Internal Strife: VP Harris Blamed for Economic Challenges in White House

The White House allegedly blames Vice President Kamala Harris for Bidenomics failures, raising questions about internal tensions within the administration.

At a Glance

President Biden and Vice President Harris strive to rebuild the economy from the middle out and the bottom up.
Bidenomics focuses on public investments, empowering workers, and promoting competition.
Harris seeks to distance herself from Biden on unpopular issues like rising prices.
Many families are struggling financially despite job growth and lower inflation.

Internal Administration Tensions

Recent reports suggest that the White House is making Vice President Kamala Harris a scapegoat for the perceived shortcomings of Bidenomics. The term “Bidenomics” refers to President Joe Biden’s economic strategy, which promises to rebuild the economy by focusing on the middle class and working families. Publicly, the administration credits Harris as a significant contributor to this strategy.

Vice President Harris has faced internal and external pressures as economic challenges persist. Her advisers have indicated that she wants to break with Biden on certain unpopular issues, starting with the issue of rising prices. This creates a narrative of potential internal rift within the administration.

President Biden and Vice President Harris claim to have significantly advanced the economy. According to the administration, Bidenomics has added over 13 million jobs, including nearly 800,000 manufacturing jobs. Inflation has decreased for 11 consecutive months. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has funded 35,000 new projects, bolstering the nation’s infrastructure.

Republicans blame Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for high inflation. Whose fault is it? https://t.co/So1hbaBAzM

— The News & Observer (@newsobserver) August 12, 2024

Economic Realities for American Families

Despite these claims, many American families face significant financial challenges. Personal savings have plummeted from $5.7 trillion in March 2021 to $862 billion by June 2023. The average middle-class household has seen a substantial loss in real wealth, approximately $33,000 in the past year. Wage growth has been a modest 13% since Biden took office, unable to keep pace with inflation.

“Most Americans are a $400 unexpected expense away from bankruptcy.” An assertion by Kamala Harris highlights the financial plight many Americans face. Reports echo that wage growth lagging behind inflation has left many struggling to meet basic needs.

Administration’s Defense and Future Prospects

The administration continually emphasizes its commitment to the economy. Harris, expected to extend Biden’s policy accomplishments, faces scrutiny for her handling of the vice presidency, including perceived rhetorical blunders and political missteps. Reports have described her tenure as marked by exasperation and dysfunction.

“Harris won’t say it this bluntly in public, but her advisers do so privately: She wants to break with Biden on issues on which he’s unpopular.” This insight from Axios reveals internal tensions and possible long-term impacts on the administration’s unity.

Bidenomics also focuses on creating jobs in key industries like semiconductors and clean energy, but many American families remain skeptical of these achievements. Credit card debt has climbed to $1 trillion, and over half of Americans struggle to pay off their balances each month. The ongoing economic strain on families will likely be a significant factor in upcoming policy decisions and political strategies.