CNN commentator Van Jones recently lauded Vice President Harris for her assertive approach to addressing price gouging, a topic he feels has been neglected by other Democrats. “It’s refreshing to see a Democrat taking a strong stance against price gouging,” Jones told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer on Friday.
“While Democrats are quick to scrutinize tech CEOs, the real issue lies with grocery stores and big retailers exploiting consumers.” Harris disclosed her economic strategy during a North Carolina rally, with a key feature being a proposed federal ban on price gouging. Details on how this ban would be enforced are yet to be clarified.
Van Jones praises Vice President Harris for her proactive stance against price gouging, highlighting her unique approach among Democrats
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food prices have jumped by 25 percent from 2019 to 2023, reflecting one of the largest increases in recent history. This rise in prices is part of a larger inflationary trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and disruptions in the supply chain.
Biden, Harris, and other Democratic figures have accused major grocery chains and large corporations of maintaining excessive prices even after the pandemic’s peak. To combat this, Biden set up a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) task force in March to investigate price gouging practices.
Jones criticized Biden for his reluctance to address price gouging publicly, while praising Harris for her willingness to confront the issue head-on, which he attributes to her “strength” and positive approach.
The Harris plan aims to alleviate high grocery prices despite persistent inflation concerns, which peaked at 9 percent in June 2022 but fell below 3 percent in August 2024. The proposal, potentially costing up to $1.7 trillion, includes measures for the FTC and state attorneys general to impose stricter penalties on companies engaging in unfair pricing.
Despite these efforts, inflation and high grocery prices continue to be major voter concerns. Biden struggled to defend his economic record before withdrawing from the presidential race.
Republicans, including former President Trump, have criticized Harris’s plan as “socialist,” likening it to policies in Venezuela and Cuba. During her North Carolina speech, Harris countered these claims, stressing the need for action against businesses that don’t pass savings on to consumers. She also criticized Trump’s proposed tariffs, arguing they would lead to higher costs for essential goods.
