Mainstream Media Flips On Kamala?
The media has faced criticism for its reluctance to rigorously challenge Vice President Kamala Harris following her ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket, especially regarding her new economic strategy aimed at combating inflation. Despite her campaign’s extended silence on specific policies, Harris recently introduced a plan targeting business owners accused of raising prices amid record-high costs for goods and production.
Harris’s proposal to curb what she terms “price gouging” has not received unanimous support, even from some left-leaning media outlets. For instance, CNN ran a headline suggesting that Harris’s approach could potentially exacerbate existing problems rather than resolve them. The Washington Post took a more critical stance with an op-ed titled, “The times demand serious economic ideas. Harris supplies gimmicks,” which argued that Harris’s focus on price gouging as a significant driver of inflation is misguided.
Economists have weighed in as well, with one telling ABC News that grocery store price hikes are not the primary cause of the current inflation. This expert cautioned against selectively interpreting data, emphasizing that the predominant cause of recent inflation has been rising production and supply costs.
In contrast, CNN political commentator Van Jones commended Harris for her “bold” stance against perceived corporate greed, highlighting that many Americans are frustrated with large grocery chains rather than tech executives.
On the Republican side, figures like RNC co-chairwoman Lara Trump have accused the media of artificially boosting Harris’s profile, noting a pattern of largely favorable coverage since she took over from President Biden. This has led to concerns that Harris is being shielded from more rigorous scrutiny.
Tim Carney of the Washington Examiner pointed out that the media’s left-leaning bias is apparent in the numerous celebratory reports about the Harris-Walz ticket. He argued that this bias can unfairly tilt public perception and that conservative media plays a vital role in presenting alternative viewpoints and facts that may be overlooked by mainstream outlets.
As the Democratic National Convention approaches and the first presidential debate between Harris and former President Donald Trump looms in September, the media’s approach to Harris’s economic plan could mark a pivotal shift in the scrutiny she faces. This increased focus will likely test her ability to navigate the national spotlight and respond to critical questions about her policies.
