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Midterm Elections Highlight Affordability Crisis for Americans

1/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Affordability is emerging as a crucial issue ahead of the US midterm elections.
A University of Texas law professor says sluggish wage growth, housing policy, and rising personal debt hinder many from reaching middle-class status.
Claire Jones, US economics editor for the Financial Times, presents this analysis on The Economics Show.
The Economics Show is produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval, with contributions from Manuela Saragosa and music by Breen Turner.

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Story summary

Affordability is emerging as a crucial issue ahead of the US midterm elections.
A University of Texas law professor says sluggish wage growth, housing policy, and rising personal debt hinder many from reaching middle-class status.
Claire Jones, US economics editor for the Financial Times, presents this analysis on The Economics Show.
The Economics Show is produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval, with contributions from Manuela Saragosa and music by Breen Turner.