In a shocking revelation, the architect behind one of President Biden’s infamous talking points has been exposed. Kate Bedingfield, now-former White House communications director, has been revealed as the source of the “Putin’s price hike” rhetoric that was frequently used to deflect criticism away from Biden’s economic policies and instead blame Russian President Vladimir Putin for high inflation in the United States.
According to The Intelligencer, multiple administration officials wanted it on record that Bedingfield was the member of Biden’s inner circle who coined the phrase.
Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz’s special advisor for communications Steve Guest highlighted the push for White House officials to offload the source of the unsuccessful messaging onto her.
While some saw the “Putin’s price hike” talking point as a “cute gimmick,” it had little impact on public opinion. Matt Whitlock, a communications professional who has worked in multiple GOP Senate offices, stated that “majorities continued to blame Biden policies for gas price hikes.”
Bedingfield has made headlines multiple times during her tenure as Biden’s top communications official, including her claims in August 2021 that Biden “never shies away from taking questions” during the deadly, botched Afghanistan withdrawal, despite the president facing criticism for shying away from questions and not doing press conferences.
In March 2022, Bedingfield again made headlines after she claimed that the president did not lie about his son, Hunter Biden, not making money in China and other foreign business dealings during the 2020 presidential race.
Bedingfield’s role in the “Putin’s price hike” talking point serves as a reminder of the lengths the Biden administration will go to avoid taking responsibility for their failed policies.
As the 2024 election approaches, voters should remember who was behind this misguided attempt to deflect blame and demand accountability from their elected officials.