant dollars (1980s vs today) the cost for boomers was just about double as what it is for the comparable generation, same age group (25-34) buying first houses today. Life wasn't just a walk in the park in the 60's through 80s

For me, I stated my working life as a private E1 in the Army...an option which is still available for many of the posters on the board - now that they have raised the recruitment age to 42.

 

[dpic73]

Nothing has changed regarding the ballroom shell which will continue down the path of being privately funded,... The suggested $1 billion in "additional" funding is just that,.. Extra dollars to cover upgraded security systems for White House and balloom facilities.

Correct, but where will that additional "funding" come from? How quickly it went from a 200 million dollar privately funded ballroom to one that the taxpayers are on the hook for a billion dollars, at a time when we have 39 trillion in debt. And for a ballroom he won't even get to use because it won't be ready before he leaves office.

 

[baltimorened]

My plan is to stop spending 40% more than we bring in. Massive reduction in spending and, everyone will hate this, taxes will have to be addressed. If they must come up, then so be it. I am aware that is political suicide, someone like trump with a single term and yolo attitude could do it.

Our current path is unsustainable, we all know it, but no one has the balls to speak the truth.

you're not the only one from either the left, center or right who has posted this. We all know it's unsustainable, the politicians know it's unsustainable, but we don't have a leader, or the populace for that matter, willing to tackle the problem. In spite of what we hear from the far left, taxing billionaires will not solve the deficit/debt issue, and neither will just cutting social programs.

And has been pointed out, even an effort to cut PBS, or to ask able bodied people to work, volunteer or go to school for 20 hours a week, or to cut benefits for undocumented migrants is met with vehement opposition.

 

[bdgan]

Did you fail reading comprehension? I literally said Biden was a dumba$$ for printing money in my post. That does not absolve Trump of his culpability and contributions to the issue. Only MAGA fools think Trump had nothing to do with Covid era inflation. So only MAGA fools would think a comparison of 4 years ago to today says anything positive about Trump.

What's your problem? You asked if I thought the president's impact started and stopped on inauguration day and I said no. Didn't you want me to answer?

I said that I think we spent double what was necessary during Covid but it was driven on both sides, not just Trump. Do you disagree with that?

I think our only disagreement is that you seem to think the 2020 covid spending had as much or more impact on 2023 inflation than the 2021 and 2022 covid spending. I disagree with that. Inflation was only 1.2% when the 2021 money was spent. IMO the additional trillions spent after the economy had already reopened was a much greater cause.

 

[baltimorened]

Things have changed quite a bit since you last heard that.

Republicans want to add $1 billion for Trump's ballroom security to ICE funding plan​

https://www.npr.org/2026/05/06/g-s1-120455/republicans-trump-ballroom-billion

yea, not what we need....at the same time we're mentioning republicans, anything the opposing party wants to add to existing programs, or any new programs they might want to use borrowed money on?

I get your point. But spending money we don't have isn't a single party thing....and yes trump said the ballroom would be $400 million and that it would be paid for by private donations. He failed to tell us about all the below ground security things that would not be covered by private donations. And yes, that's really a "bait and switch" which presents a real problem when the side of the building is gone and there's a two story hole in the ground. If Trump knew he needed appropriated funding for the security stuff he should have asked for it first.

 

[AlexanderUrinis]

I agree but your plan would send the economy into a 1929 type depression. At this point I'd be happy if we could cut the annual deficit by $200 billion.

A lot of people on the left want to increase taxes on the rich. I agree we should do that but those same people want to use that money to increase social welfare. It's a death spiral.

I highly doubt it would cause another great depression.

Death spiral is a term I have used several times, completely agree.

 

[dpic73]

 

[AlexanderUrinis]

it seems as if a lot of the younger generations on here believe that the boomers had life so easy and somehow just "walked into" the financial positions they have today. I posted a study in the WSJ about comparative generations financials and one of the basic facts that I admit surprised me was the comparison of housing. The boomer generation, when you consider the age they would have bought their first houses, the mortgage rates (as high as 18%), and the constant dollars (1980s vs today) the cost for boomers was just about double as what it is for the comparable generation, same age group (25-34) buying first houses today. Life wasn't just a walk in the park in the 60's through 80s

For me, I stated my working life as a private E1 in the Army...an option which is still available for many of the posters on the board - now that they have raised the recruitment age to 42.

Yeah, boomers have had it super rough.

