As we’ve reported, Joe Biden is trying to spin the negative growth numbers he knows are coming out this week, arguing that they will not indicate a recession, despite the fact that two-quarters of negative growth is the very definition of a recession. His team is trying to claim that it depends on other numbers as well. Even CNN isn’t buying it, with Chris Cillizza mocking Biden’s effort to redefine words and change reality.

Even if you went along with that spin, the other numbers aren’t looking good now either. So the spin is going to be much harder to sell.

The consumer confidence number just came in, and it’s lower than expected.

CNN: Consumer confidence falls for the third consecutive month.

The latest numbers indicate there is a "serious recession risk" permeating in the economy. pic.twitter.com/tEsPJg1DOs

— America Rising (@AmericaRising) July 26, 2022

Consumer confidence slipped for the third straight month in July as sky-high prices dampened demand for products and services, according to a new survey.

The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index, which tracks consumer attitudes and buying intentions, dropped from 98.4 percent last month to 95.7 percent in July, its lowest level since last year.

Lynn Franco, the Conference Board’s senior director of economic indicators, said in a statement that the survey results indicate that recession risks persist.

“As the Fed raises interest rates to rein in inflation, purchasing intentions for cars, homes, and major appliances all pulled back further in July. Looking ahead, inflation and additional rate hikes are likely to continue posing strong headwinds for consumer spending and economic growth over the next six months,” Franco said.

They had anticipated it would be at 97 and it’s even lower than that.

It’s even hitting Walmart, with them saying that they see lower profits because people have to spend their money on necessities like food rather than clothes and other items.

Some are already saying we’re in a recession, including Chief Economist & Global Strategist at Europac.com, Peter Schiff.

July consumer confidence fell more than expected while expectations for the future sank to a 9-year low. June new homes sales crashed far more than expected, falling for 5 out of the last 6 months, and May's number was revised sharply lower. The economy is clearly in #recession.

— Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) July 26, 2022

The GDP number is coming in on Thursday and given all the furor from the White House on it already, you can bet they believe it’s negative. But whatever it is, the Biden team can’t spin away how much the American people are being crushed by the economy.

Things are so bad, they're going with the dog pics again. Look for the cat photos when the GDP number hits. https://t.co/QMmnE2xYw0

— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) July 25, 2022