Rep. Jeffries and the New Generation of Democratic Leadership
Summary from the AllSides News Team
On Tuesday, House Democrats unanimously elected Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) as the next House Democratic Leader, replacing Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who stepped down last month. His rise to party leadership marks a number of firsts, and outlets across the spectrum are reflecting on its significance, and the challenges Hakeem faces leading the Democrats into a new era.
For Context: Jeffries is the first black American to lead a major U.S. party. He is 52 years old, 30 years younger than the outgoing speaker.
From the Left: A piece in CNN Opinion stated it was a “testament to the national character” that the “voice of the first Black leader of the Democratic minority in Congress will be seated at the head of the table” as the nation enters its next stage. A writer in the Washington Post (Lean Left Bias) stated that Jeffries’ key goal will be maintaining “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.”
From the Right: The New York Post Editorial Board congratulated Jeffries for “ushering in a new generation of Democratic leaders in the House,” as well as voicing optimism on Jeffries’ ability to reach across the aisle and settle party disputes. Brad Polumbo (Lean Right Bias) cited Jeffries' repeated statements casting doubt on former President Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential victory to determine that “going with Jeffries makes hypocrites out of the Democratic establishment.” Some on the right also highlighted Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) calling Jeffries an "election denier."
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Right
Democrats’ history-making new House leader: Brooklyn’s own Hakeem JeffriesCongrats to Brooklyn Rep. Hakeem Jeffries on his historic election as Democratic leader in the House.
Jeffries is the first black lawmaker to head a major political party in Congress, and his rise means Dems in both chambers will now be run by a Brooklynite: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer lives just about a mile away from him.
At 52, Jeffries is also ushering in a new generation of Democratic leaders in the House: Speaker Nancy Pelosi (82), Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (83) and Dem whip James Clyburn (82) are...
From the Center
Hakeem Jeffries: What to expect from the man who'll replace Nancy Pelosi as House SpeakerThere is, unquestionably, a generational shift taking place in the top echelons of the Democratic Party.
Out go House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 82, and her second in command, Steny Hoyer, 83 - who were more or less in charge of the caucus for almost 20 years.
Thirty years their junior, New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries has been not so much elected as effortlessly anointed successor to Ms Pelosi, facing no competition whatsoever and receiving the unanimous support and effusive blessing of the outgoing leadership.
Mr Jeffries is the...
From the Left
The Generation X, hip-hop-quoting congressman who’s taking a big stepUS Rep. Hakeem Jeffries’ election to be the first Black minority leader in American history reflects the potential, possibility and power of multiracial democracy. The 52-year-old congressman representing New York’s 8th Congressional District in Brooklyn and Queens, reflects both a generational and cultural shift from retiring House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose legendary tenure made her a trailblazing feminist icon and an impeccably dressed breaker of glass ceilings, unafraid of tussling in public with former President Donald Trump.
When Jeffries elucidated the case for impeaching Trump on the Senate floor in...
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