Gaslit: Media Says Thanksgiving is More Affordable Than Ever
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Key Takeaways
- Americans balk at CNBC reports that a 10-person Thanksgiving dinner should only cost $58, saying the media is disconnected from reality.
- Many criticize media and political narratives which claim the economy is good, while their own wallets tell a different story.
- People disbelieve government and media reports, blaming Bidenomics for the economy and placing hope in Trump 2.0.
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters
Sample Size
7,800
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
7 Days
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
A viral report from CNBC claiming inflation is down triggered sharp criticism from Americans who are paying high prices in reality. The report claims, “The costs of this year’s holiday feast — estimated at $58.08 for a 10-person gathering, or $5.81 a head — dropped 5% since last year, the lowest level since 2021.” This drew outrage and ridicule from many online.
A live look at the $58.08 dinner for ten… https://t.co/bwWR9D2i6O pic.twitter.com/J6EDk0AAyX
— Carol Roth (@caroljsroth) November 25, 2024
Americans feel reports like this from legacy media outlets are disconnected from reality or hellbent on gaslighting the public into believing the economy is better than it is. Average households facing financial pressures from rent, groceries, and fuel feel acute strain as many point out wages are not keeping up with prices.
Public distrust in the media and political leadership is growing as people increasingly believe elites are telling them not to believe their lying eyes. Middle- and lower-income Americans point out that it’s easy for the media and political classes to shrug off inflation and believe the reports. But most families feel the financial squeeze shopping for Thanksgiving groceries.
Just got the most insane call from a liberal family friend who I argued with viciously throughout the election. He’s in his 60s, a successful businessman, but very liberal in the most boomer sense of the word, now lives in California.
— Disgraced Propagandist (@DisgracedProp) November 26, 2024
He called me and he said you were…
What Americans are Saying
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Skepticism Toward Inflation Reports
- Most people disbelieve claims that inflation is improving, citing their real-life financial burdens, rising prices, and stagnant wages.
- Some also point out that official job reports have repeatedly been revised down, revealing a lack of integrity in government data.
- Many scoff at the claim that $58 could cover Thanksgiving costs, based on their own shopping experiences.
Three months ago, my husband went to the grocery store with me for the first time in a very long time because I generally do that on my own and he freaked out because butter was almost 8 dollars. He goes if I am panicking about spending eight dollars on butter how are people in… pic.twitter.com/IO6nIm3t0v
— Insurrection Barbie (@DefiyantlyFree) November 7, 2024
Distrust in Media
- 62% of those discussing the report online say media outlets misrepresent economic conditions to favor Democratic narratives.
- Reports on Thanksgiving costs are seen as an attempt by a dying establishment to maintain the façade of their own power while downplaying voter financial struggles.
It costs $60 for a family of 4 to eat at McDonalds.
— John LeFevre (@JohnLeFevre) November 25, 2024
But NBC News wants you to believe that Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people is $58 - the most affordable in 40 years. pic.twitter.com/5IYmL48oQJ
Political Frustrations
Americans tie inflation concerns to broader political criticisms, particularly toward Joe Biden and Democratic leadership, often mentioning “Bidenomics.” They say things like copious foreign aid and unchecked immigration have drastically worsened domestic financial hardships. Conversations frequently highlight a disconnect between the realities of rising costs and the optimistic rhetoric presented by political elites.
Blame on Democratic Policies
- Voters view massive spending on foreign aid for places like Ukraine and Israel as diverting resources away from American citizens.
- Most believe Democrats have allowed open border policies, criticizing the increased competition for housing, jobs, and social services.
- Some say government spending is out of control, citing Kamala Harris’s outrageous campaign expenditures as symbolic of Democratic fiscal irresponsibility.
Corporate Accountability
- Democrats have religiously placed blame on corporations for price gouging, claiming they exploit consumers—and some voters accept this explanation.
- Among Democratic voters, there is support for reforms targeting corporate practices that reportedly contribute to inflation.
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Partisan Divide and Calls for Reform
Reactions are split, with conservatives overwhelmingly critical of the Biden administration and media narratives. A smaller group, mostly Democrats, defends inflation reports as misunderstood. However, this defense is largely drowned out by anger and despair.
Economic challenges under Democratic leadership have created an opening for conservative narratives emphasizing fiscal responsibility and populist policies. Many are excited and hopeful for a return to Trump-era economic stability, particularly middle- and lower-income voters.
Structural Changes
- Voters demand tax cuts on essentials to counter inflation.
- Many want to reduce foreign aid, shore up the border, and foster wage growth.
- Supporters argue Trump-era economic policies delivered greater stability, calling for trust in his economic strategies.
Predictive Analysis Heading into Trump 2.0
If depressed and strained sentiments persist, economic concerns will likely continue to dominate the first months of Trump’s second administration.
Conservatives in Congress may be successful in leveraging frustration over the economy and skepticism toward Democratic leadership to implement meaningful policies. Under Trump, expect a sharper focus on fiscal accountability, corporate and government reform, and reducing the disconnect between political rhetoric and economic realities.
Democrats, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to regain voter trust. Bridging the gap between optimistic narratives and reality is critical. However, some believe once Trump retakes the White House, media narratives could dramatically shift from optimism to doom and gloom. If this happens, it’s likely the legacy media will continue to lose cachet with the people.
The GOP has an opportunity to frame itself as the party of practical solutions and working-class advocacy, provided it can implement tangible solutions and improve people’s financial situations.
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