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CNN’s panel of political analysts debated the effectiveness and potential drawbacks of Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign emphasis on combating price gouging on Tuesday. The discussion came in the wake of a new ad by Harris that pledges to tackle rising grocery prices by cracking down on price gouging and corporate malfeasance.
Wall Street Journal reporter Annie Linskey raised concerns about Harris’s strategy, noting that her focus on price gouging could be perceived as a weakness given her current role in the Biden administration. “If there’s this price gouging going on that she’s talking about in the ad, my goodness, there is someone who’s in the White House right now who could be doing something about it,” Linskey said. The panelist suggested that Harris’s bid to address economic grievances might be undercut by her association with the current administration, which is already facing criticism over economic issues.
The discussion also touched upon the challenges Harris faces in distancing herself from President Joe Biden while simultaneously addressing issues that reflect poorly on the administration. “The tricky walk that she has to walk is distancing herself a little bit from the president or saying that she’s going to solve some of the problems that Americans are feeling,” Linskey added. “But she’s also in power right now.”
Democratic National Committee adviser Brad Woodhouse defended Harris’s focus on price gouging, arguing that it reflects her background as a prosecutor and her commitment to holding “corporate grocery stores and speculators in the real estate market” accountable. Woodhouse also emphasized the importance of Biden’s support in mobilizing the Democratic base, highlighting Biden’s recent appearance with Harris at a Labor Day event in Pittsburgh.
However, CNN’s Paula Reid echoed concerns about Harris’s campaign message, suggesting that her connection to the current administration might be a liability. “Harris’s ties to Biden are a weakness for the Harris campaign because Americans are upset over the economy,” Reid said.
Former Trump campaign adviser Erin Perinne seized on these criticisms, arguing that Harris’s role in the administration should imply immediate action on economic issues. “This is Kamala Harris stopping progress. If she’s sitting in the White House, and she is there right now, why aren’t they working to get things done?” Perinne asked. “If you can deliver today, why wait until tomorrow? That’s ineffective leadership at best.”
Linskey further criticized Harris’s focus on price gouging as potentially misdirected. “Grocery prices have gone up and that is absolutely true. But this is sort of a solution in search of a problem,” Linskey argued. She noted that while price gouging is a popular issue among voters, it may not address the underlying causes of rising prices, which include a variety of economic factors.
The panel’s discussion highlights the ongoing debate within political circles about the effectiveness of Harris’s campaign strategies and the broader implications of her ties to the Biden administration. As Harris continues to emphasize economic issues, her ability to present viable solutions while distancing herself from the current administration’s challenges remains a critical aspect of her campaign strategy.