Robert Reich Urges Democrats to Campaign on Living Costs

Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich is advising Democratic candidates for the November 3 midterm elections to center their campaigns on the declining affordability of daily life. Reich argues that policies under the second Trump administration have increased financial burdens on average Americans, specifically citing tariffs that cost households between $1,000 and $1,100 annually.

Reich further attributes rising energy and food prices to a war in Iran that has disrupted oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. He also points to Republican cuts to the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Medicaid, as well as the removal of clean energy subsidies, as primary drivers of increased costs for families.

While Donald Trump maintains the economy is performing well based on Wall Street and S&P 500 corporate earnings, Reich cites a July jobs report showing a loss of 23,000 jobs and a drop in August consumer sentiment as evidence of working-class struggle. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy has also criticized the president, stating that the administration has lost sight of affordability and convenience for American families.