Biden appeared before a young, energetic crowd of Democratic
National Committee workers at DNC headquarters, who greeted him
with chants of "Let's go Joe!"
That enthusiasm is not reflected in his nationwide approval
ratings, which remain below 50%.
With 15 days before the midterm elections that will determine
the course of the final two years of Biden's term, polls give
Republicans a decisive edge in the U.S. House of Representatives
and are showing the Senate a toss-up.
Biden seized on Republican congressional leaders statements that
they may refuse to approve an increase in the U.S. debt limit
next year, which could throw the United States into default
unless they can scale back some of Biden's spending priorities.
"Republicans are determined to hold the economy hostage," said
Biden. "There is nothing that would create more chaos ...
Republicans are going to crash the economy.
A Republican takeover of Congress would stymie Biden's agenda,
and could usher in new GOP policies on drilling, abortion, taxes
and spending programs like Social Security and Medicare.
Biden added he would not approve any Republican attempts to cut
entitlement spending programs like Social Security benefits for
retirees.
"Let me be clear: I will not cut Social Security," he said.
Americans have been telling pollsters they are most concerned
about inflation, followed by jobs, gun violence and abortion
rights, Reuters/Ipsos survey data shows.
The Republican National Committee rejected Biden's comments.
"Voters know Democrat control of Washington delivered higher
prices, more crime, and a nation headed in the wrong direction,"
said RNC spokesperson Emma Vaugh.
(Reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Heather Timmons; Editing
by Stephen Coates)
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