Pew survey finds most Americans, including Republicans, say income falls short of desired life

A majority of Americans, including 52% of Republicans and Republican-leaning adults, say they lack enough income to lead the life they want, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted July 20 to Aug. 9 and released Oct. 14. Nearly two-thirds of Democrats and Democratic-leaning adults agreed. The report comes as consumer prices rose 3.7% over the past year and about 30% since January 2020. Forty-four percent of adults reported difficulty affording at least one basic necessity in the past year, including 28% who struggled to pay for medical care and 21% who had trouble paying rent or mortgage. Pew found only three demographic groups with majorities saying their income suffices: adults 65 and older, upper-income Americans and those with bachelor's degrees. Seven in 10 Americans said they have cut back on discretionary spending. A separate Pew report found the share of Republicans calling economic conditions "excellent" or "good" fell to 36% in October from 49% in January, with 35% saying Trump's policies have made the economy worse, up from 18%.