A Republican lawmaker got some pushback from a CNN anchor Friday over claims that the economy was improving — despite recent polling that voters feel otherwise and President Donald Trump‘s plummeting approval rating.
Rep. Mark Haridopolos (R-FL) attempted to argue that things were better in the United States today than they were a year ago — and that’s when CNN’s Jim Sciutto pushed back.
“We think our good policies, which are moving the economy forward, are making results,” Haridopolos said. “And people will decide about a year from now, what’s the better direction, the current economic direction or going back to Joe Biden 2.0?”
The GOP congressional leader was referring to upcoming midterm elections in November, something that could signal a tough time ahead for Republicans following recent poll results, Sciutto argued.
“Well, people were asked that very question in this poll and they said the direction the country not heading in the right direction. And on those issues, both immigration and and economic issues, which, you know, the president typically polls quite strongly on the president’s underwater on both those issues,” Sciutto said. “People are looking at what they see. They don’t like it.”
Haridopolos tried to argue that wasn’t the case and attempted to claim the information was false.
“Well, what they see on shows like CNN sometimes get a little biased. But beyond that, other news outlets out there, but I would say this you can’t lie about the numbers in this way. You see that unemployment’s down. You see that your 401(k) is up, interest rates are down, gas prices are down, economic growth is up in a big way,” Haridopolos claimed.
Sciutto cast doubt at Haridopolos’ statement, citing how other Republicans have cited anxiety around upcoming elections.
“I talked to a lot of Republicans who don’t paint as rosy a picture as you do about what these numbers mean and what the midterms look like for Republicans,” Sciutto said. “Do you think you might be a little Pollyanna-ish based on what you’re seeing?”
Haridopolos tried to respond.
“First of all, I’m an optimist. I’m an American after all, right?” He said, laughing. “I believe the future is great if we follow principles that really matter.”
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