Kamala Harris’ plans for “communist” price controls on grocery items has been a focal point for her otherwise lackluster policy commitments so far.
When she’s not promoting concepts which she previously voted against, the Democratic nominee has sought to play on the concerns of voters over the cost of living, specifically the essential goods which have risen in price during her tenure as Vice President. Rather than fixing the issue while in an office of political power, “Comrade” Kamala has opted to introduce a price cap on goods under the condition she wins the election on November 5.
It’s an extremely Keynesian approach to an economy which has historically relied on free market forces, and has even concerned some of the less progressive factions within the Democratic Party.
In fact, a Politico article this week gave doubt that her price cap policy would ever pass Congress. Speaking under anonymity, several Democratic lawmakers told the publication that price controls would be unlikely to pass Congress: “But such a bill has no chance of passing Congress anytime soon, even if Democrats win the White House and Congress this November, according to six Democratic lawmakers and five Democratic aides who were granted anonymity to discuss the matter candidly. These people said Democrats in Congress have privately been telling critics that this part of the Harris plan is not viable,” Politico reported.
“Rather, they’ve argued it’s a messaging tactic — a way to show that she understands food prices remain an economic burden for many Americans and to redirect voters’ anger about inflation to corporations, in a way that progressives in particular have cheered,” they continued.
Politico also noted that the proposal “has also alarmed food industry officials and even some left-of-center economists, who’ve warned such policies can hurt more than they help.”
It marks yet another flaw in the Harris campaign. The month-long wait for Democratic in-fighting has returned, even if the concerns are less public than they were with Joe Biden’s insistence to carry on his campaign. Even if successful in November, Harris would be unable to deliver on what is currently a key campaign pledge.
There is, nevertheless, always the executive order route…
