During a CNN interview at a Trump boat parade in Panama City, Florida, a Trump supporter pushed back against a CNN reporter’s claims about the economy under the Biden-Harris administration.

Joe Harner, a retired military and power plant worker, emphasized his concerns over inflation and the high cost of living as key issues in the upcoming 2024 election.

At the event, Harner told CNN’s Elle Reeve that the economy was the most important issue for him, citing inflation and the high costs of goods and services.

Reeve challenged Harner, suggesting that his ownership of a boat might indicate he wasn’t suffering economically under the current administration. “Let me maybe ask a slightly impolite question,” Reeve said, “But if you can afford a boat, you’re not hurting so bad, right? Because boats cost a lot of money and require a lot of upkeep.”

Harner didn’t hold back in his response. “Listen, nobody gave me s—!” he said. “I earned everything that I’ve got. I’m retired military, retired power plant, and I am successful and retired with boats and jet skis because I did it right. And everybody has that chance. Whether they choose or not, that’s up to them.”

The CNN reporter attempted to argue that Harner might not feel the economic strain as much as others, suggesting that groceries were likely a smaller part of his budget than for those who are worse off.

Harner responded by saying that inflation impacts everyone, regardless of their financial situation. “I want my money to go further,” Harner explained. “I want inflation to go down, I want interest rates to go back down. I want all that, but that covers everybody in the economy. Not just me, not just the poor, not just the rich, it covers everybody.”

The conversation shifted when Reeve asked Harner if he was worried about his children’s ability to afford housing or cars in the current economy.

Harner replied that he wasn’t concerned, saying his children were well-prepared and successful. “I train my kids and taught my kids properly. They have great educations and they’re both successful in their careers. Actually, they’re doing better than me,” Harner said.

The exchange highlights growing frustrations over the state of the economy under the Biden-Harris administration, despite official reports that inflation has slowed.

Though inflation has decreased to 2.5% as of August 2024, many Americans continue to feel the pinch of increased prices for everyday goods. According to Fox Business, compared to August 2020, prices have risen nearly 21%, with food prices increasing by 22.8% over the past four years.

Polls have consistently shown that economic concerns remain a top issue for voters heading into the 2024 election. A New York Times/Siena College poll from early September found that Trump held a 13-point lead over Kamala Harris on the economy, with 55% of respondents favoring Trump compared to 42% supporting Harris.

Similarly, a CNN flash poll conducted after the September 10 debate showed Trump leading Harris 55% to 35% on the economy among debate viewers.

In an effort to distance herself from the unpopularity of Biden’s handling of the economy, Harris has reportedly considered separating her platform from the administration’s economic policies, according to an Axios report from August.

ITS THE ECONOMY STUPID https://t.co/t8mlf5TdYA

— ignatz mouse (@al8043209) September 18, 2024

Kamala has also adopted elements of Trump’s proposed economic plan, including a proposal to eliminate taxes on tips earned by service workers—something Trump first laid out two months before Harris announced the same initiative.

Despite some signs of economic improvement, the cost of living continues to be a primary concern for many Americans.

The Federal Reserve’s recent decision to cut interest rates by half a point, the first reduction in four years, may offer some relief.

However, voters like Harner remain focused on how economic policies will affect their daily lives as they prepare to cast their ballots in 2024.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sean Parnell. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.