Can Congressmen actually tell us what causes inflation? We asked.
August 18, 2022
We at Accuracy in Media went to talk to members of Congress about what causes inflation. Because those members don’t like being asked difficult questions by the people who merely pay the bills, we sent AIM President Adam Guillette to ask them outside their offices. Our video shows how it went.
Several simply didn’t answer, but their silence meant we can’t tell you whether they just didn’t want to say or they don’t know. Others gave answers of a type – Cheri Bustos (D-Ill. 17) told us that “Democrats are on it. We’re going to do everything we can to get it in the right place.” She went on, when pressed as to what that might be, that everything, to say “Well, I think President Biden’s already doing everything….” which is interesting because the one thing the Presidency doesn’t have is power over inflation – we’ll get to that.
Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y. 8) gave us a rhetorical question as a response.
“Do you think the American people want an academic discussion on inflation?” she asked. “Or would they rather know that we’re doing something to lower costs for everyday Americans? What do you think? “ Which does still leave the original question unanswered – what causes inflation?
Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga. 14) simply said, “Too much government spending,” which is at least a part of it, yes.
Mo Brooks (R-Ala. 5) was the standout technical answer: “There are a number of different factors that cause inflation. In no particular order: our deficit and debt which is devaluing the American currency, the rising cost of energy because of the policies that are an attack on energy production, paying people not to work, regulatory burdens that increase the cost of production of American goods and taxes that also increase the cost of producing American goods. Plus any number of other factors.”
“Do you think most Congressmen read books about economics?” Guillette asked.
“No, I’m absolutely certain that most do not. I happen to have graduated from Duke University with a distinction in economics, their highest honor. So I do,” Brooks answered.
We should also note that our interviewer managed to not only wear a suit and tie in Washington D.C., in August, while outside, but also remain perky while doing so. Above and beyond there.