Bill Clinton shocks Democrats by admitting Trump’s economy was better, yet still urges votes for Kamala Harris.
At a Glance
- Bill Clinton acknowledged the economy was better under Trump during a Harris rally
- Despite this admission, Clinton still urged voters to support Harris
- The former president’s comments elicited groans from the audience
- Clinton defended his right to express his opinion on leadership
- He previously linked Harris to controversial Biden administration border policies
Clinton’s Surprising Admission
In a startling turn of events, former President Bill Clinton made a surprising admission during a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. Clinton openly stated that the economy was better under former President Donald Trump, a remark that sent shockwaves through the Democratic audience. This unexpected acknowledgment has raised eyebrows and sparked debate about the current administration’s economic policies.
The former president’s comment was met with audible groans from the crowd, clearly caught off guard by what seemed to be a pro-Trump slip. Clinton, however, didn’t back down from his statement. Instead, he doubled down on his support for Harris, urging voters to look beyond economic indicators when choosing their next leader.
During a stop in Muskegon Heights, Michigan, Bill Clinton admitted the economy was better under Donald Trump, but that's not a good enough reason to vote for him over Kamala Harris: pic.twitter.com/WhPO0zSbgS
— The Midwesterner (@Th_Midwesterner) October 30, 2024
Clinton’s Defense and Rationale
Addressing the stunned audience, Clinton defended his right to express his opinion on leadership. He stated, “I think I’m entitled to my opinion about who would be better,” referencing his own experience as president. This attempt to salvage the situation highlighted the delicate balance Clinton was trying to strike: acknowledging economic realities while still pushing for Harris’s candidacy.
“I don’t think it’s right to say that people have to vote for Donald Trump because the economy was better then,” Clinton remarked.
Clinton’s strategy appeared to be an attempt to appeal to voters who may have benefited from Trump’s economic policies while also addressing concerns about broader issues such as equity and sustainability. By acknowledging the economic gains under Trump, Clinton seemed to be trying to establish credibility before pivoting to argue for Harris’s vision of a more equitable and resilient economy.
Controversial Border Policies
This isn’t the first time Clinton has made comments that could be seen as detrimental to the Harris campaign. Previously, he suggested that the tragic death of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student allegedly killed by an illegal immigrant, might have been prevented with better vetting by the Biden-Harris administration. This comment directly linked Harris to the administration’s controversial border policies, which have reversed many Trump-era measures.
The Biden-Harris administration’s approach to immigration, including the suspension of the Remain in Mexico policy, has been a point of contention. Critics argue that these changes have led to a surge in illegal border crossings and potentially compromised public safety. The tragic case of Laken Riley has become a rallying point for those who oppose the current administration’s border policies.
Clinton was correct in saying Trump had the best economy, but he wants you to still suffer with Harris. More high inflation, wars & illegals…
Bill Clinton in Michigan: ‘Economy Was Better’ Under Donald Trump, But You Should Still Vote for Kamala Harrishttps://t.co/bddrqiGB5I
— AmerConservative🇺🇸 (@ConservativAmer) October 31, 2024
Implications for the Harris Campaign
Clinton’s comments, both about the economy and border security, present significant challenges for the Harris campaign. While the former president’s intention may have been to present a balanced view, his admissions about Trump’s economic success and the potential consequences of current border policies could undermine Harris’s message and credibility with voters.