US gas prices have climbed to a painful level, and this is bad for drivers, the economy, and Republicans heading into the midterms.

• Gas is averaging about $4.50 a gallon nationally, with some areas near $5 and diesel approaching $7, as the Iran conflict keeps oil expensive.
• People are rationing fill-ups and parking their trucks, and even loyal Trump allies like Marjorie Taylor Greene are now blaming the war for crushing the economy.
• Instead of addressing gas, Trump is announcing a new "AI Force" and an AI czar, claiming AI could be a quarter of the economy and that data centers will make communities rich.
• AI is already being used to target Iranian sites (a school strike tied to Palantir), to screen job applicants, and by DraftKings to find gamblers most likely to lose.
• Behind closed doors, Republicans expect to get crushed in the midterms as living costs keep rising.

Outlook: With no end to the Iran conflict in sight, gas prices are likely to stay high and voter anger to grow, no matter how much attention Trump gives AI.