Blab Politics
Michael Burkentine Discusses Housing Crisis and the American Dream on Politically Unstable Podcast
On June 3, 2026, Michael Burkentine—a partner at Burkentine & Sons and co‑founder of the America First Policy Institute’s “Make Housing Great Again” initiative—tuned in to the Washington Times commentary show Politically Unstable, hosted by Kelly Sadler. The episode turned its focus on housing affordability and the erosion of the American Dream, drawing on recent surveys that reveal more than half of Americans now see the dream as out of reach.
Burkentine’s résumé blends real‑estate development with public‑policy advocacy. His LinkedIn profile lists experience as a company owner and author, while his personal website highlights his role with the America First Policy Institute. Launched in 2025, the “Make Housing Great Again” initiative seeks to increase affordable housing supply through public‑private partnerships and zoning reforms.
Sadler, a former White House aide and current Washington Times commentary editor, hosts Politically Unstable as a weekly podcast that dissects contemporary policy issues. In this episode, she and Burkentine examined how surging costs for education, housing, and transportation are reshaping the path to social mobility.
The conversation was anchored by fresh public‑opinion data. A CNBC/SurveyMonkey American Dream Pulse Survey released on June 9, 2026 reported that 51 % of U.S. adults say the American Dream is out of reach for most people. Conducted in March 2026, the survey notes that inflation and the cost of living are major factors. A similar mood appears in a March 15, 2026 USA Today article that quotes experts saying the dream “has shifted from opportunity to stability” amid rising expenses.
A national survey by Change Research, fielded April 3‑7, 2026 among 2,702 registered voters, also found that most voters rate inflation and the cost of living poorly, and a majority say the American Dream is either a thing of the past or was never as achievable as promised.
Using these findings, Burkentine and Sadler underscored the urgency of housing policy reforms. They cited the 2023 Housing Wage data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, which shows that full‑time workers would need to earn $28.58 per hour for a modest two‑bedroom home and $23.67 per hour for a one‑bedroom home to keep housing costs below 30 % of income. The data illustrate the widening gap between wages and affordable rents.
The episode also touched on broader socioeconomic trends. A 2026 Visaverge report points to record emigration and a housing crisis as contributing to the “slow death” of the American Dream. Rising debt, an uncertain labor market, and limited union membership—only 10 % of workers in 2024—are cited as factors that reduce upward mobility.
While the podcast did not include direct quotes from Burkentine or Sadler in the sources, the discussion highlighted policy options lawmakers are considering, such as inclusionary zoning mandates, tax incentives for affordable units, and expanded public housing programs.
The episode is available on the Washington Times website and on major podcast platforms. It adds to a growing body of public discourse that frames housing affordability as a central component of the American Dream. As lawmakers debate new housing legislation and voters weigh the impact of rising costs, the conversation on Politically Unstable remains timely and relevant.
Burkentine’s résumé blends real‑estate development with public‑policy advocacy. His LinkedIn profile lists experience as a company owner and author, while his personal website highlights his role with the America First Policy Institute. Launched in 2025, the “Make Housing Great Again” initiative seeks to increase affordable housing supply through public‑private partnerships and zoning reforms.
Sadler, a former White House aide and current Washington Times commentary editor, hosts Politically Unstable as a weekly podcast that dissects contemporary policy issues. In this episode, she and Burkentine examined how surging costs for education, housing, and transportation are reshaping the path to social mobility.
The conversation was anchored by fresh public‑opinion data. A CNBC/SurveyMonkey American Dream Pulse Survey released on June 9, 2026 reported that 51 % of U.S. adults say the American Dream is out of reach for most people. Conducted in March 2026, the survey notes that inflation and the cost of living are major factors. A similar mood appears in a March 15, 2026 USA Today article that quotes experts saying the dream “has shifted from opportunity to stability” amid rising expenses.
A national survey by Change Research, fielded April 3‑7, 2026 among 2,702 registered voters, also found that most voters rate inflation and the cost of living poorly, and a majority say the American Dream is either a thing of the past or was never as achievable as promised.
Using these findings, Burkentine and Sadler underscored the urgency of housing policy reforms. They cited the 2023 Housing Wage data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, which shows that full‑time workers would need to earn $28.58 per hour for a modest two‑bedroom home and $23.67 per hour for a one‑bedroom home to keep housing costs below 30 % of income. The data illustrate the widening gap between wages and affordable rents.
The episode also touched on broader socioeconomic trends. A 2026 Visaverge report points to record emigration and a housing crisis as contributing to the “slow death” of the American Dream. Rising debt, an uncertain labor market, and limited union membership—only 10 % of workers in 2024—are cited as factors that reduce upward mobility.
While the podcast did not include direct quotes from Burkentine or Sadler in the sources, the discussion highlighted policy options lawmakers are considering, such as inclusionary zoning mandates, tax incentives for affordable units, and expanded public housing programs.
The episode is available on the Washington Times website and on major podcast platforms. It adds to a growing body of public discourse that frames housing affordability as a central component of the American Dream. As lawmakers debate new housing legislation and voters weigh the impact of rising costs, the conversation on Politically Unstable remains timely and relevant.
