In the early hours of Saturday morning, House Democratic leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) took the podium for his first remarks in his new role after House Republicans finally elected Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) as leader. .
Jeffries thanked his colleagues, paid tribute to former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and introduced himself as the House’s top Democrat. He acknowledged that the new Republican majority signaled the House was “at a crossroads,” even as his party would continue to work to “extend our helping hand” across the aisle.
Jeffries handed the hammer to McCarthy, but first he had fun.
“I also want to make it clear that we will never compromise on our principles,” she said, before launching into a list that spanned the entire alphabet.
“House Democrats will always put American values above autocracy,” Jeffries began. “Good will in the face of bigotry. The Constitution before the code”.
(You can watch Jeffries’ entire speech.)
As the Democrat spoke, McCarthy stood right next to the podium.
Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
It took four days and 15 rounds of voting before McCarthy secured the support needed to win, despite opposition from a far-right contingent within the caucus, including Reps. Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Matt Gaetz of Florida. McCarthy spent the week enduring one rejection after another and meeting with his detractors to figure out how to win their support.
Ultimately, six of McCarthy’s opponents voted “present” late Friday night. A person becomes speaker when he has received a majority of the members of the House who are present and vote for a candidate. The “present” votes lowered the threshold McCarthy must meet to declare victory, allowing him to win by 216 votes to Jeffries’ 212.
I’m a passionate and motivated journalist with a focus on world news. My experience spans across various media outlets, including Buna Times where I serve as an author. Over the years, I have become well-versed in researching and reporting on global topics, ranging from international politics to current events.