Hakeem Jeffries confident he can unite Dems after Pelosi exit, says he has ‘great respect’ for AOC
Rep. Hakeem, D-N.Y. expressed optimism that Democrats could unite following the retirement of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ,, arguing that the party’s diversity will remain one of its strengths under his leadership.
” The thing about us…is that, while we can have noisy conversations at times about making progress for the American people but what we’ve seen is Speaker Pelosi’s leadership, Steny Hyer, Jim Clyburn, it’s been constant that we’ve been able to bring together,” Jeffries stated Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “
Jeffries’ comments come two days after he announced his bid to become House Democratic Leader, filling the shoes of Pelosi, who announced her retirement last week after two decades in Democratic leadership.
“Today I write to ask for your support for House Democratic Leader position as we once more prepare to meet the moment,” Jeffries wrote to fellow House Democrats. “Our Caucus must unite with purpose, communicate with discipline and legislate with precision, and partner with the Biden Administration to vigorously address the ongoing challenges facing our constituents.” “
HAKEEM JEFFRIES ANNOUNCES BID FOR HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER
Rep. Hakeem Jeffreys
(Reuters)
Jeffries has so far faced no opposition for his bid to lead the party, setting the stage for him to easily be voted into the job.
But Jeffries faces challenges in the new rule, with CNN host Jake Tapper noting the potential party leader has at times clashed with progressive members of his caucus such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.
Jeffries responded by expressing optimism that he can bring the various factions of the party together, arguing that Democratic diversity is one of the party’s strengths.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
“I have great respect for Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and every single member of the House Democratic Caucus,” Jeffries said. “The strength of the House Democratic Caucus’ diversity is that we are so diverse in terms of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and even ideology. “
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Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker, speaks at a press conference.
(Getty Images)
Jeffries also pointed to his time as chair of the House Democratic Caucus, where he said he focused on bringing people in the party together.
” I’ve had the chance over the past two terms to serve the House Democratic Caucus as its chair,” Jeffries stated. “And my goal was really to work hard to bring people around, to legislate accurately, to message with discipline and to communicate our values. “
Michael Lee works as a writer for Fox News. Follow him on Twitter @UAMichaelLee
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I have been writing professionally for over 20 years and have a deep understanding of the psychological and emotional elements that affect people. I’m an experienced ghostwriter and editor, as well as an award-winning author of five novels.
