The media, often criticized for giving Vice President Kamala Harris a free pass after she replaced President Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket, seems to be slowly waking up to reality. Some left-leaning outlets are finally starting to poke holes in Harris’s much-touted economic plan to combat inflation, revealing that not everyone in the mainstream media is buying into her narrative.
After a long stretch with no substantial policy proposals on her campaign website, Harris rolled out her plan to tackle inflation. Her approach? Blame business owners for raising prices in an economic landscape where costs are skyrocketing. It’s a classic move—point the finger at the private sector and hope no one looks too closely at the actual causes of inflation.
CNN, usually a reliable cheerleader for Democratic policies, ran a headline that didn’t mince words: “Harris’s plan to stop price gouging could create more problems than it solves.” The Washington Post, not exactly a bastion of conservative thought, went even further with an op-ed titled, “The times demand serious economic ideas. Harris supplies gimmicks.” The piece criticized Harris for oversimplifying inflation by blaming price gouging, ignoring the more complex factors at play.
Economists aren’t exactly lining up to support Harris’s plan, either. One told ABC that grocery store price hikes aren’t the main drivers of inflation. He cautioned against cherry-picking data to fit a narrative, pointing out that the real issue lies in the rising costs of goods and production.
Of course, not everyone in the media is willing to break ranks. CNN’s Van Jones applauded Harris for “boldly” calling out what he labeled as “price gouging,” suggesting that the real culprits in America’s economic woes are grocery store chains, not tech CEOs. It’s a convenient scapegoat, but one that oversimplifies the problem.
Republicans, unsurprisingly, are having none of it. RNC co-chairwoman Lara Trump slammed the media for creating what she called “manufactured” momentum for Harris. She pointed out that Harris has enjoyed mostly positive coverage since stepping into Biden’s shoes, all while dodging tough questions that might reveal the flaws in her policies.
Tim Carney of the Washington Examiner took it a step further, accusing the media of blatant bias. He argued that the left-leaning press has been far too eager to bask in the “joy” of the Harris-Walz ticket, while failing to hold her accountable. Carney emphasized the crucial role of conservative media in exposing the facts that their mainstream counterparts conveniently overlook.
With the Democratic National Convention just around the corner and the first presidential debate between Harris and Donald Trump looming, the media’s newfound skepticism toward Harris’s economic plan could be a sign of things to come. As the national spotlight intensifies, Harris may find it increasingly difficult to dodge the tough questions and critical scrutiny that have been long overdue.
