The latest inflation numbers, particularly in key states that could determine control of the Senate, have brought into focus deepening political problems for President Joe Biden and his party and explain why vulnerable Democrats are publicly sounding the alarm over issue. Democrats desperate to retain control of Congress are now pleading with their administration and party leadership to help them more aggressively fight rising prices — and, in the process, stay in office. Kelly told CNN that the Biden administration should “look for more opportunities to do things to reduce costs.” “Nine percent is a pretty big number,” Kelly added. “Families are struggling to afford a lot of things and have some tough decisions to make.” Kelly noted that he has already called on Biden to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The government announced on March 31 that it would release one million barrels of crude oil per day for six months. “I probably don’t want this to end,” Kelly told CNN. “The price of gas has come down, but it’s still incredibly expensive, historically, and unaffordable for many families.” And Warnock told CNN that Congress should suspend the federal gas tax and cap insulin prices. The first idea was rejected by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as it is not clear that consumers would reap the benefits, but the second could soon see action on the Senate floor. Warnock also called for investment in semiconductor and microchip manufacturing in the US. Warnock said some people now have to choose between buying groceries and buying prescription drugs. “We can do something about it — and we must,” Warnock added. Inflation has become the top political issue for Americans, worrying nervous Democrats who know there is no quick fix in Washington to create more supply and less demand for goods. Vulnerable Democrats say inflation has dominated discussions both at home and in Washington, where the party is grappling internally over possible solutions with just over 110 days until the November election. “This is an election about grocery and gas,” Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota, head of the National Republican Congressional Committee, told CNN. “(The Biden administration) said these bullies talking about inflation would be temporary, and then it was Putin’s fault and now it’s the Republicans’ fault. They just need to look at themselves in the mirror. And you know what, in November, that’s why they’re going to lose.” For months, Democrats have trotted out various reasons why costs have risen. They blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for invading Ukraine and driving up food and energy prices, the pandemic for disrupting supply chains and oil companies for allegedly exploiting consumers, despite protests from some prominent economists. On Wednesday, the Biden administration offered a new defense: the latest inflation record was “outdated” because gas prices have fallen in recent weeks. But that response wasn’t enough for Democrats on Capitol Hill, as Republicans continued to hammer them on the issue. Florida Sen. Rick Scott, the chairman of the National Republican Senate Committee, said that even if inflation was seven or eight percent, that would be “ridiculously high.” “We’re going to win so many races on inflation,” Scott told CNN. “It’s horrible for the country. For the election, it will help us, but think of those poor families who are hurting.” Some Democrats are starting to point the finger at each other. New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan, a vulnerable Democrat, criticized the Biden administration’s handling of inflation, telling CNN: “I’ve said for a while that I thought he and the administration were too slow to act on it.” The White House, which initially failed to acknowledge the pending inflation crisis, sent officials to Capitol Hill last month in an effort to arm Democrats with talking points on rising gas prices, inflation and other economic issues. But Democrats who took part in the messaging session said they left feeling less than satisfied, with one lawmaker saying the meeting turned “spicy” when it got to the question-and-answer portion. “I just don’t think we can try to smooth things over with talking points, as if people don’t know their lives, their accounts and their minds… People aren’t stupid. There’s no point in trying to hide ball,” Rep. Elisa Slotkin of Michigan, one of the most threatened House Democrats this fall, told CNN. “What I need is a plan. I’m not looking for texting help.” Slotkin has asked her party’s leadership to hold weekly votes on bills to reduce the exorbitant cost of consumer goods and gas prices. But some of the more realistic options — an economic package that would lower prescription drug prices and a China competition bill that includes funding for semiconductor makers — have both been stuck in limbo. A Monmouth poll in early summer asked Americans to name the biggest worries facing their family. The most common answer was inflation (33%), followed by a range of related financial issues, including gas prices (15%), the economy (9%) and everyday bills like groceries (6%) . Since the start of 2021, campaigns and groups have spent $92 million on ads addressing inflation — more than other top issues such as immigration or guns, according to AdImpact data. Republicans have blamed Democrats for the financial mess and spent $54 million on the issue — more than double what Democrats spent defending themselves on it. “This is hurting Wisconsin families — and I keep pointing out that this didn’t just happen,” Wisconsin GOP Sen. Ron Johnson, a top Democratic target this fall, told CNN. “This wasn’t just bad luck. This was due to massive deficits. It was caused by their war on fossil fuels, which deliberately drove the cost of energy, of gasoline, to record highs.” Asked if he was concerned that rising prices could hurt Democrats’ ability to hold a 50-50 Senate seat, Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, the chairman of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, acknowledged that inflation was a “major” issue. , noted some bills in Congress he hopes will pass to lower prescription drug prices and took aim at the Republican effort to take away the right to abortion. “We understand that clearly rising prices are a problem for families, and we are working hard to help families deal with these rising costs,” Peters said. “And you contrast that with the Republicans, who are completely silent on how to fix anything, and actually engage in extremist politics and want to disenfranchise women and don’t talk about issues that matter to Americans. “ Similarly, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney of New York, who chairs the House Democratic campaign, acknowledged that inflation “is a problem” and encouraged his members to recognize the suffering of Americans, while highlighting the party’s plan to provide relief to consumers. “We’re working on the problem. The other side is trying to gain from it politically,” Maloney, who faces a competitive re-election race, told reporters. “What’s the Republican plan on inflation, other than driving people crazy to win elections? They haven’t the foggiest idea what they’re going to do to fix the economy.” Republicans disputed that they had no plan to fight inflation. “Stop the deficit spending,” Johnson said. “Let’s use the natural resources God gave us to lower energy costs. Let’s at least have work requirements for welfare payments.” “Balance the budget. Start cutting taxes. Reduce the regulatory environment. And become energy independent,” Scott said. “That’s what you have to do — and do everything you can to buy American products.” CNN’s Manu Raju, Ariel Edwards-Levy and David Wright contributed to this report.
