Democrats hold a 7-point advantage over Republicans on economic and affordability issues in several recent national polls as voters prepare for November midterms. An Economist/YouGov poll found 39% said Democrats handle the economy better, compared with 32% for Republicans, while Reuters/Ipsos found Democrats leading on cost of living by 36% to 28%, their largest advantage since that question began last October. CNBC's All America Economic survey likewise identified food and grocery costs as voters' top concern and found Democrats ahead by 7 points on handling the issue. Seventy percent of adults in the Reuters/Ipsos survey disapproved of President Donald Trump's handling of living costs. Inflation readings differed by measure: the consumer price index showed annual inflation easing to 3.4% in July from 3.5% in June, still above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, while the personal consumption expenditures price index rose 0.2% from June and showed annual inflation of 3.7%; inflation-adjusted consumer spending was unchanged after rising 0.4% in June. Republicans have acknowledged high prices but largely downplayed affordability, with Trump calling the term a Democratic invention, Vice President JD Vance saying groceries cost what they cost, and Sen. Darline Graham drawing criticism for remarks about her family's experience with illness and healthcare. Analysts said the messaging could appear out of touch as tariffs, the war with Iran and elevated food, fuel and healthcare costs weigh on households.