Stimulus Checks: Democrats Ripped Over $1,400 Payment Plan

Over the weekend, Americans grew furious over the Democratic Party’s messaging about the third stimulus check. The party’s official social media accounts described the recent $600 stimulus check as a “down payment” on the next one, which will be $1,400 if it passes in its current form. After many promised $2,000 stimulus checks on the campaign trail, some voters are feeling lied to.

President Joe Biden himself frequently and vocally endorsed the plan for a $2,000 stimulus check, criticizing the $600 one passed in December. Many critics feel that it was misleading of him to do so only to turn around and offer a $1,400 check. The description of the last check as a “down payment” left a sour taste in many readers’ mouths, and many accused Biden and his party of backtracking and misleading them.

The hashtag “Biden lied” was trending on Twitter on Sunday as users discussed this abrupt shift in messaging. Many took issue with the tone of the tweets and statements coming out from Biden’s team, which were worded as if to suggest that the $1,400 check was always the plan. This was insulting to many who heard Biden frequently cite the number 2,000 during the Georgia run-off election.

Much of this criticism came from politically left-leaning commentators as well — often from self-identified socialists or Democratic-socialists. They accused the Democrats of not working hard enough and not exercising enough of their power to get meaningful stimulus passed. Even with control of the House, the Senate and the White House, they thought that this party was going too far out of its way to compromise with Republicans.

Still, another stimulus package is much closer to passing now than it was for about half of 2020 when partisan deadlock stopped negotiations in their tracks. Here is a look at how people are coming down on Biden and the Democrats over their new stimulus check proposal.

Past Statements

Critics were quick to throw Biden’s own past statements in his face, and in the faces of the Democratic party. They found phrasing that made it clear that the plan was not always to pass a $1,400 stimulus check, but a full $2,000.

Disillusioned

Some worried about the reaction from young voters, who helped drive the Democratic victories in the 2020 presidential election. They imagined that those who are relatively new to politics would be the most devastated by the difference between what was promised and what was paid.

Struggle

Many also speculated about the Democratic officials who made this decision and planned out its messaging. They guessed that those officials had never experienced the kind of poverty that many Americans are facing in today’s economic recession.

Late

In addition to the amount, users complained that the third stimulus check is already late, according to Biden’s promises. The president-elect told voters in the Georgia run-off elections that the check would be sent out “immediately,” but after nearly two weeks in office, he still has not passed his proposal.

Power

Critics dissected the legislative and executive powers the Democrats hold, trying to discern what procedural challenges were stopping them from delivering the $2,000 stimulus checks they promised. The conclusion for most was that it was a choice.

Other Countries

As usual, critics also compared the latest stimulus proposal to the economic aid programs enacted in other countries during the coronavirus pandemic. Many are paying citizens regularly, and are covering the wages of those who cannot work from home.

Insulted

Finally, many were insulted by this conspicuous change in messaging from the Democrats, particularly those who volunteered to work on the Georgia run-off elections. Others disliked the description of a “down payment” on what is quickly becoming a life-or-death situation for those who are unemployed.