CNN political commentator Van Jones has recently praised Vice President Kamala Harris for her proactive stance on addressing the issue of high prices, particularly price gouging. Jones’s commendation comes as Harris unveils a new economic platform aimed at combating soaring grocery costs and inflation, an issue that has been a significant concern for American consumers.
In a Friday evening interview with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, Jones expressed his relief that Harris is prominently addressing a matter affecting millions of Americans. “Thank goodness we’re finally hearing from a Democrat aggressively on price gouging,” Jones remarked, highlighting the importance of this issue in the current economic climate.
Jones emphasized that while Democrats have been vocal about scrutinizing technology CEOs, many Americans are more troubled by the increasing prices at grocery stores. “It’s these grocery stores ripping people off, the big grocers. Americans are getting ripped off,” he asserted, reflecting widespread frustration with escalating food costs.
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Earlier on Friday, Harris introduced her economic agenda at a rally in North Carolina. A central component of her plan is a proposed federal ban on price gouging, aimed at addressing inflation and the high cost of groceries, which have surged by 25 percent from 2019 to 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The increase in food prices has been partly attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions, though many criticize large corporations for exploiting these issues to maintain elevated prices.
In response to these concerns, President Biden had previously established a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) task force to investigate price gouging allegations. However, Jones noted that Biden had been less vocal on the issue publicly, contrasting this with Harris’s direct approach. “The supply chain stuff has worked itself out long ago. They are just ripping people off,” Jones declared, praising Harris’s willingness to tackle the issue head-on despite potential political risks.
Harris’s economic strategy includes empowering the FTC and state attorneys general to enforce strict penalties on companies involved in price gouging. Analysts estimate that the implementation of this plan could cost up to $1.7 trillion. The plan is part of a broader effort to reduce grocery costs and combat inflation, which peaked at 9 percent in June 2022 before falling below 3 percent in August 2023.
The proposal has faced criticism from Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, who has labeled it as “socialist” and compared it to policies in Venezuela and Cuba. Harris defended her plan during her North Carolina rally, arguing that it addresses the persistent problem of high prices. “Prices are still too high,” she acknowledged, asserting that while many businesses adhere to fair practices, others do not.
Harris also criticized Trump’s economic policies, warning that his proposed tariffs could lead to even higher prices for essential goods. “A Trump tax on gas, Trump tax on food, a Trump tax on clothing, a Trump tax on over-the-counter medication,” she predicted, suggesting these measures would harm American consumers further.
As the 2024 election approaches, Harris’s focus on price gouging and her economic agenda are expected to remain pivotal in her campaign, resonating with voters seeking relief from rising costs and inflation.
