# OK, Dems. What's the Plan? Affordability **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [September 30, 2026, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494 "2026-09-30T22:34:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/61 "2026-10-01T19:30:28Z")
NJ used to have lower gas prices than the surrounding states (maybe still do) and practically none of them in my area have a store attached. NYC gas stations also basically never have a grocery store attached. Plus, in NJ, it’s very, very expensive to get a liquor license to sell beer. Anyway, my point is, I’m dubious. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/62 "2026-10-01T19:31:54Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > If I can correct my last post – this statement is true. No filibuster reform required. And, the Dems can do what the GOP did- limit the filibuster, not dump it entirely. > [@QuickSilver](#): > > I think that if SNAP, medicaid and ACA subsidies are restored, that will be a very good thing. But to the voters on the street, it will feel like a return to the status quo, i.e.: the way things should have been all along, rather than a win in the Dem column for the next election. Not if their own ACA costs go way down. > [@DeadTreasSecretaries](#): > > The actual problem right now is inflation, not price level. Genuine deflation would be much worse economically than 4-5% inflation. The smart policy goal would be to reduce price inflation to less than 3% Neither the President nor Congress can reliably effect the inflation rate, except maybe over years. > [@RitterSport](#): > > Finally, if we make it clear that we 100% back Ukraine, maybe Russia will declare victory and leave, another source of high gas prices. That is a maybe, but it is a Good idea even if it does not work immediately. > [@QuickSilver](#): > > Belgium recently refused to release $80B of frozen Russian assets to benefit Ukraine. I How can releasing Russian assets help Ukraine? ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/63 "2026-10-01T19:37:47Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > NJ used to have lower gas prices than the surrounding states (maybe still do) and practically none of them in my area have a store attached. I immediately thought of NJ too because I used to live there. In Michigan where I grew up it’s not uncommon to leave your car and run into the store. In NJ you’re not even allowed to get out of your car. But if only one state is not participating in this loss leader scheme I’m not sure it would have an impact on the overall economics of gasoline. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/64 "2026-10-01T19:46:15Z")
Fair point! But even still, the norm is to advertise your prices outside of your shop. Where I am, gas stations litter every corner. I have tons of choices of where to go. It does not cost me more to drive across the street to save $1. So the gas stations are at war with their pricing, trying to entice everyone to make the turn into their bays, or cross the street to their pumps. So gas pricing will still follow the commodity ups and downs, because as soon as one station lowers their pricing, they all have to follow suit or lose customers. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/65 "2026-10-01T19:49:47Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > From what I understand, at least in America, consumer gas pricing is a loss leader for gas stations. Lower prices get people to choose their store, and then come in and buy beer, cigarettes, pop, candy and other snacks, which is where they make their money. Those prices inside the store have gone up and will stay up. The price outside on the sign will come down as soon as gas costs less for the station to buy, because the price outside on the sign is a big advertisement for you to stop and get other stuff. This is generally, directionally true, but I’m going to hide this link as a likely off-topic point: > **SOURCE** > > **[Gas Station Profit Margins Explained | Gas Station Trader](https://www.gasstationtrader.com/guides/gas-station-profit-margins/)** ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/66 "2026-10-01T19:51:12Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > So gas pricing will still follow the commodity ups and downs Yeah, but all pricing, unless there’s a monopoly, generally goes up and down with input prices. Maybe slower than gas prices, but still works. ---
**Author:** ![DeadTreasSecretaries](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deadtreassecretaries/32/4817_2.png) [@DeadTreasSecretaries](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadTreasSecretaries)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/67 "2026-10-01T20:08:50Z")
Yes. Any individual market has quirks to it but broadly prices actually do rise and fall with supply and demand when markets are able to operate. Even monopolies and cartels typically push prices up by constraining their output - so that supply can’t rise to meet the demand. ---
**Author:** ![Hawkeyeop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/958977/32.png) [@Hawkeyeop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hawkeyeop)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/68 "2026-10-01T20:21:38Z")
Eh 12-5 seems way too high for just about anyone’s faith in the Democratic party. I think is more like the Democrats went 6-11 and got fired and the replacement went 2-15. Sure people will likely vote Democratic this election because the current guy is awful, but if all you do is undo the bad stuff of the current guy is not going to make you popular and a fair bit of people are going to think we are losing either way so what does it matter.. I think the Democratic need major platforms on things increasing housing, protecting jobs from AI, regulating data centers and rooting out corruption. And yeah they will be somewhat limited in Washington on this, but they should controls plenty of state and cities so really should be able to show some substantial improvements if only at a smaller scale. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/69 "2026-10-01T20:28:38Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > How can releasing Russian assets help Ukraine? Are you asking how 80B of Russian assets to Ukraine can help Ukraine? ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/70 "2026-10-01T20:31:05Z")
never mind ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2026, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/71 "2026-10-01T22:42:49Z")
> [@DeadTreasSecretaries](#): > > Correcting myself, Trump did end up signing it. Trump did not sign it or veto it and, after ten days, it became law automatically. The real problem is that the Dems can’t do a damned thing except pile up a list of vetoes that they can point to as working towards affordability. Of course, if enough Reps in both houses decide to they could override, but there seems to be 0 chance of that. ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2026, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/72 "2026-10-02T20:03:08Z")
