WASHINGTON (Fwrd Axis) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday vowed his administration will fight inflation and lower consumer prices, attempting to address a top concern of voters ahead of the midterms in November.
Speaking from the White House, Biden outlined his efforts to fight rising prices but offered no timeline for when inflation would subside. Economists are mixed about when inflation will end, some saying it will slow by the end of the year, though others say it could continue to rise in 2023.
“I believe inflation is our top economic challenge right now,” said Biden. “I want every American to know that I’m taking inflation very seriously and it’s my top domestic priority.”
The President placed blame on the coronavirus pandemic, which saw the country lockdown for several months, and Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine as the reason for gas prices and groceries going up.
“Those two major contributors to inflation are both global in nature,” Biden said. “That’s why we’re seeing historic inflation in countries all over the world.”
Inflation has become a top concern for voters going into the midterm elections in November with Republicans blaming Biden’s policies for rising prices. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fl.) blasted the President earlier Tuesday, calling him “unwell” and adding he should resign from office.
“Let’s be honest here. Joe Biden is unwell,” Scott said. “He’s unfit for office. He’s incoherent, incapacitated, and confused. He doesn’t know where he is half the time. He’s incapable of leading and he’s incapable of carrying out his duties. Period. Everyone knows it. No one is willing to say it. But we have to, for the sake of the country. Joe Biden can’t do the job.”
“I think the man has a problem,” Biden said in response to Scott’s comments.
Biden blasted Scott’s 11-point plan, which includes raising federal income taxes on many Americans, banning debt ceiling increases, and requiring all federal programs to expire every five years unless they are renewed by Congress.
“Republicans in Congress are so deeply committed to protecting big corporations and CEOs that they’d rather see taxes on working American families,” Biden said.
Biden also placed blame on Republicans for pledging their allegiance to former President Donald Trump for blocking policy efforts that would have lowered costs for the American people.
“Let me say this carefully: I never expected the ultra-MAGA Republicans, who seem to control the Republican Party now, to have been able to control the Republican Party,” Biden said. “I never anticipated that happening.”
