Republican strategist Scott Jennings confronted Democratic Rep. Marilyn Strickland on Thursday, questioning why Americans should trust Democrats to lower inflation after years of rising costs under President Joe Biden.
During a segment on CNN NewsNight, Jennings pointed out that inflation surged under Biden, hitting a four-decade high of 9% in June 2022 following massive government spending, including the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan. While Democrats have criticized President Donald Trump over high prices, particularly rising egg costs due to a bird flu outbreak, Jennings pushed back when Strickland claimed her party could ease the cost of living.
“Why would or should the American people trust Democrats to lower the cost of living after the last four years?” Jennings asked. Strickland attempted to pivot by touting job creation, but Jennings pressed further. “No, no, cost of living. You brought it up. I just want to know why we should trust Democrats who skyrocketed inflation.”
Strickland then shifted her focus to Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been working to cut waste and shrink federal bureaucracy. She accused Trump of “cutting jobs across the board” and reducing government employment. Jennings responded, “So you believe in government jobs? You want more government jobs?”
Strickland defended the role of civil servants, arguing they “keep our air clean, our water clean, and our food safe.” Jennings countered, stating that taxpayer money funds government expansion. As CNN NewsNight host Abby Phillip and others defended government workers, Jennings made his point clear: “This is the Democratic plan: More government jobs.”
With inflation remaining a top concern for voters, the exchange highlights a key debate between Democrats and Republicans heading into the next election cycle.
