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?But as they say, politics ain’t fair. Trump and the GOP campaigned on fixing the problems they inherited — particularly the economy — and voters gave them that chance. Trump explicitly vowed to turn things around very quickly, opting against asking the public for patience and forbearance. Roughly a year-and-a-half later, people aren’t feeling it. Problems that have indisputably been solved (e.g., the border crisis) are generally forgotten. OK, fine. Next. What have you done for me lately? Fairly or unfairly, Americans perceive the president to be unduly focused on foreign policy and matters beyond their bread-and-butter financial well-being. The temporary uncertainty and downside impacts stirred by his decision to visit accountability upon Iran’s “death to America” regime — a tough call that I strongly support as clearly in our nation’s longer-term interests — are also unpopular.