Harris Blunders Through Unscripted Questions: Claims Her Economic Plan Will ‘Pay for Itself’

Vice President Kamala Harris’s recent economic policy unveiling has sparked debate, not only in substance but particularly regarding its funding. When pressed on this issue during a rare interaction with the press on Sunday, Harris’s response left many scratching their heads.

Rather than providing a clear financial roadmap, Harris repeatedly invoked the phrase “return on investment.” She stated, “I think it’s a mistake for any person who talks about public policy to not critically evaluate the return on investment.” This vague response echoes a pattern of unclear communication that has become characteristic of her public appearances.

Harris pointed to specific elements of her plan, such as the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit extensions. She claimed these initiatives would yield significant benefits, citing a reduction in child poverty during the administration’s first year. However, she failed to address how these programs would be funded in the long term.

The vice president’s economic proposals have drawn scrutiny from financial experts. David Bahnsen, founder of The Bahnsen Group, criticized Harris’s rhetoric on FOX Business Network’s “The Big Money Show.”

He stated, “Platitudes are the norm from politicians these days – this is really bad, just saying ‘return on investment’ over and over again.”

Bahnsen highlighted a crucial distinction between public and private sector investments. He explained, “We can talk about return on investment in my world because we have one – we can measure it, we’re accountable to it, and the person who bears the risk also achieves the reward.”

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In contrast, he argued, the term loses meaning in the public sphere where risk-takers and beneficiaries are often disconnected.

Adding weight to these concerns, the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) analyzed Harris’s proposals. Their findings suggest the plan could add at least $1.7 trillion to federal deficits over the next decade, potentially rising to $2 trillion if certain policies become permanent.

The CRFB also noted that Harris’s campaign claims to support all tax revenue-raising provisions in President Biden’s fiscal year 2025 budget. However, specifics on how her latest proposals would be financed remain elusive.

Harris’s economic platform has evolved to include ending taxes on tips which she adopted from Trump’s campaign and increasing the minimum wage. Both of these policies could further impact the deficit.

These additions, along with her struggle to articulate clear funding strategies, raise questions about the fiscal responsibility of her economic vision and her ability to manage it.

Harris’s ability to communicate complex economic policies clearly and answer tough questions convincingly continue to be an issue. Her recent performance may be exactly why she has not entertained questions from the press or agreed to a sit down interview.

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One can only imagine how the debate with former President Donald Trump will go.