As a person of faith, I try to always be optimistic and find the good in everything, especially when times are hard. There is no doubt this has been a trying year for many people, especially those with limited economic and familial resources to fall back on. A recent ABC News/Ipsos poll shows that the majority of Americans have turned pessimistic about the direction that our country is headed under the Biden-Harris administration.
We’re just six months into this new administration and 55 percent of Americans do not feel optimistic about where our country is headed over the next year. Even more surprising? This pessimism is not limited to one particular group of people. ABC news reported that “the decline in optimism has occurred across the board among Democrats, Republicans and independents. Optimism is down about 20 points among Democrats and Republicans and down 26 points among independents.”
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris do not have an inspiring or empowering agenda for the American people. On issue after issue, we see failed leadership and a lack of real solutions that will make a difference. Now is the time for our leaders to step up and work for us. They need to work with their colleagues in a bipartisan manner and put the people first.
Our economy is not back, and it certainly is not better. Under Biden we have seen consumer prices jump 5.4 percent annually in June, and the price of used cars and trucks has increased 45.2 percent annually.
This hike in consumer prices means wages are declining for workers when accounting for inflation, which is a hidden tax increase on every family. With prices rising on numerous consumer goods, “virtually every aspect of American life is getting pricier.” This economy is undermining confidence in the future, in the leadership of Democrats, and in the prospect of creating, building, and passing on wealth.
A trip to the grocery store is more expensive for families because under the Biden economy food inflation is rising. Costlier food is a tangible, instant reminder of how bad things are. Going out to eat is more expensive with restaurant prices 4.1 percent higher than last year. Getting gasoline is also more expensive now, and when you purchase a plane ticket, you’ll likely notice that fares going up at the rate of about 10 percent a week.
The majority of Americans are pessimistic because of constant headlines about rising crime, violence and murders all over the country. There is a crime wave sweeping the nation and so far, Biden and Harris have been missing in action. People know that the Democrat-backed “defund the police” movement is real and they are seeing and feeling its terrible impact every day. You turn on the TV and you hear about a shooting, armed robbery and so much other crime and yet we have no answers and no solutions from the Democrats in control. Public safety is critical, and we need to have politicians who understand that and do everything to ensure the safety and security of every American man, woman, and child.
Six months into the Biden-Harris administration, pessimism is present because the idea that America is back and better is a reality known only to Joe Biden. By all measures Democrat policies are not helping, they are hurting. Whether it is open borders, a lack of clear, fact-based messaging on COVID-19, the vaccines, mandates, closed schools, the high unemployment, inflation, rising gas prices, lack of bipartisanship, increased violence, lack of unity, and zero leadership — it is hard to keep the faith and be optimistic.
The only bright light politically is the fact that there is an election coming up and voters will have an opportunity to fix the problem. The problem is rooted in the radical liberal politics and failed leadership of Democrats in power from the White House to the school board. We have so many passionate, qualified, action-focused Americans running for office on the Republican side. They share a single vision of putting every American first. Keep the faith because with the GOP, the best is yet to come.
Paris Dennard is the National Spokesperson and Director of Black Media Affairs for the Republican National Committee (RNC). Follow him on Twitter: @PARISDENNARD.