> [@Hawkeyeop](#): > > if all you do is undo the bad stuff of the current guy is not going to make you popular I see no evidence that doing more than undoing the bad stuff of the current guy is going to make them popular either. See: The ACA. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2026, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/73 "2026-10-02T20:27:22Z")
If enough people get ticked off at Trump, undoing his garbage _will_ make Democrats popular, at least for a while. (The public is notoriously fickle.) But regardless, the question in this thread wasn’t, “What do Democrats do to get more people to like them?” It was, “What could they realistically do to address affordability?” ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2026, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/74 "2026-10-02T22:48:04Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > Strangle Trump’s ability to continue the war. A few people have suggested this, but I’m unclear on how it would play out? Ending the war and bringing oil prices down would be the biggest win for affordability, but do the Dems have the mechanisms to do it? They would have to negotiate an opening of the strait, but I think it would be easy for the administration to sabotage any agreement. I’m not saying it can’t be done; I’m asking how it could be done. I’m frustrated with the Dems inheriting wars and financial crises that they didn’t create, then be punished for it. If the Dems can’t improve the price of oil and the associated inflation, maybe they would be better to focus on some of the other suggestions (tariffs and ACA). ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2026, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/75 "2026-10-02T23:00:03Z")
> [@CaveMike](#): > > but do the Dems have the mechanisms to do it? They would have to negotiate an opening of the strait, but I think it would be easy for the administration to sabotage any agreement. Should they try that, be prepared to hear “The Logan Act” until you’re sick of it. > **[Logan Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logan_Act)** > > The Logan Act (1 Stat. 613, 18 U.S.C. § 953,) is a United States federal law that criminalizes the negotiation of a dispute between the United States and a foreign government by an unauthorized American citizen. It is intended to prevent unauthorized negotiations from undermining the U.S. government's position. The Act was passed following George Logan's unauthorized negotiations with France in 1798; it was signed into law by President John Adams on January 30, 1799. The Act was amended in 1994... ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2026, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/76 "2026-10-02T23:36:56Z")
> [@CaveMike](#): > > A few people have suggested this, but I’m unclear on how it would play out? War Powers Act. The President has to get authorization from Congress. The House passed taking away the authorization, but the Senate whiffed. And I am pretty sure he can not veto it. ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2026, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/77 "2026-10-03T00:01:39Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > War Powers Act. Yeah, sorry I wasn’t clear with my point. Congress can try to enforce their war powers or cut funding, but how does that translate to opening the strait and lowering oil prices? The administration can continue to antagonize Iran and force the status quo. Iran has said they would reopen the strait if the US withdraws. Congress can try to force a withdrawal in hopes that they do, but if Iran wants anything else (e.g. easing sanctions), then we’re back to the administration. I think the administration would resist Congress forcing a withdrawal and it would be a mess. Alternately, the administration could declare mission accomplished, withdraw, and take the credit before Congress even acts. This is a good outcome for Americans, but not for the Dems. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2026, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/78 "2026-10-03T00:04:36Z")
> [@CaveMike](#): > > Yeah, sorry I wasn’t clear with my point. Congress can try to enforce their war powers or cut funding, but how does that translate to opening the strait and lowering oil prices? Well, yeah. You got two of the biggest criminal liars in the world going head to head over the Strait. But maybe if trump sees the writing on the wall he will do as you say- > [@CaveMike](#): > > Alternately, the administration could declare mission accomplished, withdraw, and take the credit before Congress even acts. This is a good outcome for Americans, but not for the Dems. Not too bad for the Dems if they force his hand. ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2026, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/79 "2026-10-03T00:17:53Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Not too bad for the Dems if they force his hand. I agree. I would prefer the war to end even if the Dems don’t get “credit” – it’s the right thing. But the Dems should go in with open eyes. If they’re not going to get credit for ending the war, then they need to make sure they have some other wins in the column: tariffs, ACA, boosting wages, etc. They need to be able to show they are addressing affordability across income brackets. ---
**Author:** ![DeadTreasSecretaries](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/deadtreassecretaries/32/4817_2.png) [@DeadTreasSecretaries](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadTreasSecretaries)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2026, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494/80 "2026-10-03T01:35:27Z")
As far as electoral strategy goes, Trump is going to get blamed for inflation/affordability as long as he is president. It is true that if Trump does nothing, Iran can continue to try and block Middle Eastern trade and it won’t help the economic effects of the war domestically. The most drastic thing the democrats could do is simply block defense spending. One (unlikely) outcome of this would be that Trump accepts that congress undermined his negotiating position and just agree to whatever it takes to get Iran to reopen the strait. More likely, it turns into a standoff and trade becomes more dangerous, the potential advantage of this be that Trump and the GOP would take the heat for worsening affordability. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-dems-whats-the-plan-affordability/1033494.md?page=5)