394
Top Democrat tells Trump and Republicans to ‘lawyer up’ after US midterm defeats (www.theguardian.com)
submitted 2 days ago by to c/politics@lemmy.world
59 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Robert Garcia, set to become oversight chair, vows to take on president while Senator Ron Wyden signals ‘subpoenas’

Robert Garcia, the Democratic congressman set to become the next chair of the oversight committee of the House of Representatives, had two words for Republicans on Tuesday evening: “Lawyer up.”

Garcia issued his statement as a blue wave appeared to take hold across the country after voters cast their ballots in the US midterm elections. Democrats retook control of the US Senate, and are widely expected to do the same in the House.

Ron Wyden, the Democratic senator poised to lead the Senate finance committee, also flexed on his potential future authority. “Subpoenas,” Wyden wrote on X.

With the Senate and House back in Democrats’ control, Garcia, Wyden and other congressional leaders will be able to lead and steer investigations into the US president, his allies and agenda.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] 11 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (13 children)

Can we start talking about who we would like to see in those congressional leadership roles?

For starters, here are some potential names for Senate Majority Leader:

  • Corry Booker [Heard]
  • Elizabeth Warren
  • Jon Ossoff
  • Chris Van Hollen

And for Speaker of the House:

  • Jamie Raskin
  • Ro Khanna
  • Robert Garcia
  • Pramila Jayapal

Feel free to discuss pros and cons regarding any of them, or add more names to the lists. We need to have this conversation now.

[Edit: Added PJ by request]

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 13 child comments
    •
  • [–] 21 points 2 days ago (4 children)

    Please no for Cory Booker. His "record breaking" filibuster was just for show and beating Strom Thurmond. He COULD have used it to uphold a few of Trump's appointments but no. He's not a fighter apparently.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 4 child comments
    •
  • [–] 6 points 2 days ago (3 children)

    Good to know, thank you. I'm hearing a lot of similar feedback about him.

    Who would you suggest instead?

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 3 child comments
    •
  • [–] 3 points 2 days ago* (2 children)

    I would think your other suggestions are fine. I would say Bernie but he might be too old. He doesn't act like he's slowing down though.

    If you really wanna piss off some people make ilhan Omar the speaker. I'm sure she has a lot of energy to put in work since your DC residence got raided.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
    •
  • [–] 4 points 2 days ago (1 child)

    Yeah I mean I love Uncle Bernie, but let's be honest. The man deserves to enjoy a few years of retirement. He's earned them.

    He's still kickin though, and he's certainly a man on a mission. I just hope he gets to live to see that mission come to fruition. It feels like it could be just around the corner.

    I doubt he'll retire until he sees the government working for the people like he's always fought for. But let's not add to his stress by making him SML. He's got plenty of younger protegés who could do well.

    Ilhan Omar would be awesome as Speaker, I just don't think it's realistic to expect enough Dems to back her for it, at least not until progressives break more ground in future elections.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
  • [–] 2 points 2 days ago

    Agreed on all points. The younger politicians need to step up and the progressives (and voters in primaries) need to keep pushing the party to focus on helping the people.

    Zohran Mamdani spoke out against Google using their power to force ai search on school students. I'm sure even some conservatives would agree AI searches in schools is a bad thing.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • [–] 7 points 2 days ago (1 child)

    I'm not convinced Cory Booker would be a good majority leader. I also think Ossoff is probably too junior to be majority leader.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
  • [–] 3 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

    Makes sense, a lot of people are saying the same about Cory Booker.

    And you're right that Ossoff is still kinda green, but he seems to have a sort of charisma that a lot of politicians lack, and he certainly enjoys widespread support.

    I've already heard him suggested as a potential presidential candidate, but I thought he seems a little young for that. Give him another term or two in the Senate first in my opinion, then he'll be a powerhouse in 2036 or so.

    Is there anyone you would suggest for SML?

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • [–] 2 points 2 days ago (1 child)

    I feel like a kid in a candy store— lots of good options on your list. Does anyone have insight on what happens behind the screen? Is the voting secret like selecting a pope? Can voters affect change through phone campaigns?

    It seems like suddenly Jeffries was announced as Pelosi’s replacement without a lot of coverage in the media on how it happened.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
  • [–] 3 points 2 days ago

    It's typically an internal decision, but I think the legislators vote on it first thing after they're all sworn in.

    You can certainly email/call your senators and representatives and let them know why you feel Schumer and Jefferies aren't right for the job, and suggest who you would like to see chosen for those roles instead.

    It can't hurt.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • [–] -3 points 2 days ago (2 children)

    No your list contains Warren and Booker they will be no different then Schumer and Hakeem.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
    •
  • [–] 4 points 2 days ago (1 child)

    Yeah I've been hearing a lot of similar about Booker, fair point. But I'm surprised you say Warren would be the same. She seems to be better, no? This is the first I've heard comparing her to establishment Dems.

    Also note there are 6 other names on those lists, so no need to dismiss the whole discussion just because there's two you don't approve of. Notice I said "potential names" and asked for feedback.

    Anything to weigh in about the others? Any names you'd like to see instead? Be a part of the discussion or don't, it's your choice, but don't try to be a conversation stopper.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
  • [–] -3 points 2 days ago*

    Fuck Warren the snake be glad when true progressive primary her and remove her from office. Fucking Republican under Regan only went Democratic when they moved to the right and rat fuck Bernie Sanders in the primary because Biden promised her VP. So fuck off with Warren will downvote any mention of her or post about her.

    Make it Bernie Sanders, no one says leader needs to be from the party. Only man in Senate can trust, or maybe one new guys but probably not going happen. In Congress AOC, or Omar be great choices.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent