U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris told Americans on Friday that inflation and price hikes are the “price” they must pay “for democracy.” Harris noted that from the point of view of President Joe Biden and his administration, “you gotta stand with your friends” in Ukraine, because “being loyal to those friendships based on common principles and values” is important to government officials.
“President Biden has said that Americans will feel some pain for the sake of defending freedom and liberty, but there seems to be no endgame in sight,” an Associated Press reporter asked Harris. “How long should Americans expect and be bracing for this really sort of historic inflation and some unprecedented gas prices”
The Vice President responded, “So we are committed in everything we are doing and yes, the President did say in the State of the Union there is a price to pay for democracy.”
KAMALA: "There is a price to pay for democracy." pic.twitter.com/faA0PWJVdB
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“You have to stand with your friends,” Harris continued. “And as everybody knows even in your personal life, being loyal to those friendships based on common principles and values, sometimes it’s difficult. Often it ain’t easy. But that’s what the friendship is about based on shared values. So that’s what we’re doing.”
Harris’ statements echo those made by corporate television host Stephen Colbert, who drew criticism for stating that he would be “fine” with $15 per gallon gas prices because he drives a Tesla luxury electric car.
“Since the invasion, oil prices have skyrocket,” Colbert stated. “Today, the average gas price in America hit an all-time record high of over $4 per gallon. Okay, that stings, but a clean conscience is worth a buck or two.”
“It’s important. I’m willing to pay $4 per gallon,” Colbert declared, then noted, “Hell, I’ll pay $15 a gallon, ’cause I drive a Tesla.”
The line received a polite smattering of applause from the audience, but was widely ridiculed on social media.
