President Joe Biden on Oct. 24 delivered what he dubbed his “closing arguments” to voters ahead of the November midterms, claiming that Republicans would “crash the economy” in an effort to get him to cut Social Security and Medicare.
“The Republicans have made it clear that if they win control of the Congress, they will shut down the government, refuse to pay our bills, and it’ll be the first time in our history America will default unless I yield and cut Social Security and Medicare,” Biden said.
“In order to cut Social Security and Medicare, they’re threatening to default on the federal debt,” Biden continued. “There’s nothing that will create more chaos, more inflation, and more damage to the American economy than this.”
“Either give in to their demands on Social Security and Medicare … or Republicans are going to crash the economy,” Biden said, who made the remarks in a speech at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters.
Biden added, “Let me be clear: I will not cut Social Security. I will not cut Medicare.”
Biden made similar remarks from the White House on Oct. 21.
The president’s claims have since drawn a rebuke from Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee. In a fact check released on Oct. 24, the GOP lawmakers wrote that independent fact-checkers have debunked Biden’s “zombie claim” that Republicans would like to cut Social Security and Medicare. Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) is the committee’s ranking member.
“Republicans want to strengthen Social Security and Medicare for future generations,” the GOP lawmakers wrote.
As for Biden’s other claim, they wrote “Biden has crashed the economy and wants to blame Republicans.”
“Experts anticipate a recession, if we aren’t already in one, and a shrinking economy,” they explained.
By Frank Fang
