I do agree with the object permanence issue. But your the only one putting "feels over reals". Like who votes based on comparative affordability to other nations. You vote based on your own situation.
I still blame the dems more though. One canidate is saying the economy is great, the other is saying that he will fix the economy. Many people were struggling to put food on the table their votes or lack thereof make sense.
Of course things just got worse, but you know you could at least try to campaign to the average person's concerns.