Ron Klain says President Joe Biden’s reelection message is too focused on infrastructure

CNN
—

President Joe Biden’s former chief of staff said Tuesday that the president has focused too much on infrastructure and should instead prioritize the economic concerns of Americans as he seeks reelection, according to Politico.

“I think the president talks too much about bridges,” Ron Klain said Tuesday evening, citing audio of the remarks obtained by Politico. “He does two or three ribbon-cutting events a week on the bridge. And here is the bridge. Like I said, if you go to the grocery store, the grocery store Go to, eggs and milk are expensive, the fact that there is a fucking bridge is not [inaudible]”

The former chief of staff called the administration’s efforts to improve the country’s infrastructure “a positive thing,” but warned at an event hosted by “Democracy: The Idea Journal” that “it’s kind of a fool’s errand.” .

“He’s not a congressman. He’s not running for congress. I think it’s kind of a fool’s errand,” he said, according to Politico, later adding: It’s a little interesting, but not very interesting. ”

CNN has reached out to Crain for comment.

Klain has had a decades-long relationship with Biden and left the White House early last year. He was directly involved to some extent in deliberations both large and small, ranging from politics to policy issues, and was known to check gas prices late at night.

In a follow-up interview with Politico, Klain also touted the administration’s victory in his own remarks, but emphasized that the president’s reelection message could be even stronger.

“The president’s most effective economic message is the contrast between which side he is on and his compassion for the people. [pinch] According to Politico, Mr. Klain has advocated a policy of rethinking household finances, cutting costs and increasing incomes, but praising achievements, especially those that involve abstract benefits, is less persuasive to voters. Told.

White House press secretary Andrew Bates defended Biden’s campaign talking points in a statement, arguing that the president is focused on several different issues that affect Americans.

“As Ron says, President Biden is running around the country on the State of the Union message, blocking the trickle-down policies that Republican officials have proposed on behalf of the people, while increasing the growth of the middle class and reducing costs such as prescription drugs. “We’re emphasizing that we’re fighting to cut back on our deep special interests, including Medicare cuts and tax giveaways to big corporations,” Bates said.

The president has traveled to battleground states in recent weeks to shore up aid, focusing on housing costs, clean energy and manufacturing job creation, and making the case that his administration’s policies are benefiting Americans. There is.

Biden’s team also hopes that the reproductive rights and democracy debate will resonate with voters, particularly moderates, as the president faces off again against former President Donald Trump.

CNN’s Betsy Klein, Arlette Saenz and Donald Judd contributed to this report.