Ultimately, most elections are about The Economy

An not just the actually economy, but how the average person perceives it, and is affected by it.
How easy is it get a mortgage? Buy groceries? This article explains it well:

What Just Happened - it was the economy, stupid.

The link doesn't allow me to cut and paste quotes. But the article goes through a list of many strong points, that basically add up to many Americans feel shut out of the American Dream. Half of Americans are spending 30% or more on rent or mortgage payments, which are a stressful burden. Inflation has slowed, but prices are still rising. The article says a lot more, it's worth reading the whole thing. I think it really explains well, what we are seeing here.