Democrats are feeling good about the midterms in November. Oil prices continue to surge as a result of the war in Iran, and President Donald Trump and the GOP were already struggling to show Americans that they care about affordability.

Although he won office in 2024 promising to tame inflation, Trump has failed to bring down the prices straining family budgets. Polls consistently show that most Americans don’t trust him on the economy—and for good reason. Mainstream economists broadly agree that his chaotic, now-unconstitutional tariff program has only made things worse. Rising oil prices are already hitting the gas pump and will ripple through the cost of goods across the board if conditions continue.

Democrats are feeling good about the midterms in November. Oil prices continue to surge as a result of the war in Iran, and President Donald Trump and the GOP were already struggling to show Americans that they care about affordability.

Although he won office in 2024 promising to tame inflation, Trump has failed to bring down the prices straining family budgets. Polls consistently show that most Americans don’t trust him on the economy—and for good reason. Mainstream economists broadly agree that his chaotic, now-unconstitutional tariff program has only made things worse. Rising oil prices are already hitting the gas pump and will ripple through the cost of goods across the board if conditions continue.

Making matters worse, Trump has revealed little interest in actually tackling the issue—besides saying that the entire concern is the newest version of fake news, and that the price hikes caused by his war are temporary.

Critics rightly argue, however, that Democrats have not offered a clear alternative. Voters know what the party is against—but what is it for? Many voters remain uncertain about what Democrats would do if they returned to power.

As Democrats search for answers, they should reclaim key parts of Joe Biden’s record, rather than run from it. Yes, inflation and immigration hurt Biden, the administration did not use the funds that Congress appropriated for his programs fast enough, and he failed to stop Trump—but the last president built a serious federal agenda and made real progress on the pressures crushing U.S. families: jobs, housing, health care, energy, education, and child care.

Perhaps the most important component of Biden’s agenda was to invest in the good jobs of the future rather than offering nostalgic appeals to the past. “If we invest now,” the president said, “boldly, smartly, and with an unwavering focus on American workers and families, we will strengthen our economy, reduce inequity, and put our nation’s long term finances on a more sustainable course.”

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 injected $1.2 trillion dollars to support essential........

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