White House Sidesteps Biden's Smoothie Cost Confusion

Photo by@AFP/Dailymail

• President Joe Biden, during a visit to Nowhere Coffee Co. in Allentown, Pennsylvania, expressed surprise at the $6 cost of a smoothie.
• White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded to questions about this incident, suggesting Biden was joking around.
• The incident raised questions about Biden's awareness of the current economic situation and prices facing Americans.

President Joe Biden's visit to Nowhere Coffee Co. in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on January 12, where he emphasized the importance of small businesses, became notable for his reaction to the price of a smoothie.

Biden, who ordered a mango drink, appeared surprised when he found out the cost was $6. This incident was highlighted during a press conference where White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was questioned about Biden's awareness of everyday prices and whether he was out of touch with reality. Jean-Pierre dismissed the concern, claiming that Biden was merely 'joking around' with the press corps.

The situation gained attention as it juxtaposed with the broader economic challenges faced by Americans. The country has been grappling with high inflation, affecting essential expenses like food, rent, and energy. According to Moody's Analytics, the average household is spending significantly more monthly compared to previous years. This financial strain is reflected in a Bankrate survey, indicating that half of the Americans believe their financial situation has worsened since Biden's election in 2020. Despite these economic pressures, the White House's response to the smoothie price incident focused on Biden's support for small businesses and his efforts through the American Rescue Plan, rather than directly addressing concerns about his understanding of current prices.

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