What about debt is relevant? Sure, if you’re in debt then a sense you “owe less”, in that the units you owe are now worth less. But practically speaking, if you’re an hourly or salaried employee that’s too poor to own significant securities or real estate assets and your wages don’t keep pace with inflation (wtfhappenedin1971.com), that’s a totally meaningless ivory tower economics point. You’re just further priced out of those assets, are paying more for the consumer goods you need to live that are now inflated, and you’re still paying the same dollar amount on your debt.

The fact that you are demanding him to mention debt shows you've a short-sighted view of the world, seeing only what happens close to home from what appears to be a privileged point-of-view.

Not everyone in the world has easy access to credit like you imply. You're the one pushing an agenda here.

if you insist on mentioning the debt to support your argument, you exclude and dismiss those who do everything to never live off debt. Those are not rich, they are hard working people who try desperately to bring economic stability into their families and to get into a lower middle class.