Whose fault is it when the cost of living surges to record levels? In a Gallup poll taken just before the midterm election, Americans identified inflation as the most important problem facing the nation. Poor government leadership also was named a problem—but does that mean anyone in government will actually be held accountable? Republicans castigate the Biden administration and congressional Democrats for reckless spending even as White House officials contend that Republican plans would make America’s fiscal situation worse. But rather than work out solutions to the budget deficits and indebtedness that exacerbate inflationary pressures, Congress seems incapable of making hard political choices.

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