Biden Comments On Inflation During Interview Debated
Former President Trump’s son, Eric Trump, took aim at President Biden on Wednesday for downplaying concerns about the U.S. economy and falsely claiming he inherited 9% inflation when he took office in January. “What a clown,” Eric Trump wrote on X, sharing a report of Biden’s remarks. Biden’s factually incorrect claim came during a rare interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett on Wednesday evening when he was asked about low consumer confidence in the economy under his leadership.
During the interview, Biden dismissed polls showing voters disapprove of his handling of the economy and said these voters trust Trump more on the issue, claiming the polling was erroneous. This comes as a new Gallup poll, published on Thursday, indicates that Americans are concerned about rising home prices and view the current housing market as poor. 68% of Americans predict higher home prices, while 76% say it is a bad time to buy a house.
The 81-year-old president also presented an idyllic view of the economy, insisting that “we’ve already turned it around” and that Americans are “personally in good shape” economically. However, Burnett pushed back on these claims, citing CNN polling data that shows a majority of Americans are worried about the current state of the economy. In response, Biden wrote off the entire network, saying, “The polling data has been wrong all along.”
Former Obama adviser and CNN political analyst David Axelrod also criticized Biden’s defiant stance on the economy, calling it a “terrible mistake” that could cost him the upcoming election. “The idea that we’re in a situation where things are so bad,” Biden said during the interview. “They’re experiencing it through the lens of the cost of living. And he is a man who’s built his career on empathy. Why not lead with the empathy?” Axelrod questioned. He continued, “And I think he’s making a terrible mistake… If he doesn’t win this race, it may not be Donald Trump that beats him. It may be his own pride.”
What a clown https://t.co/B5qHPrzFTO
— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) May 9, 2024
Biden’s comments come amid growing concerns about inflation and rising costs for everyday goods such as groceries and gas. The White House has dismissed criticism, with a spokesperson saying that the coronavirus pandemic, which was in full force when Biden took office, has played a major role in the current state of the economy. However, polling data and economic indicators show that most Americans are feeling the effects of inflation and are worried about the future of the economy.
Inflation has been a hot topic in recent months, with the U.S. experiencing the highest inflation rate in nearly 13 years. As inflation continues to rise, Americans are seeing a decrease in their real income and are struggling to keep up with the rising costs of goods and services. This has led to a decrease in consumer confidence, as reflected in various polls. Many experts believe that this could have serious implications for the economy in the long run if inflation is not brought under control.
President Biden’s remarks about the economy and inflation have drawn criticism not just from Republicans, but from members of his own party as well. Some Democrats have expressed concerns that Biden’s failure to address the current economic situation with more empathy and urgency could hurt the party’s chances in future elections. With midterms approaching in 2022, the economy will likely be a key issue for voters, and Democrats are worried that Biden’s comments may not resonate with the American people.
The Biden administration has been working to address inflation and other economic concerns, such as supply chain disruptions and labor shortages. The White House has also defended its economic record, pointing to the high number of jobs created and the strong economic growth. However, critics continue to point out the rising costs and negative impact on everyday Americans. As the economy remains a top concern for many Americans, it is likely to remain a contentious issue in the upcoming elections and for the remainder of President Biden’s term in office.