Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) attempted to deflect blame away from Democrats for skyrocketing inflation on Sunday.
Appearing on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Sanders defended Congressional Democrats and the Biden administration, claiming Republicans have no plan to fight inflation and should be rejected by voters. Host Jake Tapper challenged that rationale.
“[I]f I’m a swing voter out there, a young voter, working-class voter, and I hear your message, I think, ‘but you guys control everything. Democrats control the House and the Senate and the White House. And inflation is really high. And I’m having a tough time making ends meet. Why should I vote for you again?'” Tapper asked.
“We have half the votes, exactly half the votes of the Senate and a tiny majority in the House,” Sanders replied. “It’s important that, when we talk about inflation, Republicans will say, ‘well, this is Joe Biden’s fault.’ Really? Our inflation rate is much too high. It is eight percent. It is ten percent in the U.K., ten percent throughout Europe, seven percent in Canada. Inflation is a global problem.
Sanders went on to blame inflation on a breakdown of supply chains during the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and “corporate greed.”
“What are the Republicans’ response to inflation? What do they want to do? Well, maybe they want to cut wages for workers,” Sanders continued. “Do they want to raise the minimum wage? No, they don’t. So, I think it is important to take the attack to the Republicans. What do they want to do, other than complain?”
Inflation surged again in September, rising 8.2% year-over-year. Month-to-month inflation outpaced analysts’ forecasts as well, increasing by 0.4%, as the Daily Wire reported. Meanwhile, a report from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget found that reckless spending, such as the stimulus packages passed during COVID, drove much of the inflation. The analysis concluded that sound fiscal policy was the critical missing piece in fighting rising prices.
Inflation and economic woes are still at the top of voters’ minds in polling ahead of the 2022 midterms, and Republicans appear to benefit. An October poll from Emerson College showed that inflation was the top issue for 44% of voters. The survey also showed Republicans with a 5-point lead on the generic Congressional ballot. Another poll from Harvard CAPS-Harris showed that inflation was one of the most important issues for 37% of voters, and the economy topped the list for another 29%. The poll also showed Republicans with a 6-point lead on the generic ballot.