Harris Campaign Avoids Defining Price Gouging

In a recent appearance on MSNBC’s “Chris Jansing Reports,” Gene Sperling, Senior Economic Adviser for the Harris-Walz Campaign, addressed concerns regarding price gouging as it relates to grocery store prices. When questioned by host Katy Tur about how Vice President Kamala Harris plans to define price gouging, Sperling emphasized that the campaign is not focused on detailing every aspect of pricing but rather on identifying unethical practices. He noted that during her tenure as California's attorney general, Harris did not attempt to set prices but aimed to combat bad behavior in the market. Sperling highlighted that profit margins in the grocery sector are currently at their highest levels in two decades, suggesting that companies are choosing to maintain elevated prices rather than passing savings onto consumers. He acknowledged the complexities of pricing, including supply chain issues and costs at the farm level, but maintained that excessive profit margins indicate a willingness to exploit the situation rather than support working families. Tur pointed out that various factors contribute to grocery prices, not solely corporate decisions. In response, Sperling reiterated that the high profit margins signal a need for scrutiny, particularly during crises. He asserted that the federal government should have the authority to monitor and address illegal or unfair practices that take advantage of consumers, especially as families continue to struggle with high prices for essential goods like meat and eggs. Overall, Sperling's comments reflect the campaign's commitment to addressing price gouging while ensuring that the government does not overreach into market pricing.