‘That’s life’: Jim Jordan distances himself from his own comments on rising gas prices

The more Republicans are pressed for answers about rising gas prices, the more obvious it becomes that they have no idea what to say. Some, such as House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, have tried pretending that consumers are paying $3 per gallon, which wasn’t even close to being true. Others, such as Donald Trump and Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, have tried arguing that gas prices have improved, contrary to reality.

But arguably the most unusual partisans are the prominent GOP voices who’ve responded to the recent trend with indifference.

A couple of weeks ago, for example, Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida appeared on CNN and said, “It’s terrible that we have higher gas prices … but it’s worth it to me.” (Scott, for context, is one of Congress’ wealthiest members, with a net worth of more than a half-billion dollars.)

On Thursday night, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan adopted a similar posture while trying to defend the administration’s record. CNN’s Kaitlan Collins asked the Ohio Republican, “What about [Trump’s] promise in 2024 that if he was re-elected, gas would be under $2 a gallon because of his policies?”

Jordan replied, “Well, gas prices were coming down until we had to deal with this situation [in Iran]. But, you know, that’s life, that’s dealing with the world we live in.”

After the congressman wrapped up his answer, the anchor told her guest, “But if someone’s listening to you, and they were paying $2.98 a gallon of gas before the war started, and now they’re paying $4.53. I mean, saying, ‘That’s life,’ might not make them feel better.”

At that point, Jordan quickly interrupted in a way that was unintentionally amusing.

“Those are your words, not mine,” the Republican interjected.

“No, you said, ‘That’s life,’ just now,” Collins added.

The host was, quite obviously, correct. She was merely quoting Jordan’s own words back to him, reminding him of on-air comments he’d made literally moments earlier in the same interview. It was one of those rare moments when a leading Republican official appeared offended by his own comments about rising consumer prices, which he apparently forgot immediately after saying them.

The larger point is unmistakable: As the 10th week of the war in Iran nears its end, the GOP appears to have no idea what to say about one of the key economic effects of the conflict.

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