Joe Biden lambasted for suggesting Americans ‘have money to spend’ amid growing inflation struggles
WASHINGTON, DC: In a rare interview on Wednesday, May 8, President Joe Biden declined to acknowledge the potential electoral impact of Americans' struggles with inflation.
While a thriving economy could bolster confidence in Biden's leadership, the persistent inflation issue poses a significant threat to his electoral prospects.
View this post on Instagram
Despite concerns from voters and critical poll results, President Biden defended his handling of inflation during a visit to Wisconsin, where he highlighted his economic record and announced Microsoft’s investment in a new factory.
Per Daily Mail, during his interview with CNN anchor Erin Burnett, she reminded him that grocery prices have risen by 30%, reflecting the growing anxiety among voters.
How did Joe Biden address the concern of inflation among American voters?
In his interview with CNN, the 81-year-old incumbent president claimed that the polls are wrong and US citizens have more cash in their pockets, saying, “They have the money to spend.”
President Biden acknowledged that there is inflation, which was a significant factor in his decline in popularity during the first part of his presidency.
“It is real, but the fact is that if you take a look at what people have, they have the money to spend,” the Commander-in-Chief claimed.
Furthermore, the Democrat statesman held “greedy corporations” responsible for consumers' lack of confidence.
“It angers them and it angers me that you have to spend more. For example, the whole idea of this notion that you have... shrinkflation... It's like 20% less for the same price, that is corporate greed. It is corporate greed and we've got to deal with it,” Biden explained.
View this post on Instagram
According to a recent CNN poll, President Joe Biden's approval ratings for the economy and inflation were negative, garnering only 34% and 29% approval on those specific criteria respectively.
Interestingly, voters consider the economy as one of their top concerns when they cast their ballots for a presidential candidate.
Regarding the numbers, President Biden questioned the validity of phone surveys, saying, "The polling data has been wrong all along."
View this post on Instagram
In response to a query about whether he was running out of time to improve people's perceptions of him less than six months before Election Day, the POTUS pointed out, "We've already turned it around."
“I think I'm feeling good about the trajectory of the campaign. And, and you know, as far as I do, most people don't really focus and make up their mind till the fall. There's a lot going on,” he noted.
View this post on Instagram
President Joe Biden's physical well-being continues to be a matter of concern in the minds of American voters as well.
The President, who will turn 82 just weeks after Election Day on November 5th, is now already the oldest sitting president in US history, with Donald Trump being 77 years of age.
Furthermore, according to Gallup polling, his approval rating remains at a low 38 percent.
Internet lambasts Joe Biden for suggesting Americans ‘have money to spend'
One X user remarked, "Most out-of-touch president ever."
Another user wrote, "He is the most clueless president this country has ever had and that is the way history will remember him."
He is the most clueless president this country has ever had and that is the way history will remember him.
— Old School Eddie (@Old_SchoolEddie) May 9, 2024
Another user claimed, "We don't have money to spend, what is he talking about, this is why part time employment is up. People have to take second jobs to afford what they NEED!"
We don't have money to spend, what is he talking about, this is why part time employment is up. People have to take second jobs to afford what they NEED!
— Mavjones.com (@Mavjonesdotcom) May 9, 2024
One X user said, "With real wages down 5% under Biden, I'm not sure what money he thinks we have to spend."
With real wages down 5% under Biden, I'm not sure what money he thinks we have to spend.
— Dr. Doom Shakalaka (@Trapalon2000) May 9, 2024
Another user remarked, "Beautif(ull)y said. That is the only commercial the republicans need to run, full stop!"
Beautify said. That is the only commercial the republicans need to run, full stop!
— mark back (@markback9) May 9, 2024
A user tweeted, "the "Let them eat cake" moment."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.