The contrast between the man likely to be the next House speaker, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), and the likely House minority leader, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), could not be greater. Nor could the contrast be more indicative of the current state of the parties.
McCarthy remains hostage to the Christian nationalist base and the MAGA members who prioritize conflict with the Biden administration over governance. Jeffries, on the other hand, has broad appeal in his party and displays maturity and focus.
Appearing on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, Jeffries showed the discipline and generosity of spirit that no doubt pleased his predecessor, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). The key to her leadership, as it will be for Jeffries, is the ability to maintain unity in search of legislative deals and provide a contrast between a party that fights for working people and one that opposes reality and democratic governance.
Asked about conflict between moderate and left-leaning members, Jeffries refused to accept the “Democrats in disarray” framing. He responded:
The majesty of the House Democratic Caucus is that we are so incredibly diverse, in terms of race, and gender, and religion, and sexual orientation, region, life experience, and even ideology, from the left, to progressives, New Dems, Blue Dogs, moderate and centrist Democrats, all points in between. The thing about us, Jake, is that, while we can have some noisy conversations at times about how we can make progress for the American people … though people have doubted us, tried to create this frame of Democrats in disarray, we always are consistently able to come together, find the highest common denominator, get things done for everyday Americans, and make progress.