Biden seeks to steal Trump’s thunder with ‘Buy America’ pledge on economy and jobs
Presumptive Democratic nominee pitches populist message with whopping $700bn spending plan
‘When the government spends taxpayers’ money, we should use it to buy American products’
JOE BIDEN has announced a new “Buy American” economic initiative and pledged $700 billion in investment commitments as he attempts to erode Donald Trump’s poll lead on handling the economy. The presumptive Democratic nominee for November’s presidential election chose a metalworks near Scranton, Pennsylvania – his childhood hometown – as the site for a speech heavy on policy to rebuild the economy.
Mr Biden proposed a $400 billion rise in government purchasing of US goods and services, and $300billion in new research and development in home-grown technology firms, as well as a tightening of the rules on what products could be stamped with “made in America”. He also repeatedly drew contrasts between his approach and that of Mr Trump, framing the US president as out of touch with middle America and too willing to help the wealthiest in the country.
“His failures come with a terrible human cost and a deep economic toll,” Mr Biden said. “Time and again, working families are paying the price for this administration’s incompetence.”
Mr Trump’s image as a successful businessman, shaped by years of multimillion-dollar property deals and The
Apprentice television series, helped sweep him to power in 2016.
Even after the booming economy tanked during the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Trump is still more trusted to lead the recovery than Mr Biden, according to polls of voters.
Mr Biden’s speech shared at least echoes of Mr Trump’s “America First” rhetoric, reflecting how widely a patriotic, populist economic message is now seen to resonate with Americans.
The former vice-president pointed to the boost Mr Trump’s vast tax cut and Covid-19 bail-out money gave to big corporations and rich Americans, claiming they benefited more than everyday voters.
“When the federal government spends taxpayers’ money, we should use it to buy American products and support American jobs,” he said.
Mr Trump, who trails to Mr Biden by around nine points in nationwide polls, was due to hold a rally in New Hampshire today, but had to cancel it for safety reasons due to the approaching Tropical Storm Fay.