Latest news with #NewDemocratCoalition
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Democrats eye a villain-to-ally arc for Elon Musk
Elon Musk has been the Democratic Party's boogeyman since shortly after President Donald Trump deputized him as a top adviser. The billionaire and Trump had a very public breakup this week. After Musk called the GOP's "big beautiful bill" a 'disgusting abomination' and threatened to 'fire all politicians' who backed it, the president mused on Thursday that he didn't know if the two would still have a "great relationship." Musk responded on his powerful platform X, "Without me, Trump would have lost," adding "Such ingratitude." Democrats' portrayal of Musk as a chainsaw-wielding, bureaucracy-breaking villain may be more complicated now — with some saying they should give him another chance. After all, Musk said he voted for former President Joe Biden in 2020 and gave a tour of SpaceX to then-President Barack Obama. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), who represents Silicon Valley and has known Musk for over a decade, said Democrats should 'be in a dialogue' with Musk, given their shared opposition to the GOP's megabill. 'We should ultimately be trying to convince him that the Democratic Party has more of the values that he agrees with,' Khanna said. 'A commitment to science funding, a commitment to clean technology, a commitment to seeing international students like him.' Other Democrats are warming back up to Musk as he leaves the White House and starts to break with his former boss in ways that could benefit the opposition. 'I'm a believer in redemption, and he is telling the truth about the legislation,' said Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.). But, he added, Musk has 'done an enormous amount of damage' and 'there are Democrats who see his decimation of the federal workforce and the federal government as an unforgivable sin.' Liam Kerr, co-founder of the group behind the centrist Democrats' WelcomeFest meeting this week in Washington, said 'of course' Democrats should open the door if Musk wants back into the party. 'You don't want anyone wildly distorting your politics, which he has a unique capability to do. But it's a zero-sum game,' Kerr said. 'Anything that he does that moves more toward Democrats hurts Republicans.' Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), the chair of the New Democrat Coalition who earlier this year supported the party's targeting of Musk as the Department of Government Efficiency slashed through federal agencies, said that with his departure from Washington, Democrats shouldn't make Musk their focus. 'We should be talking about what we're doing for the American people,' he said. Still, Musk recently threatened to cut off the money spigot for Republicans. And Democrats would have a lot to gain by merely keeping the world's richest man on the sidelines in the midterm elections and beyond. If Musk makes a mess of GOP primaries, that would work in their favor, too. But Musk's recent heel-turn also risks reopening a divide between progressives and moderates over how to approach him and other billionaires. 'Our caucus has done the right thing and gone toe-to-toe against Musk,' said Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and one of the party's most vocal advocates for making Musk an antagonist on the campaign trail. Others are taking a wait-and-see approach. 'I don't think we should take one ketamine-fueled tweet as evidence of a change of heart,' said Matt Bennett, co-founder of the center-left group Third Way. 'It's more complicated.'
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Why Democrats Are Pissed at This Trump Impeachment Attempt
Michigan Representative Shri Thanedar pushed earlier this week for a vote on his articles of impeachment, causing an unwelcome stir among Democratic leadership, who were very much not on board with the rogue effort to oust President Donald Trump. Thanedar took to the House floor Tuesday to recognize his seven articles as privileged, giving Republican leadership two days to commence a vote on the symbolic gesture. 'It's never the wrong time to stand up for our Constitution,' Thanedar wrote on X Tuesday, calling on his colleagues to 'take action.' But liberal lawmakers disagree with forcing the impeachment process. 'People are pissed,' a senior House Democrat told Axios, on the condition of anonymity in order to share their uncensored private reactions. 'He's really just doing it for himself.' A second House Democrat referred to Thanedar as a 'dumbshit.' 'This is the dumbest fucking thing,' a third unidentified House Democrat said, calling Thanedar's limelight-grabbing actions 'utterly selfish behavior.' Thanedar's articles accuse Trump of obstruction of justice, bribery and corruption, and tyrannical overreach. But despite Trump's recent actions, Democrats have no power to actually advance the articles forward. They're also cynical about coming down hard on the president when the Republican-dominated system that is allowing Trump to advance his agenda is still actively doing his bidding. Other Democrats were concerned that Thanedar's uncoordinated impeachment effort would take pressure off of Republican-driven tax cuts. 'We need to focus on reconciliation,' Representative Brad Schneider, the chair of the New Democrat Coalition, told Axios. 'One hundred percent of our energy is on dealing with this.' The whole impeachment crusade has been a wash since Thanedar announced it last week, seemingly without speaking to the teams of his alleged co-sponsors. The announcement also coincided with a bit of bad news for the Michigan lawmaker: He will face intraparty competition from state Representative Donavan McKinney in the midterms for his House seat. In an apparent vote of no confidence on Thanedar, McKinney has already received support from the progressive PAC Justice Democrats, as well as Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib, who endorsed McKinney Monday. Still, Thanedar is refusing to back down from the articles, insisting that he won't withdraw them unless 'someone can convince me that many of my articles are incorrect. 'The rest of the members have to look into their own conscience and make a decision: is this impeachable conduct or not?' Thanedar told Axios.
