The Republican National Committee (RNC) is launching a digital ad campaign, exclusively shared with Digital, that criticizes President Biden’s economic policies for causing a higher financial burden for Americans during the holiday season. The ad highlights the rising cost of celebrating Christmas and attributes it to the increasing cost of living under the Biden administration.
In the ad, RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel describes how Bidenomics has made Christmas trees and gifts unaffordable for middle-class families. The American Christmas Tree Association reports a 10% increase in the average cost of a Christmas tree compared to last year, ranging between $80 and $100. Additionally, a November 2023 survey by Wallethub reveals that over 30% of Americans plan to forgo buying gifts this year due to inflation.
The video also emphasizes that a quarter of respondents still carry holiday debt from the previous season, while food costs have risen by 20% over the past two years. The montage of voiceovers in the ad states that 42% of Americans expect to pay more for holiday gifts due to inflation, leading to reduced purchases of apparel, home items, and toys. More than one in three Americans are even considering foregoing gifts altogether due to the impact of inflation on their budgets.
Furthermore, the RNC’s ad highlights how the cost of the “12 Days of Christmas” items has increased. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that bringing each line of the famous carol to life would cost $46,729.86, reflecting a 2.7% increase from last year. While this increase is significant, it is lower than the 10.5% price hike calculated by PNC Bank between 2021 and 2022.
The RNC’s campaign aims to portray President Biden as the “real Grinch” this Christmas, blaming his economic policies for the financial strain on American families during the holiday season. RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel asserts that, while Americans struggle, Bidenomics is the cause of their hardships.
Elizabeth Elkind, a reporter for Digital, covering Congress and the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and politics, contributed to this article. Her previous digital bylines can be found at Daily Mail and CBS News. For the latest updates on the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content, follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to [email protected]. Stay subscribed to receive newsletters with the latest news and insights from the world of politics.
