When President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act Tuesday afternoon, he made very sure that the American people knew who was responsible for the very good things the bill will do: “And let’s be clear,” he said. “In this historic moment, Democrats sided with the American people, and every single Republican in the Congress sided with the special interests in this vote—every single one.”
He went on to make it absolutely clear:
“Every single Republican in Congress voted against lowering prescription drug prices, against lowering healthcare costs, against a fairer tax system.”
“Every single Republican—every single one—voted against tackling the climate crisis, against lowering our energy costs, against creating good-paying jobs.”
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-ish-WV), who was in the room, might not have approved of that message, but it was and is the right one. Because the things Biden highlighted in this new law are very, very popular.
If you want to help make America the place it ought to be, it starts by electing more and better Democrats. And you can do your part right here. Donate now to support Daily Kos-endorsed Democrats!
A new poll from Politico/Morning Consult breaks down the numbers:
- Placing caps on prescription drug price increases: Somewhat or strongly support: 76%; somewhat or strongly oppose: 13%. Net: +63
- Allowing Medicare to negotiate some prescription drug prices: Support: 73%; oppose: 13%. Net: +60
- Reducing the federal budget deficit by $300 billion: Support: 72%; oppose: 11%. Net: +61
- Limiting annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries to $2,000: Support: 72%; oppose: 15%. Net: +57
- Putting a 15% corporate tax minimum on companies that have usually paid little, if any, taxes: Support: 61%; oppose: 24%. Net: +37
- Providing $60 billion in incentives for clean energy manufacturing in the U.S.: Support: 59%; oppose: 28%. Net: +31
- Investing $369 billion in climate and energy programs over the next 10 years: Support: 54%; oppose: 33%. Net support: +21
The poll also found Biden’s approval ticking up, from a low of 39% in June to 42% now. That gain is reflected in Civiqs data, as well.
That by no means suggests the 2022 midterms are going to be a cakewalk for Democrats, but it means they have some very concrete and popular things to run on. And they are.
It can’t all be “kitchen table” because there are a lot of new voters, mostly women, who want to hear that their fundamental rights are going to be restored and protected from here on out. Democrats have to shine a bright light on the increasingly violent, extremist, Christofascist Republicans and the danger they pose to democracy.
Biden’s willingness to call out Republicans for trying to stop progress and block popular things that make a real difference in people’s lives is a great start.
SIGN THIS: Thank all congressional Democrats for passing the historic Inflation Reduction Act.
There is no more effective way for you to help turn out infrequent but Democratic-leaning voters in key congressional districts and Senate swing states this year than Vote Forward. Sign up to write personalized letters to targeted voters from the comfort of your home, on your own schedule, using a statistically proven method and without ever having to talk to anyone at all.
RELATED STORIES