Vice President Kamala Harris faced swift backlash on social media after making a claim that most Americans would face bankruptcy from an unexpected $400 expense while discussing the challenges of accessing abortions in America.
During a discussion on “reproductive rights” in Iowa, Harris highlighted the economic hardships women might endure if they have to travel to other states for legal abortions due to state abortion bills. She emphasized the financial burdens that single parents could face, including childcare costs, lost work time, and potential lack of paid family and sick leave. Harris pointed out that many Americans are just one unforeseen $400 expense away from financial ruin.
Conservatives on social media wasted no time criticizing the remark, suggesting that the economic challenges faced by Americans could be attributed to President Biden’s policies during his time in office.
Sen. Tim Scott, a GOP presidential candidate, pointed to what he referred to as “Bidenomics,” highlighting the loss of spending power experienced by Americans under the Biden-Harris administration. Other commentators sarcastically thanked Harris and her boss for the economic situation.
Harris was likely drawing on data from a 2022 Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households survey that revealed nearly 40% of Americans lack enough cash reserves to cover a $400 emergency expense, leading them to rely on credit cards or borrow money to meet the financial demand.