Democratic strategist Paul Begala is questioning President Joe Bidenâs decision to cancel student loan debt for millions of borrowers.
During a segment on CNNâs âState of the Unionâ Sunday, Begala criticized the plan even as he labeled himself a progressive.
âI want to help folks. But I think this is terrible policy,â he said. â Politics of it we saw. Tim Ryan is in a tough race in a tough state, and he canât stand this idea. Sen. is all for it â sheâs not exactly from a swing state.â
He went on to note that itâs not just Republicans who are against the plan, but âgood Democratsâ are as well.
âWhat is my party doing with this? I think theyâre not helping the people that weâre here to help, which is poor people and underprivileged communities,â Begala said.
He added, âAnd theyâre not helping their politicians who are running.â
Watch the video below:
Biden shared his plan to cancel student loan debt for millions of borrowers last week.
But while some progressives praised it, it was met with fierce criticism from conservatives. And even some Democrats have spoken out against it.
Begala, a strategist for former President Bill Clintonâs 1992 campaign, has previously criticized the idea of student loan cancellation.
During a segment on HBOâs âReal Timeâ in May, host Bill Maher suggested that such a move would likely be a âloser issue for the party that is trying to win back the working class.â
âWe who didnât go to college and didnât benefit from that are gonna subsidize you to get your degree in gender studies and sports marketing and all the other bulls***,â Maher said.
Watch the video below:
Begala seemed to agree with Maherâs argument as he joked, âWe Democrats have a lab, two labs actually, secret labs â one in Berkeley and one in Brooklyn â where we come up with ideas to completely piss off the working class, and itâs working wonderfully.â
He added, âSomehow, in my lifetime, the Democrats have gone from being the party of the factory floor to being the party of the faculty lounge.â
