On Wednesday morning, ABC, CBS, and NBC chose to do something it’s only occasionally done in mentioning President Biden during their coverage of the porous economy. They did not blame him and, instead, commiserated with him. “frustrated” President as he’s “[felt] the heat” From voters “pointing fingers at”Republicans “tout[ing] his economic agenda.”
Good Morning AmericaGeorge Stephanopoulos, co-host of the show and ex-official Clinton spokesperson clearly received this message in a tease. “The impact on home price, jobs, the stock market and the battle against soaring prices as President Biden feels the heat. Who he’s pointing fingers at for slowing down his plans.”
Co-host TJ Holmes added moments later that the economy’s been on Biden’s mind as he “feel[s] pressure and he is getting increasingly frustrated with Republicans.”
Stephanopoulos was back in the saddle to tee up Cecilia Vega, chief White House correspondent: “Inflation putting political pressure on President Biden. He’s blaming Republicans in Congress for blocking his plans to get prices under control.”
Vega said the obvious: “[t]his is a top issue for voters and they’re really blaming him for this and that — that means that this is a top priority for this White House but, look, publicly and privately President Biden is really feeling the pressure on this and she’s, frankly, growing increasingly frustrated.”
Her griping was also mentioned. “stems from the fact that the White House and officials here say they’ve done what’s in their control to try to combat some of these high prices,” However, voters chose to continue to hold them responsible.
However, she had to also frame the issue in terms of a danger for Democrats and worry about the implications. “steady drumbeat…from Republicans” (whom Biden insists are to blame for our country’s economic pain (click “expand”):
These men are acutely aware of the dangers this may pose to his agenda as well as his chances at winning the November midterms. There has been a steady drumbeat — we’ve been talking about this for months — from Republicans, who have been really looking to cast this as Biden’s price hike, so what you’re seeing is what you just heard from President Biden, that shift in the narrative. Biden is trying to put the blame on Republicans, who he claims are blocking his plans on Capitol Hill.
According to him, lowering the cost of prescription drugs would help offset other expenses. He’s also going after oil companies more and more. Recently, he said Exxon is earning more than God, and that’s just one example. He’s certainly been blaming Putin and the war in Ukraine for the high-rise of energy costs but, look, George, you know this, the truth is, the White House can do little directly to bring down inflation.
CBS MorningsAlso, puffed Biden during their opening “Soaring inflation and fears of recession: Americans brace for the largest interest rate hike in decades as the President touts his economic agenda.”
Chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joined Vega in making Biden a bystander: “Tony, you know, when it comes to inflation, there are a few tools that the White House has at its disposal, but the Federal Reserve has a jackhammer, and it’s poised to use that today.”
“In Philadelphia, Tuesday, President Biden acknowledged the toll high prices are taking, forcing families to spend nearly $350.00 more per month than they did last year to buy the same goods,” Cordes added.
Her only feeling of balance was when she admitted that, even though “[t]he White House is urging Congress to pass funding bills that would ease the burden by lowering the cost of childcare and prescription drugs,” “Republicans argue pandemic era stimulus is already contributing to inflation and they don’t want to spend more.”
After Cordes, CBS had transportation correspondent Errol Barnett explain away gas prices as largely out of anyone’s control in Washington (click “expand”):
NATE BURLESON – From inflation to gas stations. Gas prices depend on factors far from America’s borders. So what really goes into the price you’re paying at the pump? Errol Barnett explains.
MAN: To fill this vehicle up, I’m willing to pay $175.00
MAN: This was half a tank. Half a tank cost $640.00
BARNETT
MAN: And you don’t even know why.
BARNETT – But you might not be aware of what determines fuel prices.
(….)
BARNETT – What is the main reason we see so many prices?
AAA NORTHEAST SENIOR PUBLIC MANAGER: ROBERT SINCLAIR, JR.: Oh without a doubt, it’s crude oil, and crude oil is a globally priced commodity.
BARNETT. Robert Sinclair serves as the spokesperson of AAA. He says there are four main contributors to the price of gas — taxes, distribution and marketing, and refining all playing a key role. The price of crude oil is responsible for roughly two thirds of the total cost of gas, up 70% from last year. Despite being the largest oil producers in the world, Americans still use more oil than they produce. Russia is a close second, with Saudi Arabia coming in at the top of production.
(….)
BARNETT: Now, you may remember some states instituted gas tax holidays, which suspend the tax for a short amount of time, President Biden said he is considering that on the Federal level, but energy experts say they’re just not enough to offset this increasing price in oil, Michelle, and if there’s any hurricane that disrupts production in the Gulf, experts say you can expect prices to kick even higher.
Over on NBC’s TodayTom Costello, the White House correspondent, had also taken down these talking points.
COSTELLO – President Biden is under immense pressure.
BIDEN: The problem is that Republicans in Congress do everything possible to stop me from lowering costs for ordinary families.
Moments later, Costello trumpeted Biden’s targeting of oil companies for allegedly being one of the two reasons why gas prices has surged to record levels (with the other being Vladimir Putin).
These shameless acts of doing the White House’s bidding was made possible thanks to advertisers such as Dawn (on CBS), Macy’s (on NBC), and Verizon (on ABC). Follow the links to see their contact information at the MRC’s Conservatives Fight Back page.
For ABC, CBS and NBC transcripts, click here.
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