What contradiction does the article highlight between Republican claims of a 'Golden Age' and voters' actual economic sentiment?

The article highlights a stark contradiction: while Republican leaders at the Dallas convention touted a 'Golden Age' driven by steady unemployment, stock market growth, and policy successes on immigration and manufacturing, polling data shows voters remain deeply anxious about the economy—evidenced by sliding consumer sentiment, persistently high inflation, surging fuel and mortgage rates, and only 35% of Republicans believing the government is doing a good job on the economy—the lowest such reading since Trump returned to the White House last year.

How does the article characterize the impact of rising energy and housing costs on the perceived benefits of Trump’s tax cuts and economic policies?

The article states that economists say rising energy costs have erased the cushion provided by Trump’s tax cuts, noting gasoline prices are at a record high for September ($4.30/gallon), while US 30-year mortgage rates recently hit a one-year high—undermining affordability despite higher IRS refunds (up 12% to $3,276 on average) and provisions like senior tax breaks and untaxed tips.

Trump’s ‘Golden Age’ Confronts Economic Angst That Threatens GOP

Sep 11, 2026

GOP convention attendees face voter anxiety over surging fuel and food prices, with gasoline at record highs and retailers planning hikes, challenging the administration's economic narrative ahead of midterms.

bloomberg

2026-09-11

Trump’s ‘Golden Age’ Confronts Economic Angst That Threatens GOP

Trump’s ‘Golden Age’ Confronts Economic Angst That Threatens GOP

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