The U.S. House of Representatives is a mess because the majority party, Republicans, can’t agree on a Speaker.
Following party-favorite Mike McCarthy’s failed attempts yesterday, some Republicans, today, cast their vote for Black Republican Rep-elect Byron Donalds, Fla, much to the chagrin of some Black Democrats.
But, it was a historic moment because, for the first time, two Black candidates representing different parties were concurrently nominated for Speaker. Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Nancy Pelosi’s presumed heir, was nominated by Democrats.
Was it a fine moment for America or political shenanigans by some MAGA Republicans to alleviate themselves of the “racist” label applied to them by many in the public?
Rep-elect Cori Bush, D-Mo, was adamant it was the latter.
She tweeted, “FWIW, @ByronDonalds is not a historic candidate for Speaker. He is a prop. Despite being Black, he supports a policy agenda intent on upholding and perpetuating white supremacy.”
“His name being in the mix is not progress—it’s pathetic.”
Donald replied, “FWIW, nobody asked @CoriBush her opinion on the matter. Before you judge my agenda, let’s have a debate over the policies and the outcomes. Until then, don’t be a crab in a barrel!”
First things first: I lean a bit left in today’s crazy political climate but am not particularly fond of either, Bush or Donalds. But Donalds is certainly no Herschel Walker. He’s a real and legitimate politician.
Unlike Walker, who didn’t know the first thing about Congress, politics, or U.S. history, Donalds has experience. Prior the entering the U.S. Congress in 2021, Donalds was the Florida state representative for the 80th district, which encompasses Hendry County and part of Collier County, from 2016 to 2020. He then served two years in the U.S. Congress and was re-elected this past November.
I wouldn’t vote for this dude but think Rep Bush’s comments are totally unwarranted.
He’s an ultra-conservative brotha. Look at his political rating, above, provided by the conservative site Heritage Action for America.
But chastising him and insisting he’s an advocate for White Supremacy is the wrong approach. While I’m no supporter of Donalds, that was uncool and certainly lacks evidence.
Why not just respectfully disagree?