Image Credit: © James Crisp/Special to Courier Journal via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Republican strategist Scott Jennings pressed Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) on Thursday, challenging her on why Americans should trust Democrats to address inflation after prices surged under the Biden-Harris administration. The exchange took place during a segment on CNN NewsNight, where Strickland attempted to defend her party’s economic record while Jennings pushed back on claims that Democrats could bring down the cost of living. During the discussion, Strickland faced criticism over rising consumer costs, particularly the cost of eggs, which has doubled since November 2023, according to the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank.
The price surge was fueled by a bird flu outbreak that led to the culling of tens of millions of chickens.
Jennings dismissed Strickland’s claims that Democrats had a plan to reduce costs, challenging her on why voters should trust the party after four years of economic strain.
“Why would or should the American people trust Democrats to lower the cost of living after the last four years?” Jennings asked.
Strickland began to respond by touting job creation under the Biden administration, saying, “We have created more jobs—” before being cut off.
Jennings pushed back, redirecting the conversation to inflation: “No, no, cost of living. You brought it up. You said Trump‘s not delivering. I just want to know why we should trust Democrats who skyrocketed inflation for the last—what—why would I trust you? Why would I trust you?”
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) reached a four-decade high of 9% in June 2022, after then-President Joe Biden signed several massive spending bills into law, including the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, despite warnings that it could fuel inflation. Under Biden, overall prices rose by more than 20%.
Strickland and former Biden campaign staffer Ashley Allison attempted to shift the discussion to the Trump administration’s policies. Strickland criticized the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was established by President Trump in a January 20 executive order to reduce government waste and streamline federal agencies.
The department, a rebranding of the United States Digital Service, has been working to cut bureaucratic inefficiencies.
“Donald Trump is the president. He promised to lower cost of living. He is cutting jobs across the board from civil servants who have to support their families—” Strickland argued.
Jennings countered, questioning Strickland’s stance on expanding government employment. “So you believe in government jobs? You want more government jobs?” he asked.
Strickland responded, “No, actually, I want jobs that actually help people. Do you know what civil servants do? They keep our air clean. They keep our water clean. They keep our food safe—don’t interrupt me.”
Jennings quickly replied, “They take taxpayer money to fund the whole thing.”
As the discussion became more heated, CNN NewsNight host Abby Phillip and Allison joined Strickland in defending government employees. While the three spoke over him, Jennings managed to land his final critique of the Democratic platform.
“This is the Democratic plan: More government jobs,” he concluded.
The exchange highlighted the ongoing battle between Republicans and Democrats over economic policy, government spending, and inflation, with Democrats defending a larger federal workforce while Republicans push for reducing bureaucracy and cutting costs.
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