Gas or groceries, not both

Amazon delivery driver Quinten Martinez in South Texas faces an impossible choice each week: fill his tank or buy food. Gas prices have made this decision a reality for millions of working Americans.

“Is it going to be groceries this week? Is it gonna be getting gas in our tank to go to work?”

Trump calls it a bargain

President Trump dismissed concerns about surging gas prices, calling them a small price to pay for the war with Iran. He said the cost is worth preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

“It's a very inexpensive price to pay for what we've done.”

Voters overwhelmingly disagree

Interviews across multiple states reveal bipartisan frustration. Working-class Americans say the trade-off between national security and their ability to afford daily life simply isn't worth it.

“I don't feel like it's a good trade-off. I don't feel like this is good for anyone.”

National average hits $4.48

Gas prices reached $4.48 per gallon on Friday, up 17 cents in a week, 40 cents in a month, and $1.27 from a year ago. Prices are rising at a time when drivers usually get seasonal relief.

Why gas prices matter most

Republican strategist Chris Wilson says gas prices are one of the few economic indicators voters experience in real time, multiple times a week. The constant visibility makes them politically powerful.

“Gas prices matter because they're one of the few economic indicators voters experience and see in real time.”

Even Trump voters are frustrated

Dan Lloyd, a 63-year-old carpenter who voted for Trump, paid $4.39 a gallon in Arizona and said the president hurt himself with the Iran war. Yet he still plans to vote Republican in the midterms.

“He hurt himself stepping into this.”

Some voters shrug it off

Kristin Jimenez, a small business owner in Texas, said gas prices have been high under both parties and doesn't factor them into her voting decision. She plans to vote Republican as the lesser of two evils.

“We don't mind paying $8 for a cup of coffee at Starbucks, but we have a problem paying four bucks at the pump?”

Small business owners squeezed

Garth Johnson runs a deep-cleaning business in Michigan with multiple gas-powered vehicles. Diesel hit $6.79 a gallon, and though he voted for Trump, he's uncertain about voting Republican in November.

“I'm a little guy and I've got to live my life.”

Democrats see opportunity

Independent voters and Democrats are motivated to punish Republicans at the ballot box. Teacher Brittney Bivins in North Carolina said Trump seems disconnected from everyday people struggling with costs.

“He really doesn't care about everyday people. He can afford the gas, but most of us can't.”

Poll shows economy is top concern

A Fox News survey found 61 percent of voters say gas prices are a major household problem, up from 48 percent two years ago. By 15 points, voters trust Democrats more to handle inflation and prices.

Two-thirds say economy worsened

Nearly 63 percent of voters say Trump's administration has made the economy worse, up from 52 percent a year ago. Even one-quarter of Republicans agree, and only 46 percent of Republicans say the economy improved.

Rural areas see no winning

In South Texas, where Trump made gains in recent elections, voters say they don't see the economic benefits the president touts. They see daily struggles, not the wins Trump describes.

“You don't see any of the winning, you don't see any of the ups that he's talking about. You just see struggles for day to day life.”