Several months ago, we devoted a column to reviewing the electoral predicament the Republican Party found itself in. Ten weeks later, the situation has not improved. Voters are deeply dissatisfied with the U.S. economy, a political reality that has created a drag on President Donald Trump and his party.

Rejoinders and excuses abound — and some of them are factually compelling. For instance, multiple elements of the economic picture are relatively or objectively strong, and a number of key indicators are in better shape than they were under the previous administration. A crushing across-the-board tax increase was averted, no thanks to the Democrats. Speaking of whom, the inflation-fueled “affordability” crisis was inflamed by the foolish policies of the previous president and his congressional allies. Why should the authors of the mess be entrusted with cleaning it up, after so little time has passed?