During an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday, President Joe Biden said the responsibility for the 41-year high inflation rate could not be placed completely on his shoulders.
‘Doesn’t it strike you as odd? If it’s my responsibility, why is inflation greater in every other big industrial country in the world? Do you ask yourself that question? He told AP White House reporter Josh Boak, “I’m not trying to be a wise person.”
Biden said that the deficit has been decreased and employment has increased under his leadership, but the Democratic president conceded that Americans are spending far more for food and gasoline, and that this was hurting his satisfaction rating.
‘If you want a straight barometer of what people are going to speak about at the kitchen table and the dining room table, and if things are going well, the cost of food and the cost of fuel at the pump,’ he said.
He blamed the nation’s economic downturn on high petrol costs, stating that before prices began to rise, ‘things were lot more, they were much more positive.’
However, while Biden stated to oil firms, “Don’t simply reward yourselves,” he has few options at his disposal to substantially lower prices in the near future.
Biden stated that the American people are “truly, very sad” after more than two years of the COVID-19 outbreak.
He stressed that the need for mental health services in the United States has “skyrocketed” as a result of “everything being disturbed.”
Even if the majority of voters believe the country is on the wrong track, Biden insisted that he is hopeful about the country’s future and that Americans should be as well.
‘Be confident,’ Biden added, ‘because I am confident that we are better positioned than any country in the world to own the second quarter of the twenty-first century.’ ‘That isn’t exaggeration; it is fact.’
Still, it was unclear whether Biden’s words would have any effect on the country’s bleak outlook.
Biden also stated that he had not considered the internal political consequences of US sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, particularly how they might affect the economy.
‘I think what would follow next is you’d see mayhem in Europe,’ he warned without such action. ‘It’s not about my political survival,’ he stressed. It’s all about the country’s best interests.’
Biden indicated that he is ready to suffer a political price as a consequence, telling young people interested in public service, “Don’t get active unless you know what’s worth losing over.”
In terms of domestic policy, Biden expressed optimism that a slimmed-down version of the ‘Build Back Better’ measure may pass Congress before the November midterm elections.
The prior efforts to address inflation concerns were thwarted by Democratic West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin’s reservations.
To get past GOP resistance under Senate budget rules, Biden needs all 50 Democrats to endorse a plan.
‘There are several ways to reduce the cost of living for working people,’ Biden added. ‘While gasoline may cost up to $5 per gallon, insulin can cost up to $1,000 per month for a youngster with stage two diabetes. We can get it down to $35 per month and get it done.’
‘We have the votes to accomplish it,’ he continued. We’re going to finish it. I’m not going to be able to finish everything.’
Biden also hinted that there was agreement on tax incentives for winterizing homes, which would help decrease power costs, and on increasing local semiconductor production to solve supply chain difficulties that have driven up prices.
Biden expressed optimism about a bipartisan framework to combat gun violence by strengthening certain background check procedures for teenage gun buyers and motivating states to enact “red flag” measures to keep weapons out of the hands of the mentally ill.
After decades of inactivity and huge tragedy, momentum appears to be growing in the Senate as senators prepare the legislation language. Biden acknowledged some, if minor, improvement.
‘We’ll get gun safety,’ he added, before adding, ‘We’re not going to get everything I wanted.’
Despite their years of disagreements, Biden said he still sees Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell as a Republican with whom he can work – a rare breed in today’s GOP, he said.
When he started office, the president stated he believed there were “maybe, definitely 15” classic, mainstream, conservative Republicans remaining. And I include the minority leader from Kentucky in that – and I’m going to get myself in trouble, and I’m probably going to get him in trouble.’
‘He’s a decent, moderate man,’ Biden said of McConnell.
The Trump, who has labeled other Republicans as “ultra-MAGA,” cited Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson and Florida Senator Rick Scott as examples.