CNN’s John King commented on Wednesday that Joe Biden’s positive perspective on the economy under his leadership might upset some voters. In a recent report by research organization The Conference Board, job growth is predicted to slow down in the latter half of 2024 due to continued sluggish growth and high inflation. Despite this outlook, Biden asserted during a CNN interview that the economy is flourishing under his administration. However, King suggested on “The Lead with Jake Tapper” that Biden’s remarks could infuriate Americans who are struggling.
“He’s right on the numbers about the economic turnaround, but he is on very dangerous ground, Jake,” King remarked to host Jake Tapper. “He risks offending some of the voters I’ve talked to in my travels over the last six or seven months because they don’t feel it.” King pointed out that Biden’s assertion that “the polls are wrong” may not resonate with many Americans who are still grappling with challenges like factory closures, inflation, and the cost of living.
The economy remains the primary concern for 30% of voters as the 2024 presidential election approaches, according to a Gallup poll from March. Prices have continued to rise, showing a 3.5% year-over-year increase in March, a rate far exceeding the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Prices have not fallen below 3% since peaking at 9% in June 2022.
King acknowledged that economic data supports Biden’s claims of a robust economy, saying, “The statistics back up the president’s argument that the economy is much better and is growing and is strong, the strongest in the world.” However, he emphasized, “Voters don’t feel that way, and voters don’t like being told they’re wrong.”
In the first quarter of 2024, the American economy grew at a rate of 1.6%, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This growth fell short of economists’ anticipated 2.2% increase. Job growth has been largely driven by gains in government employment, averaging 55,000 jobs per month over the past year. April marked the sixth consecutive month of record government employment, with 23,271,000 workers.
Wisconsin voter and farmer Tom Oberhaus expressed his frustration to CNN about inflation, noting that government-reported figures do not reflect his experience. “We’re told by the government that, oh, 7% or 8% inflation or whatnot. We’re feeling more like it’s 25% inflation. You get your paycheck and it looks good. But then when you pay the bills off, it’s like, wow, it’s all gone already.”
The national debt, which surpassed $34 trillion at the beginning of 2024, is now nearing $34.6 trillion, according to the Treasury Department. Since Biden took office, the debt has risen by approximately $6.8 trillion.
Fire about 10,000,000 government employees and never notice the difference.