Trump has continued to defend his administration’s economic record, arguing that his policies are strengthening the U.S. economy even as polls show widespread dissatisfaction over the cost of living.

Vance, meanwhile, has adopted a more sympathetic tone on the campaign trail, acknowledging that many Americans continue to feel financially squeezed by higher prices while arguing that the administration needs more time for its policies to produce results.

At several campaign rallies, the vice president has urged voters to be patient, telling audiences that “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

Trump has taken a more assertive approach. While traveling to a campaign event in Texas last week, the president gave himself an “A+” when asked to assess his performance and argued that Republicans need to do a better job of promoting the administration’s economic record.

The competing messages come as affordability remains a major concern for voters.

An AP-NORC poll conducted September 24-28 found that only 17% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, while 82% disapprove. His overall economic approval stood at 26%, a new low in the survey.

The poll also found that 65% of Americans primarily blame Trump’s policies for persistently high prices rather than factors outside his control. About half of adults said they were extremely or very concerned about being able to afford essentials such as food and gasoline.

Economic dissatisfaction has become an important issue for Republicans as the midterms approach, with control of Congress at stake.

Trump continues to argue that his economic agenda is delivering results, while Vance has sought to acknowledge voters’ frustration while making the case that the administration should be given more time to bring down costs.

The contrast highlights a challenge for the Republican campaign: persuading voters to credit the administration’s economic policies while many households say they have yet to feel meaningful relief from higher living costs.