Jay Carney: Republicans Caused Demand for Food Stamps

During Monday night's GOP debate, Newt Gingrich observed that more Americans have been placed on the food stamps program under President Obama than any other president in the country's history. Although Gingrich's assertion was based on the current number of people on food stamps, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney attempted to spin the narrative 180 degrees by saying that it was in fact Republican policies that created the demand for food stamps. He cited a lack of Wall Street regulation as the catalyst.

"The economic policies that contributed to the great recession were supported by and are being proposed by I believe all the [Republican candidates]," Carney said during the press briefing Tuesday. Criticizing Republicans for opposing Dodd-Frank regulations, Carney added, "We look forward to the debate with whomever emerges from the primary process."

Meanwhile, the Washington Times reports:

A record 45 million people received food stamps last year at a cost of $75 billion. The program, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, has more than doubled in cost since 2008.

Yet still, when it came to Gingrich's description of President Obama as the "food stamp president," Carney said, "The economic policies that helped create [the recession], are the kinds of policies that he [Gingrich] advocates to this day."

(h/t: Washington Examiner)