The Wartime Captain
The unanimous election of Congressman Hakeem Jeffries to lead the Democratic caucus in the House of Representatives is a historic moment for the country - let's unpack the political significance.
The unanimous election of Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of Brooklyn to lead the Democratic caucus in the House of Representatives is a legitimately historic moment for the country, on several important levels. Let’s take a moment to break this down.
Clearly, the symbolism of the first Black American ever to lead the Congressional delegation of a major political party in the U.S. should not be under-emphasized. Not only does this represent real progress, it is equally clear that Jeffries was the strongest candidate in the full consideration of who he is and what his experience represents. This is not merely a symbolic choice, yet it does break barriers. Further, the most reliable voters in the Democratic base are Black voters, all over the country. They so often stand the rest of us up when we’re about to keel over. This is no exaggeration. Too often, this has gone unrewarded and unremarked upon by a party that takes this participation for granted, in my view. Jeffries shows that day is over, at least at the top. It’s no accident that the first Black Congressional leader came 14 years after the first Black President.
Then there’s the symbolism of Jeffries’ relative youth at age 52 in the context of outgoing leadership. This is more aspirational, to be frank. Democrats need younger voters to help determine the future of this country, but we cannot yet rely on that participation. Electing a younger man than any currently leading in our party is crucial, and his perspective within the generational rubric is important. That, and he can serve a long time, if Nancy Pelosi is the model. And she should be.
Speaking of Speaker Pelosi, only the greatest legislator of the past half century in the U.S. and the most accomplished Democratic House leader ever, the aspect of mentorship, legislative strategy, and caucus management chops cannot be overstated. Jeffries has been mentored by the best ever - and (at least for now) they’re sticking around, with Rep. James Clyburn likely remaining in a leadership role. They’re the wartime consiglieres.
But Jeffries himself is the wartime captain. He will be the main voice of the caucus - that’s clear. And he’s well suited for that role, and doesn’t hesitate to pick his spots to respond to Republican madness and the dangers of open fascism across the aisle. I suspect he will befuddle and enrage the hapless McCarthy and his ragtag band of inarticulate stooges, clinging to a tiny majority (four seats at present) that could - on any given day - collapse into pure political chaos. Lay in a supply of popcorn.
Speaking of disunity, did we see any on the Democratic side in the election of Hakeem Jeffries? Did the Progressive Caucus protest? Did the Squad revolt? Did the Third Way crowd dig in their heels? The answer - which is “no” - speaks volumes. This is a caucus that is getting ready to fight one of this young century’s greatest political battles, and the unity on the Democratic side will be vital to undermining McCarthy and his biting swarm of swamp midges as they attack President Biden and seek ever more authoritarian right wing measures.
Finally, I think it’s important to look at New York. First, Hakeem Jeffries came up through Brooklyn politics, starting out from Crown Heights during the time of the city’s deadly crack epidemic. He survived Albany’s famously fractious political shooting matches. He’s well respected in the state and I think, will make the effort to become better known (on a personal level, that is) outside of his district and city politics. I’ve seen his strong understanding of New York politics during our redistricting mishegas, when he rightly called the Republican plot to use the courts to gerrymander our Congressional seats a violation of civil rights. He was almost a lone voice in that fight, by the way. As you all know, I’m a New York partisan so I’m glad Jeffries is in the Democratic chair. I also believe he knows that the road to the Speakership runs through the Hudson Valley and Nassau County and I’m eager to take part in that particular battle myself.
Hakeem Jeffries is a liberal. He will be derided on occasion by those who call themselves “progressive” who will label him “centrist” or “corporate” or "moderate." None of that is true, and his votes historically show a strong progressive policy foundation. He will ignore most of it, but on occasion, will snap back at anything particularly egregious or untrue. He will probably too often quote Biggie Smalls (did you know he’s a fan?) but this line seems particularly appropriate for the moment:
“Never let them see your next move.”
Good luck, Kevin McCarthy.
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