In a visit to North Carolina on Thursday, President Joe Biden touted millions of dollars in high-speed Internet investments that he claimed would “connect 16,000 additional homes and businesses, bringing high-speed Internet all across the state of North Carolina.” During his trip, Biden made a stop at a Cook Out fast food restaurant, which had also been a staple of his October 2020 campaign. However, his visit did not go unnoticed by local Republican leaders, who used the opportunity to criticize the current state of “Bidenomics.”
One photo, shared by a North Carolina native and aide to Biden, Tori Taylor, caught the attention of Republican leaders. In the photo, combo prices are visible in the background, showing a drastic increase in the cost of meals compared to just three years ago. In September, Taylor was hired as a special assistant to the president. The combo prices seen in the photo show $6.59 and $7.69, indicating a troubling trend of rising prices under the current administration.
Biden’s visit to Cook Out was filled with familiar antics, including ordering milkshakes and taking photos. However, the photo shared by Taylor sparked an important conversation about the state of the economy and the impact of Biden’s policies. As seen in the photo, the prices of combo meals have increased significantly in just three years, despite promises of economic growth and job creation.
Everyone is happy at @CookOut, especially @POTUS! A great day for high speed internet, milkshakes, and North Carolina!
pic.twitter.com/K30Fji8OaO
— Tori Taylor (@toritaylor) January 18, 2024
During his visit, Biden also made confusing statements, calling out a Democratic Congresswoman he claimed to have taken a photo with earlier, who was actually in Washington, D.C. and declaring that he had created “440 new jobs in North Carolina alone just since [he] came into office!” These falsehoods did not go unnoticed by local leaders, who used the opportunity to criticize Biden’s track record.
In addition to the photo shared by Taylor, local Republican leaders also took the opportunity to highlight the drastic increase in the cost of living under the current administration. The rising prices of goods and services have made it increasingly difficult for Americans to make ends meet and provide for their families. This has been a key point of contention for conservatives, who argue that Biden’s policies have only exacerbated the economic struggles of everyday Americans.
The photo shared by Taylor serves as a stark reminder of the impact of “Bidenomics” on the American people. It is a visual representation of the rising prices and declining economic stability that has become synonymous with the current administration. For many, it is a wake-up call to the consequences of electing leaders who prioritize policies over people.
As the conversation surrounding the photo continued, some also pointed out the irony of Biden’s choice to visit a fast-food restaurant, given his previous comments about the industry. In a speech last year, Biden suggested that fast-food chains should pay their employees more, stating, “People used to be able to make a living on just one job, but not with these guys. They’ve decided they’re going to keep wage low and not change a damn thing.” The photo, however, shows that it is not just fast-food workers who are struggling under the current economic policies.
In light of the photo shared by Taylor and the conversations it sparked, many are calling for a change in leadership to reverse the current state of the economy. They argue that it is time for leaders who prioritize the well-being of the American people and their economic stability over policies and political agendas. Until then, the drastic increases in prices seen in the photo will continue to be a grim reality for many Americans.