You used housing, my in-laws purchased their home in 1970(ish) for $17k which is $140k(ish) today. Please point out where those houses exist in 2026.
Oh, and they raised 3 kids with a single earner that didn't go to college.
Retired at 50(ish) with a pension, small 401k and now Social Security.
How did they afford to retire that young? Oh, because they get free health care tied to that pension benefits package. If they sneeze they get a new knee, hip, or both. Why not?

They told me a couple weeks back they don't understand why people are so concerned about prices, they don't worry about money at all.

So when my generation hears that social security funding, that I have paid into my entire life, runs out in 2032, it tends to be just a bit irritating. Ya dig?

 

[OnlyTheObscure]

Yeah, boomers have had it super rough.

You used housing, my in-laws purchased their home in 1970(ish) for $17k which is $140k(ish) today. Please point out where those houses exist in 2026.
Oh, and they raised 3 kids with a single earner that didn't go to college.
Retired at 50(ish) with a pension, small 401k and now Social Security.
How did they afford to retire that young? Oh, because they get free health care tied to that pension benefits package. If they sneeze they get a new knee, hip, or both. Why not?

They told me a couple weeks back they don't understand why people are so concerned about prices, they don't worry about money at all.

So when my generation hears that social security funding, that I have paid into my entire life, runs out in 2032, it tends to be just a bit irritating. Ya dig?

People wanted NAFTA. So good bye unions and pensions.

I wouldn’t trade my 401k for any pension. My dad (boomer) lost his when the factory went belly up. He still managed to retire at 62 with sacrifices.

What is your zip code? No 750 square foot homes with detached single car garage that needs work done to it? That’s what I was raised in. Of course princess wants a $400,000 home the day after graduating college while she works from home for $100k and drives a double deep dish 8x8 SUV to Costco

 

[PedMaller]

Reminds me of that sham poll run by the DM Register & that Selzer hack for the last presidential election.

 

[dpic73]

Reminds me of that sham poll run by the DM Register & that Selzer hack for the last presidential election.

How so, that was an outlier. This one is not. But I get it, if you don't like it, iT'S A sHaM because even god isn't as great as your Trumpy-poo!

Even Trump's favorite pollster showed Americans think Biden did a better job.

Americans think Trump is performing worse than Biden on key issue

The majority of people believe that the economy was better under former president Joe Biden, according to a new poll.

www.newsweek.com

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5721162-biden-trump-effectiveness-survey/

https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/11/politics/trump-economy-biden-analysis

 

[Rifler]

Correct, but where will that additional "funding" come from? How quickly it went from a 200 million dollar privately funded ballroom to one that the taxpayers are on the hook for a billion dollars, at a time when we have 39 trillion in debt. And for a ballroom he won't even get to use because it won't be ready before he leaves office.

Regarding the ballroom, taxpayers aren't currently on the hook for anything,.. Any added White House / Ballroom security funding deemed necessary by Congress will be funded in the same manner we fund everything else,.. Trump is building the ballroom for the benefit of future administrations, not himself.

 

[PedMaller]

How so, that was an outlier. This one is not. But I get it, if you don't like it, iT'S A sHaM because even god isn't as great as your Trumpy-poo!

Even Trump's favorite pollster showed Americans think Biden did a better job.

View attachment 1312005

Americans think Trump is performing worse than Biden on key issue

The majority of people believe that the economy was better under former president Joe Biden, according to a new poll.

www.newsweek.com

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5721162-biden-trump-effectiveness-survey/

https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/11/politics/trump-economy-biden-analysis

“That was an outlier”

 

[dpic73]

Regarding the ballroom, taxpayers aren't currently on the hook for anything,.. Any added White House / Ballroom security funding deemed necessary by Congress will be funded in the same manner we fund everything else,.. Trump is building the ballroom for the benefit of future administrations, not himself.

Currently. LOL

 

[dpic73]

“That was an outlier”

You cannot argue with MAGA. They demand evidence, then call your sources biased. You provide primary sources, they claim they're doctored. You show them video, they say it's out of context. You give them context, they say you're cherry-picking. This isn't debate. This is a systematic refusal to allow reality to intrude on mythology. You're not arguing facts. You're arguing whether facts exist.

 

[Rifler]

Currently. LOL

If you have concerns about Congress spending money on something you disagree with, get in line...

 

[Huey Grey 2]

I agree but your plan would send the economy into a 1929 type depression. At this point I'd be happy if we could cut the annual deficit by $200 billion.

A lot of people on the left want to increase taxes on the rich. I agree we should do that but those same people want to use that money to increase social welfare. It's a death spiral.

Making sure that poor people have food and healthcare is a death spiral?

 

[Huey Grey 2]

You don't know that.

