Rep. Pete Aguilar did not mince words as he nominated Hakeem Jeffries for Speaker. He gave reasons why Jim Jordan was completely unfit to be speaker.
Rep. Pete Aguilar: Jim Jordan is unfit to be Speaker
In a critical moment for American politics, Rep. Pete Aguilar stands firm in his contention that the United States needs a Speaker of the House who embodies both capability and moral rectitude. By nominating Hakeem Jeffries for the second time, Aguilar emphasizes political prowess and the ethical disposition that he argues is fundamentally lacking in the Republican nominee, Jim Jordan. Aguilar’s arguments extend beyond partisan bickering and tap into what many view as the existential question for America today: Can we afford to place power in the hands of those who question democratic norms and advocate extremist positions?
In the video clip:
- Rep. Pete Aguilar attempted for the second time to nominate Hakeem Jeffries for Speaker of the House, contrasting him sharply with Republican nominee Jim Jordan. Aguilar contends that Jeffries has the majority of Democratic votes, which will outweigh Jordan’s Republican support.
- Aguilar criticized Jim Jordan as unqualified for the Speaker role, citing his lack of legislative achievements and failure to get any of his proposed bills to committee. He also accused Jordan of supporting an extreme agenda that includes banning abortion nationwide, gutting Medicare and Social Security, and giving cover to those involved in the January 6th insurrection.
- According to Aguilar, Hakeem Jeffries has demonstrated effective leadership by keeping the Democratic caucus united. Jeffries led House Democrats in rejecting extremism and keeping the government open. Aguilar believes Jeffries is the leader the U.S. needs to move forward on a bipartisan path.
- Aguilar emphasized that Democrats are united in their support for Jeffries as Speaker, highlighting their goals to lower costs, create better-paying jobs, build safer communities, and defend democracy. He indicated that another candidate would be chosen if no Speaker is elected in this round, warning that the country cannot afford more delays and chaos.
- Aguilar lambasted Republicans willing to vote for Jordan, describing him as an insurrectionist and a traitor who should not be considered for such a key role. He called it “shameful” that Jordan received close to 200 votes from Republicans and praised a “select few” Republicans willing to do the “right thing.”
- Jim Jordan’s nomination for the role of Speaker is fraught with controversy. Aguilar takes Jordan to task on his legislative track record—or lack thereof. A Speaker of the House should fundamentally be a legislator, someone who understands the intricacies of lawmaking. According to Aguilar, Jordan falls woefully short in this regard. Not only has he failed to pass a single piece of legislation, but he has also not managed to put forth any legislation that even makes it to the committee. This inefficacy is striking when contrasted with the legislative accomplishments of the Democratic caucus under the stewardship of Hakeem Jeffries. Aguilar’s critique is aligned with the public sentiment that Congress needs to be more effective; according to Pew Research, as of June 2021, only 21% of Americans held a favorable view of how Congress was handling its job.
Jim Jordan‘s policy positions further deepen the ideological chasm. Aguilar accuses him of supporting an “extreme agenda” that includes banning abortion nationwide, slashing Medicare and Social Security, and providing cover for January 6th insurrectionists. These positions do not reflect American values and serve to polarize rather than unite. On the other hand, Hakeem Jeffries is a unifier who has extended “the hand of bipartisanship.” Under his leadership, House Democrats have remained united in their opposition to extremist positions threatening to plunge the country into a devastating default, illustrating Jeffries’ capacity for effective governance.
The process of selecting a Speaker should be a straightforward one, yet in these contentious times, it’s fraught with political minefields. Aguilar expresses frustration over the delays and internal chaos stemming from this crucial election, warning the nation that it cannot afford further political turmoil. He appeals to the ideals that should guide this process—better-paying jobs, safer communities, and a robust democracy—and presents Jeffries as the person best suited to lead America toward these goals.
Lastly, Aguilar does not mince words when it comes to his assessment of Jordan as an “insurrectionist” and a “traitor.” These are strong words, but they resonate with a significant portion of Americans who are deeply concerned about the state of democracy in the U.S. His impassioned plea serves as a wake-up call for Republicans who may still be considering supporting Jordan. Aguilar applauds the “select few” Republicans who have chosen to put country over party.
Rep. Pete Aguilar’s re-nomination of Hakeem Jeffries and his fervent denouncement of Jim Jordan serves as a poignant reminder of what’s at stake: the integrity of American institutions, the effectiveness of governance, and the nation’s soul. As the process unfolds, the choice between Jeffries and Jordan becomes more than a political decision—it’s a moral one. The upcoming days will reveal who takes the Speaker’s gavel and what values the United States chooses to prioritize at this critical juncture.
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