When it comes to the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, which many experts say will do little to stem rising prices, even reliable Biden administration water carriers are expressing skepticism.
At the same time, President Biden’s spokesperson struggles to counter that perception with an effective message.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre appeared on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday, where host Jonathan Karl asked if it was “Orwellian” to call the Inflation Reduction Act by its name, given all the skepticism.
“Isn’t it almost Orwellian?” Karl asked. “How can you call it the Inflation Reduction Act when the nonpartisan experts say it’s not going to bring inflation down?”
ABC’S JONATHAN KARL: “Isn’t it almost Orwellian? How can you call it the Inflation Reduction Act when the nonpartisan experts say it’s not gonna bring inflation down?”
KARINE JEAN-PIERRE: “I appreciate the question.” pic.twitter.com/tmtFTdsgXx
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) August 14, 2022
“I appreciate the question,” Jean-Pierre answered, this being the first clue that she was going to have a hard time responding. “We’ve actually addressed this with the CBO. The top line number, there’s more in there that shows that it will have the money…It’s making sure that billionaires in corporate America are paying their fair share, making sure that the tax code is a little bit more fair. So when you do that, when you put it in its totality, you will see it will bring down the deficit, which will help fight inflation.”
The mumbo-jumbo response suggesting that in a roundabout way, the legislation Democrats are hoping will hold off an onslaught in the November midterms may get around to addressing inflation eventually. Of course, zealots wasted no time dropping the official title and simply calling it the “climate bill,” which is what it is in large part, having earmarked $369 billion for climate change.
But the reaction online seemed to center around a common theme — which is just how bad KJP is at her job. Here’s a quick sampling of responses from Twitter:
😂😂 She’s so bad at her job.
She actually makes me respect Peppermint Patty even more.
— Kristi (@Kristi_Weaver4) August 14, 2022
She is so very terrible at her job. Embarrassing.
— Patriotic ma (@allar1_jamie) August 14, 2022
She shouldn’t be out there on the morning shows .
— T.S. (@RealTJS2) August 14, 2022
Do you understand yet that this was a softball question allowing the admin to make the selling point? Pierre is NEVER this prepared, she cannot handle impromptu questions in press briefings which means -she was prepared for this.
— Stosh (@STL019) August 14, 2022
Rather than curb spending they’re raising taxes to bring in more revenue to reduce the deficit…. a teeny tiny bit.
And an increase in taxes on businesses always get passed on to the consumer. Always.
— NorCal (@NorCalispurple) August 14, 2022
So her explanation is that the CBO took none of what she said into account in making their determination? I guess democrats are just that stupid
— Phyliss Walker (@pdkwalk) August 14, 2022
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Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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