I don't know the legality of Trump doing the ballroom without congressional approval. I suspect you don't either. I know that a judge stopped it pending congressional approval which seems dumb because demolition was already done.

I don't know if the $400 billion from private donors is still in play or not. Neither do you. The administration says it is.

Some congressmen are supporting $1 billion for security enhancements that aren't tied to the ballroom itself. The biggest item I heard is to put a new bunker under the ballroom. It's also for bullet proof glass in the east wing, drone detection systems, chemical detection systems, visitor screening facilities, and secret service training facilities.

My best guess is that congress will approve some of this but not all of it. I don't know and neither do you. But go ahead and make up your own reality.

Fine. Ignore his stupid ballroom. Thoughts on his near $50 billion war? Or are we only considering low hanging fruit here?

 

[PedMaller]

You cannot argue with MAGA. They demand evidence, then call your sources biased. You provide primary sources, they claim they're doctored. You show them video, they say it's out of context. You give them context, they say you're cherry-picking. This isn't debate. This is a systematic refusal to allow reality to intrude on mythology. You're not arguing facts. You're arguing whether facts exist.

You’re the dumba$$ arguing that the Selzer poll……which was PROVEN by the election to be completely wrong……was just an outlier.

 

[dpic73]

If you have concerns about Congress spending money on something you disagree with, get in line...

Yes, in particular, I heartily disapprove of a historically unpopular president tearing down the East Wing of the White House without approval or consultation, in order to build a a monstrous, gold encrusted monument to himself and then surprising us with a bill for a billion dollars for a structure that we will never be invited to and won't be able to use for ourselves.

 

[dpic73]

You’re the dumba$$ arguing that the Selzer poll……which was PROVEN by the election to be completely wrong……was just an outlier.

What do you think "outlier" means Gomer?

 

[fskillet]

My problem with the ballroom is it will undoubtedly look incredibly trashy with all the gold filigree and trim. Trump has Just terrible taste for fashion

 

[Rifler]

Yes, in particular, I heartily disapprove of a historically unpopular president tearing down the East Wing of the White House without approval or consultation, in order to build a a monstrous, gold encrusted monument to himself and then surprising us with a bill for a billion dollars for a structure that we will never be invited to and won't be able to use for ourselves.

No one has been surprised with a billion dollar bill for a structure,... The as yet unapproved billion dollars would be for White House security upgrades.

 

[baltimorened]

Yeah, boomers have had it super rough.

You used housing, my in-laws purchased their home in 1970(ish) for $17k which is $140k(ish) today. Please point out where those houses exist in 2026.
Oh, and they raised 3 kids with a single earner that didn't go to college.
Retired at 50(ish) with a pension, small 401k and now Social Security.
How did they afford to retire that young? Oh, because they get free health care tied to that pension benefits package. If they sneeze they get a new knee, hip, or both. Why not?

They told me a couple weeks back they don't understand why people are so concerned about prices, they don't worry about money at all.

So when my generation hears that social security funding, that I have paid into my entire life, runs out in 2032, it tends to be just a bit irritating. Ya dig?

did it....I lived through the boomer years...and I've lived through the GenX, millennium and Genz years...and I know that nothing I say or whatever fact I provide will move the needle in your opinion. So, why try?

I agree with your statement on social security...We've known about this problem for at least 40 years and done little to fix the problem. Blame our elected officials.

 

[dpic73]

No one has been surprised with a billion dollar bill for a structure,... The as yet unapproved billion dollars would be for White House security upgrades.

Which would not have been needed if not for the monstrous addition to the White House that nobody asked for.

 

[Huey Grey 2]

did it....I lived through the boomer years...and I've lived through the GenX, millennium and Genz years...and I know that nothing I say or whatever fact I provide will move the needle in your opinion. So, why try?

I agree with your statement on social security...We've known about this problem for at least 40 years and done little to fix the problem. Blame our elected officials.

How about we blame the people who voted for these elected officials?

 

[baltimorened]

How so, that was an outlier. This one is not. But I get it, if you don't like it, iT'S A sHaM because even god isn't as great as your Trumpy-poo!

Even Trump's favorite pollster showed Americans think Biden did a better job.

View attachment 1312005

Americans think Trump is performing worse than Biden on key issue

The majority of people believe that the economy was better under former president Joe Biden, according to a new poll.

www.newsweek.com

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5721162-biden-trump-effectiveness-survey/

https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/11/politics/trump-economy-biden-analysis

I don't take issue with your poll, although I really don't put much stock in polls in general. But, I can see and feel the economic concerns from friends and relatives. In fairness, everyone seemed to be satisfied with Trump's economy up until about the end of March...when the Iran "excursion" started to hit oil and other prices. Now a couple of months later, things are worse and the "war will end shortly" statements are ringing hollow.

