Staff Reports
President Biden’s latest foray into Wisconsin appears to be less about the economy and more about trying to salvage his legacy and lend a helping hand to Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential ambitions. During this leg of his “Investing in America” tour, he announced a whopping $7.3 billion intended for clean energy financing in rural areas, claiming it to be the most significant investment since FDR’s New Deal. It’s a tall order to fill and raises eyebrows when juxtaposed with the previous promise of the Foxconn facility, which under Trump went from a bold vision to a mere mirage.
Biden wasted no time in taking cheap shots at Trump, suggesting that the former president didn’t deliver on his grand promises for Wisconsin. While Biden stands at a podium extolling the wonders of his policy—dubbed “Bidenomics”—he might want to take a closer look at how that’s playing out in the lives of everyday Americans. It seems that the only thing “historic” about his policies is the level of dissatisfaction they’ve inspired. In fact, many ordinary Americans can attest to the strain of soaring prices as they fill up their gas tanks and hit the grocery store.
The Biden administration just announced "$7.3 billion in financing for rural electric cooperatives to build clean energy for rural communities across the country."
Biggest investment in rural electricity since the New Deal. 10 GW. Amazing.https://t.co/t1oXF3OrpY
— David Roberts (@drvolts) September 5, 2024
This tour benefits Biden not only by painting him as the benevolent leader but also serves as a not-so-subtle endorsement of Harris’ campaign. Biden’s rhetoric about the Inflation Reduction Act, which Harris cast the tie-breaking vote for, is questionable, particularly since voters seem to view the administration’s economic legacy as anything but favorable. Voters are struggling with inflation that refuses to budge, leading many to believe that Harris linking herself to Biden’s economic policies could be a gamble of monumental proportions—one that might backfire spectacularly.
Polls are reflecting this unease, showing that a majority of voters trust Trump over Harris to handle crucial economic issues. A recent poll indicated that 64% of respondents felt Harris had little influence over the direction of Biden’s economic policies. When the former vice president tries to have it both ways—claiming credit for economic successes while simultaneously distancing herself from the chaos of the current landscape—it becomes evident that her juggling act is unlikely to win over many skeptics.
Biden’s announcement regarding the $7.3 billion investment does not erase the long-standing frustrations rural Americans have faced due to high energy costs. While the White House touts this funding as a way to reduce bills for rural families and businesses, one must wonder if it’s merely an attempt to buy votes with short-term fixes rather than addressing the root causes of economic challenges. The electrification funds will supposedly assist in creating efficient energy systems using wind, solar, and hydropower. Still, with Biden’s track record, it’s difficult to envision a scenario where this results in anything but more government oversight and confusion.
As the Biden administration hypes these ventures as political wins, voters across the nation see the reality of their economic struggles. It remains to be seen whether this grand plan to invest in clean energy will actually translate into tangible benefits or simply add another layer to the convoluted saga known as “Bidenomics,” a name that seems to have become synonymous with high prices and disappointed promises.
