But inflation is affecting virtually everything, including the price of food. Then there are knock-on effects, such as mortgage rates that have risen sharply, making it harder for people to buy homes.

The visceral way in which inflation is felt is blocking out the other, more positive economic news, and the fear is palpable among Democrats as they look toward November

Inflation is “noticeable because people know if they are paying more than they did last time they were at the grocery store or at the gas station,” said Democratic strategist and ad-maker Bill Carrick.

By contrast, Carrick noted, a strong job market is not felt so universally, being relevant mainly to people who are seeking a job or to employers. He suggested that when people do find a job, they are more likely to credit their own endeavors than the government — a stark difference to how they view inflation or gas prices.