America won the war on inflation. You still think the economy stinks

Inflation has been tamed. Consumers are spending like crazy. Companies have more jobs available than job seekers to fill them. What more could you want, America?

Inflation has been tamed. Consumers are spending like crazy. Companies have more jobs available than job seekers to fill them. What more could you want, America? That may well be Vice President Kamala Harris’ inner monologue. The US economy is undeniably on fire, the envy of the rest of the world. But Americans still say it’s crap, and a significant number of voters blame her and President Joe Biden for failing to make enough improvements to Americans’ financial situations over the past four years. Although sentiment is improving (more on that soon), poll after poll suggests that Americans hold largely negative views about the US economy. That’s because the economy is more than a bunch of numbers you see reported on CNN in fancy graphics: When you pay $13 for a tuna sandwich, that leaves a hole in your wallet. When you can’t afford to buy a home, you feel shut out of the American Dream. That’s a big reason why this election is such a nailbiter. First, let’s review the strength of the US economy. Jobs: The biggest indicator of economic security is whether or not you have a job, and a historically high percentage of people do. Even though the unemployment rate has been ticking higher over the past year, at 4.1%, it remains at a very healthy level, rising incrementally from the lowest unemployment rate since the first moon landing.