Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus focused on poverty in a speech at the committee’s winter meeting Friday morning, directly taking on President Obama’s recent focus on income inequality.
“The president is now preparing speeches on income inequality. I believe he should give those speeches while standing in front of the mirror, because on his watch everything has gotten worse,” the RNC chairman fired off. “He should talk to himself because poverty is worse, food stamp dependency is worse and more people have given up looking for work under Barack Obama’s watch than at any time than I can remember.”
{mosads}Priebus said the GOP should focus more on discussing how their policies can help the poor.
“Republicans are going to stand for fairness, freedom and equal opportunity for all Americans,” he said.
“When the federal government tries to equalize outcomes we’re all going to wind up equally worse off. But when it makes sure people have equal opportunities in education and the job market and healthcare we’re all going to be better off. That’s the right approach and that’s what’s fair.”
Obama and Democrats have made a renewed push on income inequality issues, and many RNC speakers this week have focused on pushing back on the issue.
Priebus also warned other Republicans about the tone they take talking about issues, just a day after Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) drew attention in a Thursday RNC speech for comments on women’s libidos and contraception.
“We must all be very conscious of tone and choice of words we use to communicate those policies effectively,” Priebus said.