Axios
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Dems privately rage over "utterly selfish" Trump impeachment vote
House Democrats erupted into fury and profane invective Tuesday as Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) forced a vote on his rogue efforts to impeach President Trump. Why it matters: The vote could be politically tough for many Democrats, who feel impeachment is politically foolish but are facing demands from their grassroots to mirror Trump's shock-and-awe tactics. Several lawmakers told Axios last week they believe Thanedar's impeachment efforts are clearly aimed at galvanizing support in his contested Democratic primary. A senior House Democrat, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity to offer insights into the private reactions of their colleagues, told Axios: "People are pissed." Driving the news: Thanedar took to the House floor Tuesday afternoon to notice his seven articles of impeachment as privileged, which forces the House to vote on them within two legislative days. In other words, the House has to act by Thursday. Republicans will likely introduce a motion to table — or kill — Thanedar's measure. The measure accuses Trump of a litany of offenses, including abuse of power, corruption and "tyranny," mostly related to his consolidation of power and his personal finances. What we're hearing: "This is the dumbest f***ing thing. Utterly selfish behavior," said a second House Democrat, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to speak candidly about a colleague. A third House Democrat said of Thanedar, simply: "What a dumbs***." A fourth called Thanedar's maneuver "irrelevant" because Republicans motion to table "will succeed," predicting some Democrats may vote for the GOP motion. Zoom in: Some Democrats also see Thanedar's push as a distraction from their party's efforts to message against Republicans' massive tax cut bill. "We need to focus on reconciliation," said Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), the chair of the New Democrat Coalition. "100% of our energy is on dealing with this." Flashback: Thanedar first raised the ire of his colleagues last week by listing several colleagues as co-sponsors on his impeachment articles based on vague conversations without looping in their staffs. Sources also alleged Thanedar misleadingly intimated that his articles were drafted in coordination with and with support from Democratic leadership. Thanedar introduced his articles the same day that Democratic state Rep. Donavan McKinney announced plans to challenge Thanedar. The latest move to force a vote comes one day after Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Detroit's other member of Congress, endorsed McKinney. The other side: Asked about his colleagues' comments, Thanedar told Axios "Mr. Trump has conducted unconstitutional activities. He has conducted impeachable actions, and I have to do my constitutional duty." Thanedar said he has "communicated" with leadership but "didn't seek permission," adding that he will not withdraw his motion "unless someone can convince me that many of my articles are incorrect." Asked about suggestions that the effort is related to his primary, he said: "It's too early — 15 months. I'm not worried about that. It's not about elections ... it's about doing the right thing."
Chicago Tribune
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider embraces higher House profile; ‘The future of our country depends on our success'
Since being elected chair of the 115-member New Democrat Coalition on Nov. 20, putting him in a leadership position in the Democratic Party, U.S. Rep Brad Schneider, D-Highland Park, has watched his role evolve in after the whirlwind executive orders and other actions of President Donald Trump began on Jan. 20. Though the group's purpose remains the same since it was formed in 1997 — 'passing legislation and getting stuff done' — Schneider said leading the group through unprecedented times is a challenge he considers crucial for his colleagues and the country. 'There has never been a time like this,' he said. 'Trump is making an all-out attack on the Constitution, the rule of law and our democratic institutions. This is what I tell people at rallies, town halls, senior centers and schools. We have to fight for what America can be.' Schneider plans to accelerate his efforts to build coalitions to pass legislation in Washington and communicate with constituents in northeast Illinois to counteract Trump's actions now and in building toward the 2026 midterm elections. Joining the 'New Dems' when he was first elected to Congress in 2012, Schneider said there were 42 members at that time. It grew to 115 with the start of the current 119th Congress in January. He said they are new Democratic members who replaced retired nonmembers, or others who see it as a way to 'get things done.' 'We work across our caucus and reach across the aisle,' he said. 'Using Republicans is part of our mission. It is necessary to pass legislation and get stuff done.' U.S Rep Suzan DelBene, D-Washington, came into Congress with Schneider in 2012. She was the previous chair of the New Dems. She entered Congress with Schneider and has watched him grow into his leadership role. They both serve on the Committee on Ways and Means. 'He shows results for our committee, the New Dems, the people he represents and our country,' DelBene said. 'He works very well with people in a group situation. He had had some of the best ideas for us.' DelBene said Schneider is now in a position to help stop, 'the damage Elon Musk and Donald Trump are doing to the nation.' Some New Dems members, like U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, joined before they became members. First elected in 2022, she said she contacted Schneider when she first became a candidate. He became a mentor. 'I reached out to Brad because his district is diverse like mine,' Budzinski said. 'He invited me as a special guest at his Women for Brad event. He has been a valuable counsel on a variety of issues.' During a town hall Schneider held in March at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Ashby Beasley of Highland Park asked Schneider to 'take the gloves off' when criticizing Trump and Musk, who heads the cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency. 'Say something to give us hope,' Beasley said. 'Don't back down. We'll be right there with you.' Beasley said last week she would like to see more young people like U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, and U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, R-Florida, in leadership roles. Though she said she is a supporter of Schneider, Dana Gordon, also a Highland Park resident, said she wants to see a very strong response from Democratic leadership about Trump's attempts to, 'dissolve our democracy.' 