“Do we want to govern or do we want to be internet celebrities?” Rep. Jeffries asked other top Dems on a private leadership call.
Behind the scenes in the House Democratic Caucus and its turbulent post-election day adjustment:
W @sarahnferris https://t.co/xvte6Zq8hE
— Heather Caygle (@heatherscope) November 11, 2020
Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill are increasingly blaming some of the more progressive members of their caucus for the large number of House seats Republicans were able to flip in this year’s election.
Republicans have gained six House seats so far with more looking like they’re on the way – a bitter disappointment considering the “blue wave” that was supposed to materialize but didn’t.
Moderate Democrats are sounding alarm bells, warning that unless some of the more radical elements of their party get their messaging under control, Democrats may wind up losing the House majority completely in the next election in 2022.
“Do we want to win, do we want to govern, or do we want to be internet celebrities?” House Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), said on a private call with caucus members last week.
“I think it’s a useful conversation for us to have because the socialism message wasn’t helpful,” Jeffries added.