In what universe does inflation get measured in inches? Inside Joe Biden’s head, that’s where. In other news, the average temperate this week will be seven feet higher than last week and we’re now measuring hours in ounces rather than seconds.
When speaking to Scott Pelley on 60 Minutes Sunday night, Biden was asked directly about the highest inflation rate the country has seen in 40 years. His response? Well, it’s not that bad, Scott, it’s only up an inch from last month.
Among several notable exchanges from Sunday’s interview, this one perhaps demonstrates the most out-of-touch moment of the Biden presidency.
60 Min: "What can you do better to lower inflation?"
Biden: "inflation rate month to month was just up an inch."
60 Min:"You're not arguing 8.3% is good news?"
Biden: "You're acting like all of a sudden 'my God it went to 8.2%'"
60 Min: "It's the highest rate in 40 years." pic.twitter.com/DEwugGct4d
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 19, 2022
Biden’s basic answer:
“Yes, Scott, people are having trouble affording groceries and other things, but it’s fine and we’re doing fine. After all, energy prices have come down even though they’re still obscenely higher than when I took office!”
This is why Salena Zito, writing in the Washington Examiner, called this Biden’s “Versailles problem” where his complete detachment from the economic reality of average households is on full display:
The new inflation data showed a deeply troubling increase : Core inflation was 6.3% in August, up from 5.9% in July; the Dow plunged a staggering 1,200 points on the news that inflation had only barely slowed down to 8.3%.
“The future of America’s bright and the promise of America is real. It is real!” Biden shouted, counting on the strength of his own assertion to overpower the reality.
It is not lost on average voters, for Biden or for Trump, that this administration is wildly out of touch with the crippling effects that inflation is having on their lives. Eggs are 40% more expensive than a year ago, coffee 18%, groceries generally 11%. You don’t have to be a Republican to be unhappy with that.
Biden’s tone-deafness continued the following day, which was spent in Michigan, lecturing people whose median income is $36,842 that they ought to buy an electric car to save money. In much of the Detroit area, the $62,900 Cadillac Lyriq EV that Biden drove as a stunt at his publicity event costs more than a three-bedroom, two-bath home with a detached garage.
It’s a problem that Biden seems woefully unaware of. Where do people come up with the money needed to purchase an electric vehicle to take advantage of a federal tax credit to buy one? Isn’t that the absolute last thing on most people’s minds? “We’re having trouble affording our grocery bill, let’s go shop for a Tesla since we can get that generous tax credit.”
Biden’s had many “let them eat cake” moments concerning inflation which is basically his only strategy. Downplay it, ignore it, and take no responsibility for it. That’s the Biden game plan where the buck never stops in the Oval Office. It’s always someone else’s fault and it has been since Day One.
There’s just no empathy in Biden’s answer. No “I understand Scott, which is why we’re working all the levers of government to drive down prices and bring stability to the economy.” None of that, it’s just deny, deny, deny.
Is there such a thing as an “inflation denier”? That’s what Biden is.
Once again, the fundamentals of the midterm elections haven’t changed. Biden’s still filled with denialism about his entire first two years where he presided over the highest inflation rate in four decades. His administration was slow to act and when it did act, it made the situation worse.
Far from empathizing, Biden is displaying his ability to tell you to shut up and stop complaining, it’s all fine, Jack!
