Biden campaign capitalizes on Trump's economic crash forecast
The Biden campaign criticizes Trump over his recent prediction of an economic crash, questioning his intentions of hoping for it to occur before potentially taking office for a second term
The Biden campaign is targeting former President Donald Trump for his recent prediction that the economy will crash and his wish for it to happen before his potential second term in office. Biden's campaign sees this as an opportunity to promote their own economic arguments, especially as they face challenges with voters who are unhappy with the president's economic management. There are plans to capitalize on Trump's comments, including a paid media campaign on Wednesday during CNN's Republican Presidential Primary Debate and Fox News townhall with Trump, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez stated, "Donald Trump is essentially telling the American people that he doesn't care about them when he expresses hope for an economic crash. His pursuit of power and revenge is apparent as he roots for a future where millions of Americans struggle with unemployment and financial anxiety." Trump's prediction was made in an interview on Monday as he focuses on strengthening his economic arguments, particularly against Biden, ahead of the Republican primary contests starting with the Iowa caucuses.
Trump expressed his hope for a crash to occur in the next 12 months in order to avoid being associated with Herbert Hoover, the president during the Great Depression. Biden has also drawn comparisons between Hoover and Trump in his campaign events.
"He's the only president, other than Herbert Hoover, to have seen a decrease in jobs over a four-year term," Biden stated at a campaign fundraiser in December. "That's why I often compare him to Donald Herbert Hoover Trump."
The White House added to the criticism on Tuesday, with White House spokesperson Andrew Bates stating, "A commander in chief's responsibility is to prioritize the American people, not to wish for economic hardship for hard-working families for their own political gain."
This marks the latest attempt by the campaign to intensify their criticisms of Trump, whom they see as the probable opponent in the November election. On Friday, Biden started the year with a strong denunciation of his predecessor, portraying him as a direct threat to democracy who prioritizes his own political power over the people's will.
The emphasis on the economy was noticeable on Tuesday, as Biden's team was not expected to comment on Trump's appearance in a federal appeals court, where the former president's legal team argued that he should be immune from prosecution for actions he took after the 2020 election, according to sources familiar with the approach.
Biden's approach to Trump's court cases aligns with his steer-clear strategy, as he refrains from getting involved in the specific legal issues to avoid any perception of political interference. Despite making the argument that Trump is a threat to democracy a central point in his reelection pitch, Biden saw an opportunity to focus on a key issue when the former president expressed hope for an economic crash and the potential opening it presented for Democrats.
Heading into the November election, voters have consistently ranked the economy as one of their top concerns. A CNN poll revealed that 7 in 10 Americans believe that economic conditions in the US are poor. Interestingly, Americans stated that their views on the economy were more in line with the Republican Party than the Democratic Party.
Despite his efforts to promote "Bidenomics" through campaign events and advertising campaigns, Biden has faced challenges in shifting the negative perceptions among voters about how his policies have impacted them.
Despite sour voter perceptions, there are some improving economic indicators that the White House and campaign are eager to emphasize, such as decreasing inflation, lower gas prices, and increasing wages. During a speech aimed at Black voters on Monday, Biden emphasized efforts to lower prescription drug costs, including capping insulin at $35 for Medicare enrollees and allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen defended the economy in a Friday interview with CNN.
"There was widespread pessimism about the economy that has proven to be unfounded. A year ago, most forecasters predicted a recession, which clearly did not occur," Yellen stated, further adding, "We have a robust labor market."
Biden's advisors recognize that it will be a gradual process for the positive economic developments to have an impact on the American public, with the goal of conveying the benefits of the president's policies before Election Day. They are also counting on the contrast with Trump to be advantageous.
Chavez Rodriguez stated that President Biden has achieved what Trump could not for the American people. Upon taking office, Biden immediately took action to address the economic challenges left by Trump, resulting in the creation of over 14 million jobs, particularly in the manufacturing sector, and reduced costs for families. Rodriguez emphasized that Biden's focus is on working for the American people, while Trump is primarily concerned with his own interests.