I guess there are people who really don't feel things are worse than they were just a couple of months ago....have to realize there is a problem before you can solve it

 

[Rifler]

Which would not have been needed if not for the monstrous addition to the White House that nobody asked for.

Not true,.. The Ballroom project can proceed without the separately proposed White House security upgrade.

 

[Huey Grey 2]

I don't take issue with your poll, although I really don't put much stock in polls in general. But, I can see and feel the economic concerns from friends and relatives. In fairness, everyone seemed to be satisfied with Trump's economy up until about the end of March...when the Iran "excursion" started to hit oil and other prices. Now a couple of months later, things are worse and the "war will end shortly" statements are ringing hollow.

I guess there are people who really don't feel things are worse than they were just a couple of months ago....have to realize there is a problem before you can solve it

People were most definitely not satisfied with Trump's economy until March. He's been bleeding support on it every month since he took office. And deservedly so. He's incompetent and corrupt and his only goal is to make himself richer even if that means screwing over the rest of us.

 

[RagnarLothbrok]

I am personally better off if we are talking finances. We’ll see if that holds true in 1-2 years.

 

[dpic73]

I don't take issue with your poll, although I really don't put much stock in polls in general. But, I can see and feel the economic concerns from friends and relatives. In fairness, everyone seemed to be satisfied with Trump's economy up until about the end of March...when the Iran "excursion" started to hit oil and other prices. Now a couple of months later, things are worse and the "war will end shortly" statements are ringing hollow.

I guess there are people who really don't feel things are worse than they were just a couple of months ago....have to realize there is a problem before you can solve it

WUT?

Before the war, Americans had overwhelmingly negative feelings about President Trump's economy, with roughly two-thirds of the public disapproving of his economic policies. Voters felt frustrated and struggled with the high cost of living, with many holding his administration’s tariff regime responsible for worsening their financial situations.

Americans' negative perceptions were driven by several key factors:

• Widespread Dissatisfaction: Nearly 65% of Americans described the U.S. economy as "poor" or "struggling". Only about a third of Americans felt the policies made conditions better.
• Inflation and Cost of Living: Polls indicated that about 77% of Americans felt their incomes were not keeping pace with inflation, and 53% noted that the cost of living was the worst they could remember.
• Class Divides: While wealthier households remained insulated from economic headwinds—largely buoyed by a rising stock market and the AI tech boom—low-income and middle-class Americans faced an affordability gap that left their daily budgets stretched.
• Declining Approval: Trump's approval ratings on the economy hit some of their lowest points of his second term leading up to the conflict, with approximately 6 in 10 Americans disapproving of his handling of inflation and pricing.

Pre-war Economy

 

[RagnarLothbrok]

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

As opposed to this?



Or this?



Trump and the whole MAGA Idiot Brigade are the biggest whiners and little b*tches on the planet. By far.

You really suck at this, knoxy.

 

[Huey Grey 2]

I am personally better off if we are talking finances. We’ll see if that holds true in 1-2 years.

I'm better off financially. But I know 2 people who have been laid off from closures. Which makes me wonder if where I work might get closed next.

 

[Rifler]

I'm better off financially.

 

[McLovin32]

Trump is building the ballroom for the benefit of future administrations

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahah

 

[RagnarLothbrok]

I'm better off financially. But I know 2 people who have been laid off from closures. Which makes me wonder if where I work might get closed next.

I have a government job that is relatively safe for the foreseeable future…well, at least until AI replaces me and we all have UBI.

The full effect of Trump’s influence on the economy likely won’t be experienced for 1-2 years, as with any presidency (one full term). What is remarkable is the stock market. The Trump Effect has not been a net negative, far from it, which is where you would expect the first hit to the economy to take place.

 

[RagnarLothbrok]

Based off what?

 

[PedMaller]

This is a huge problem with libtards

 

[Pharcyded]

Reminds me of that sham poll run by the DM Register & that Selzer hack for the last presidential election.

I know it's difficult for you to accept, but a large portion of the country strongly dislikes Trump. What seems even harder for you to grasp is why they feel that way. Instead of engaging with the reasons people give, you dismiss them outright, which only highlights a lack of general understanding.

 

[m.knox]

As opposed to this?



Or this?



Trump and the whole MAGA Idiot Brigade are the biggest whiners and little b*tches on the planet. By far.

You really suck at this, knoxy.

LOL... You hang your hat on one day. I'll hang mine on a decade of you being unhinged.