If that were truly the case, then why do the public opinion polls show the majority of people believe the economy is in bad shape? Perception is more important than reality and the MSM/Dems help shape that perception. 4.6% unemployment, low inflation, record stock market highs, and robust economic growth, the highest among major industrialized countries, is the reality.
That's how they perceive everybody else's affairs.
You forgot a crucial figure. Basically, average hourly incomes are dropping. Inflation has eaten away more than the rate they are climbing. Gas going down helps alot. But for lower skill folks, those making less than $14.00 an hour, they are doing alot worse lately because of inflation. A 2.5% raise when inflation is 3.1% really doesn't make you feel that special. But when you consider that more than 50% of Americans make less than $14.00 an hour, that is where the angst is coming from. If you are educated, in a good field, the economy is perking right back up.