White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is getting mocked after her attempt to help Americans relate to the debt ceiling debate exposed a flaw in the push to forgive student loan debt.
During a press briefing on Monday, Jean-Pierre was asked about President Joe Biden’s scheduled meeting with congressional leaders and whether it will “move the ball” regarding the debate over the debt ceiling.
“I want to step back for a second, and I really appreciate the question, but let’s look at this for the American people who are trying to figure out, who may not know what is it that we’re talking about,” the press secretary responded.
She continued, “So, look, let’s look at it through the American families’ eyes for a second. If you buy a car, you are expected to pay the monthly payments.”
Jean-Pierre went on:
“If you buy a home, you are to pay the mortgage every month. That is the expectation. That is the spending that you put forth or spending that you may have done before. And now you’re paying every month. If you do not pay your car payment, if you do not pay your mortgage payment, then your credit is going to be bad. It’s going to hurt your credit.”
Watch the video below:
KJP: "If you buy a car, you are expected to pay the monthly payment…It's that simple." pic.twitter.com/UBjaxesvJG
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) May 8, 2023
Conservatives quickly reacted to her comparison:
Pay your own bills. Including your college loans. https://t.co/YTBmWyc9QR
— Buildbackcommonsense (@nomandates23) May 9, 2023
Biden administration explains student loan debt. https://t.co/nEPQuf24FB
— FactsMatter (@FactsMa02805793) May 9, 2023
Hey @PressSec – Now do rent and student loans… https://t.co/NTivPkCD8g
— Rep. Tom Tiffany (@RepTiffany) May 8, 2023
If you take out a loan of any kind, you are expected to pay the monthly payments and NOT ask taxpayers to pay for your crap. It’s that simple! Those loans include student debt. https://t.co/rtEpxPjVzq
— Storm Nicole ⛈ (@boxersforlife) May 8, 2023
OH YOU MEAN IF YOU TAKE OUT LOANS YOU SHOULD PAY THEM BACK https://t.co/YEakhgnx0e
— Sunny (@sunnyright) May 8, 2023
Can we play this clip when they talk about student loans, too? https://t.co/B5PGnxZTXg
— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) May 8, 2023
What a novel idea. Now do student loans… https://t.co/DD6pgl34os
— Tim Scott (@votetimscott) May 8, 2023
Just not student loans, amirite? https://t.co/wjuDW4Ejxy
— Jake Wiskerchen (@jakewisk) May 8, 2023
Certainly, those responding to Jean-Pierre were not suggesting that the U.S. should not pay its debts. However, they are pointing out a flaw in the administration’s push to eliminate student loan debt for certain borrowers.
Advocates of student loan debt argue Americans need to go to college as a lot of jobs require college degrees.
But what makes college loans something where contracts and agreements can be disregarded? Because they’re “required”? Because people shouldn’t have to pay massive sums just so they can get their foot into their field?
A similar argument could be made about cars. A lot of people need transportation to get to work and they may not live in areas with buses or trains. If you cannot get to work, you can’t work. So why should car loans not be eliminated? Even though people know how much they are expected to pay every month and agreed to the terms of the loan, the car payments may be too much for them.
Or what about housing? Should we just forgive mortgages or do away with rent because people need somewhere to live?
College degrees may be seen as a necessity for young Americans to start their careers. But without arguing other parts of life are necessities and should be free, it is hard to really explain why student loans are exempt from Jean-Pierre’s comment about the obligations borrowers accept when they take out a loan.