I think Leader Jeffries has called the correct move, and here's why:
The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) has made it clear that they will not play along with Trump and the GOP’s budgetary games. For decades, Republicans have relied on Democratic votes to pass government funding bills, and now, progressives are drawing a firm line: …
I think Leader Jeffries has called the correct move, and here's why:
The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) has made it clear that they will not play along with Trump and the GOP’s budgetary games. For decades, Republicans have relied on Democratic votes to pass government funding bills, and now, progressives are drawing a firm line: no help while Trump and his billionaire allies, like Elon Musk, continue to enrich themselves at the expense of the American people.
This strategy is smart, necessary, and long overdue. As CPC Chair Greg Casar put it, Democrats are using “every legislative, judicial, and public pressure tool” to block Musk’s outsized influence and prevent Trump’s economic agenda from bulldozing through Congress. The GOP’s inability to govern without Democratic assistance gives progressives a crucial leverage point — one they should exploit to the fullest.
Moreover, tying Trump’s economic failures directly to the billionaire class, particularly Musk, is an effective narrative. The CPC’s argument that Musk spent $270 million to help elect Trump and has since grown his wealth by $160 billion highlights the deep corruption at play. By framing the battle as one against billionaire corruption rather than just Trumpism, progressives can rally broader public support.
The historical parallel to the fight over the Affordable Care Act is also apt. When Republicans controlled the government, grassroots resistance, led in part by Democrats, stopped their repeal efforts. Similarly, progressives can make this a defining moment, where Democrats stand firm, refuse to fund Trump’s corrupt policies and force the GOP to either compromise or fail.
Leader Jeffries understands that Democrats cannot afford to be passive participants in Trump’s second-term agenda. Holding the line on budget negotiations and publicly calling out Musk’s influence is the right play. The CPC has found its fight, and it’s one worth waging.
But is Jeffries in the CPC? Based on his previous non-action, I'd rather see someone young and fierce leading the charge than Jeffries, Schumer, or God forbid, Schiff.
He's not in the CPC, but the Democrats are banding together to fight against the felon, muskrat and the GOP members in Congress. For youth leadership look at the DNC. David Hogg was named as the assistant director. The director is also much younger than the current leaders in Congress.
What matters is that you hey right, not what caucus they are in. We can't change the leadership but we can push them all to act and use every tool available. Focus is what we all need to do, not to debate the minutiae.
I expect the Democrats to fold yet again, and save Johnson - "for the good of the country". But if they demand tough conditions, I expect it is smart. But not just "Fire Musk" - token and symbolic - they need to demand pretty-much everything rolled back.
PS Don’t knock my name; my family take that very personally…and I am no exception to thinking. You’re not obligated to comment so rudely on everything you read; given your tendency, I’d prefer you not read my essays at all.
Intelligent, sensible, debate can be helpful and interesting but junior high level, personal profanity laced attacks on others who post here is a colossal waste of time,
I think Leader Jeffries has called the correct move, and here's why:
The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) has made it clear that they will not play along with Trump and the GOP’s budgetary games. For decades, Republicans have relied on Democratic votes to pass government funding bills, and now, progressives are drawing a firm line: no help while Trump and his billionaire allies, like Elon Musk, continue to enrich themselves at the expense of the American people.
This strategy is smart, necessary, and long overdue. As CPC Chair Greg Casar put it, Democrats are using “every legislative, judicial, and public pressure tool” to block Musk’s outsized influence and prevent Trump’s economic agenda from bulldozing through Congress. The GOP’s inability to govern without Democratic assistance gives progressives a crucial leverage point — one they should exploit to the fullest.
Moreover, tying Trump’s economic failures directly to the billionaire class, particularly Musk, is an effective narrative. The CPC’s argument that Musk spent $270 million to help elect Trump and has since grown his wealth by $160 billion highlights the deep corruption at play. By framing the battle as one against billionaire corruption rather than just Trumpism, progressives can rally broader public support.
The historical parallel to the fight over the Affordable Care Act is also apt. When Republicans controlled the government, grassroots resistance, led in part by Democrats, stopped their repeal efforts. Similarly, progressives can make this a defining moment, where Democrats stand firm, refuse to fund Trump’s corrupt policies and force the GOP to either compromise or fail.
Leader Jeffries understands that Democrats cannot afford to be passive participants in Trump’s second-term agenda. Holding the line on budget negotiations and publicly calling out Musk’s influence is the right play. The CPC has found its fight, and it’s one worth waging.
2/2
You have said it well. It’s time to hold the line. Don’t help the Republicans! Just don’t.
But is Jeffries in the CPC? Based on his previous non-action, I'd rather see someone young and fierce leading the charge than Jeffries, Schumer, or God forbid, Schiff.
He's not in the CPC, but the Democrats are banding together to fight against the felon, muskrat and the GOP members in Congress. For youth leadership look at the DNC. David Hogg was named as the assistant director. The director is also much younger than the current leaders in Congress.
Muskrat! I love it!🐀
What matters is that you hey right, not what caucus they are in. We can't change the leadership but we can push them all to act and use every tool available. Focus is what we all need to do, not to debate the minutiae.
I expect the Democrats to fold yet again, and save Johnson - "for the good of the country". But if they demand tough conditions, I expect it is smart. But not just "Fire Musk" - token and symbolic - they need to demand pretty-much everything rolled back.
Peter, the feeling is mutual: I’m also glad I don’t know you either
PS Don’t knock my name; my family take that very personally…and I am no exception to thinking. You’re not obligated to comment so rudely on everything you read; given your tendency, I’d prefer you not read my essays at all.
For what it's worth, that is a comprehensive and thoughtful take. Very thorough and well argued.
Peter
Intelligent, sensible, debate can be helpful and interesting but junior high level, personal profanity laced attacks on others who post here is a colossal waste of time,
And Profanity dilutes the message severely
Thank you. I blocked this guy.
If you want to criticize at least say something constructive. You’re just a Trump/Musk troll with nonsense like this.
Project much??
Actually I do know what that term means. And my vocabulary is large enough that I don’t have to swear or try to demean anybody to get my point across.
I suggest you settle down chum, and take your tablets.