With conditions in Ukraine still fluid, it’s hard to predict how the politics of gas prices will develop over the coming weeks and months. As the parties seek their advantage, though, it’s important to remember that the burdens are hardly imaginary. Americans premise some of their most important economic decisions on the assumption that fuel will be relatively cheap. That includes the selection of cars, residences, and employment. In the long term, consumers can adjust. In the coming weeks and months, though, it’s not so easy just to drive less.

For many Americans, then, quick price increases are more than a minor inconvenience. They’re a practical necessity that drains money from expenditures on food, clothing, and housing as well from from saving and discretionary spending. Since those goods have to be produced and shipped, moreover, costly energy raises their prices, too.

Gas prices may well continue to rise, and you can count on the administration to appeal to patriotic duty and shared sacrifice to justify the results. The truth is, neither Biden nor Putin is solely responsible for the situation. But denying it’s a real and growing problem? That’s what they call gaslighting.