'Congress has to respond, and they have to do it strongly,' Gordon said. 'They have the power of the purse, and they have to use it. They are in charge of that.' Getting more vocal, Schneider is critical of Trump's attacks on free speech at universities, deportations without due process — be they migrants or students — and how the president is impacting the country's reputation around the world. 'He has surrendered to Vladimir Putin on Ukraine,' Schneider said. 'He has damaged America's leadership in the world. We have to persevere and be strong. The future of our country depends on our success.' Looking to the 2026 election, Schneider said the New Dems, through its political arm the NewDem Action Fund, are looking for candidates to help the Democrats regain the majority in the House of Representatives and supporting incumbents in competitive districts. 'We're working to flip enough seats so the Democrats will have a majority,' Schneider said, 'We're working with our incumbents so they can hold their seats.' With the Republicans now holding a slim majority in the House, Schneider said legislation can be passed by getting a few — four will do it — to vote for legislation supported by the Democratic caucus. 'We don't need them to leave the Republican Party,' he said. 'They just need to join us to preserve America's democracy.' Though as his seniority grows, Schneider may have other leadership positions, such as chairing a committee — he sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee as well as Ways and Means — he said he does not plan to run for the U.S. Senate. Sen. Dick Durbin said Wednesday he is not seeking reelection in 2026. 'I know every nook and cranny of the 10th District,' Schneider said. 'I really like representing the people here.'
Fox News
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
New Dems ready to move party and country beyond Trump chaos
Good people across the country are angry at Washington – and for good reason. From North Carolina and Nebraska to Washington and Georgia, people of all political backgrounds are demanding an explanation for the chaos created and the damage caused in just the first two months of the second Donald Trump presidency. They are decrying Elon Musk's dismantling of government programs and agencies, and fearful about the Administration's efforts to undermine our Constitution. And they are outraged at the amateurish incompetence of many of Trump's closet advisors, as exemplified in the clumsy, dangerous sharing of war plans on an unsecured Signal chat chain that was not only an embarrassment for our intelligence and defense apparatus, but also a serious threat to our security. At home, families are struggling with rising prices directly caused by Trump's on-again, off-again tariffs, many levied against our closest allies. The whiplash of the president's daily deluge of chaos has killed job growth, with layoffs increasing 245% in February alone – levels not seen since the Great Recession. The country is facing dual measles and bird flu outbreaks that threaten the lives of children and livelihoods of farmers as vaccine-denying crockpot Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismantles public health. Meanwhile, thousands of veterans have lost their jobs as Musk arbitrarily hacks away at the federal workforce – nearly one-third of whom are veterans. Furthermore, Musk's plan to lay off 80,000 Department of Veterans Affairs employees would disrupt critical services like the Veterans Crisis Line, compensation for disabilities, and cancer treatments for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits. As the costs of Trump's chaos economy become increasingly clear, Americans are looking to congressional Democrats to fight for them. They want us to defend the balance and powers established in our Constitution, to uphold the rule of law, and, importantly, to offer an alternative vision for a better path forward. That is exactly what the New Democrat Coalition – a group of 115 pragmatic, center-left House Democrats dedicated to finding commonsense solutions – is offering. As a growing majority in the House Democratic Caucus, New Dems are prepared to lead from the center with strong voices and bold policy ideas. We are championing a unity agenda for our party and the country that can rally Americans across the political spectrum. What does this mean in practice? Our vision for the path forward is grounded on three pillars: economic growth and lowering costs, healthy and safe communities, and strong national security and defense. First, New Dems are working to create an abundance of new, well-paying jobs, to raise the nation's standard of living, and to help Americans achieve financial freedom – not just to make ends meet, but to get ahead. Working families should be able to comfortably afford a nice home. Students should be able to get an education without taking on mountains of debt. And everyone should be able to plan for a secure and dignified retirement. Second, we are committed to ensuring people feel safe and secure in their homes and on their way to work, school and play. New Dems are working to protect communities from crime and violence while ensuring every American has access to clean air and water, affordable housing, education and more. Finally, we are determined to finally fix our broken immigration system and secure our borders. We are working to modernize our defense, diplomatic and development capabilities to advance American interests at home and abroad. And we are actively responding to a rapidly changing climate by improving the resiliency of critical infrastructure and investing in the clean energies of the future. The 2024 election was about lowering costs and helping people get ahead, securing our border and protecting our communities, and strengthening our national defense and Americans' security. People want a government that listens to them, understands their needs and priorities, clears barriers, and opens pathways to opportunity. That's the vision of the New Dems. Our nation is at a critical crossroads, and New Dems are steeled for a long fight. We will not shy away from confronting the president and congressional Republicans to defend our values and protect our democracy. Nor will we hesitate to work together for the good of the nation. As Sun Tzu famously said in The Art of War, "In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity." He also said, "It is the unemotional, reserved, calm, detached warrior who wins, not the hothead seeking vengeance and not the ambitious seeker of fortune."
