BY SRH
House Democrats are facing intense criticism from their own base, with some constituents even suggesting extreme measures. It’s surprising, but we are aware – from the group that organized widespread protests following George Floyd’s death (though they were labeled as ‘mostly peaceful’), attempted to harm Donald Trump and Steve Scalise, and caused Rand Paul to require hospitalization.
Liberal activists are challenging Democratic lawmakers in town halls, office meetings, and online, urging them to abandon political niceties and begin “fighting dirty” — even if it entails facing harm, arrest, or worse.
“This notion that we will uphold every standard and refrain from engaging in [Republicans’] tactics … “I don’t believe that’s connecting with voters any longer,” one House Democrat acknowledged to Axios, as Democrats confront a growing wave of frustration from within their own party.
In candid interviews with more than two dozen House Democrats, Axios uncovered a prevailing sentiment of anger, despair, and a troubling desire for chaos.
“Our own base is indicating that our efforts are insufficient … [that] there must be significant action to capture the attention of the media and the public,” one lawmaker disclosed, recounting conversations with angry progressives. Another noted that constituents have urged them to prepare for “violence … to fight to protect our democracy.”
Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL), chair of the New Democrat Coalition, recognized the pressure from his supporters: “We’ve got people who are desperately wanting us to do something … no matter what we say, they want [more].”
Increased actions lead to more extreme measures; challenging Trump, unconventional impeachment efforts, and even facing arrest or being tackled during demonstrations. A Democrat remembered individuals proposing that they ought to be “prepared to get shot” when visiting ICE facilities.
Another recounted a bleak conversation: “I actually said in a meeting, ‘When they light a fire, my instinct is to grab an extinguisher.’ Then someone at the table remarked, ‘Have you ever tried gasoline?’”
These occurrences are not merely isolated events. Nearly all lawmakers who communicated with Axios recounted comparable experiences — white, college-educated suburbanites and urban liberals encouraging them to abandon decorum, and in certain instances, the rule of law.
“What I have observed is a call for us to intentionally seek arrest or to become victims of violence,” stated one Democrat. “Often, that perspective originates from economically stable white individuals.”
The twist? Numerous lawmakers assert that the demands are not only excessive, but also downright irresponsible for a party led by individuals of color, women, and LGBTQ lawmakers.
“This would not only benefit Donald Trump, but it would also simplify the work of Republicans in Congress if we were all entangled in legal issues … [we are] a group that consists largely of people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals — groups that do not have favorable outcomes in prison,” one remarked candidly.
Jonathan Turley further observes that Democratic leaders nationwide are turning to what I have termed “rage rhetoric” in my book “The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage.”
Violent protests and planned assassinations targeting figures from the Trump Administration have already been observed. Democrats intensified their assertions of a “coup” and urged fellow Democrats to “take to the streets in protest.”
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D, Mass.) stated, “Elon Musk is taking control of the power that rightfully belongs to the American people.” Rep. Jamie Raskin (D, Md.) asserted on MSNBC’s “The ReidOut” that Musk and Trump were orchestrating a “rapidly expanding and accelerating coup.”
Sen. Ron Wyden (D., Ore.) seemed to echo similar sentiments, stating that a “coup” was in progress.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) cautioned that Musk was “taking away everything we have.”
Representative Maxine Waters from California stated, “We are here to fight back.” Sen. Cory Booker (D., NJ) urged citizens to “fight” and proclaimed, “We will rise up.”
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D., TX) declared, “We are going to be in your face, we are going to be on your backs, and we will ensure you understand what democracy looks like, and this is not it.”
Rep. LaMonica McIver (D., N.J.) remarked: “God d—it shut down the Senate!” … We are in a state of conflict!
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., urged Democrats to engage in a battle “in the streets.”
This kind of rhetoric has the potential to motivate irrational individuals who genuinely perceive this as a battle against a coup. This rhetoric can incite individuals like anti-Republican Nicholas John Roske to attempt to assassinate Justice Brett Kavanaugh, or lead Sanders supporter James T. Hodgkinson to try to carry out a massacre against Republican members at a softball game.
This week, the Department of Justice revealed the arrest of ten individuals purportedly associated with Antifa, who are facing charges related to an ambush of ICE agents in Alvarado, Texas, on July 4.
Democratic members have consistently engaged in a risky approach by downplaying the violence or even the presence of groups such as Antifa.
Even though individuals such as Rep. Jerry Nadler (D., N.Y.) deny its existence, I have consistently addressed the danger that Antifa poses to free speech in our campuses and communities. This encompasses testimony presented to Congress regarding Antifa’s pivotal involvement in the nationwide anti-free speech movement.
We have maintained our focus on the assaults and detentions of Antifa supporters nationwide, which also encompass attacks on journalists.
Former Democratic National Committee deputy chair Keith Ellison, who is now the Minnesota attorney general, once remarked that Antifa would “strike fear in the heart” of Trump.
Jeremiah Ellison, a member of the Minneapolis City Council and son of Ellison, expressed his support for Antifa during the intense protests this summer.
Liberal websites have marketed Antifa merchandise, such as baby clothing, in recognition of the controversial group.
Currently, Democratic leaders are quietly voicing concerns that their supporters are calling for violence and dismissing moderate rhetoric. However, numerous individuals are stoking that anger, while only a handful of their peers are voicing opposition. The party is striving to harness this surge of anger for success. Nonetheless, history demonstrates that those who support the mob today frequently become its adversaries tomorrow.
“There Needs To Be Blood”: Democratic Lawmakers Claim Their Supporters Are ‘Bracing For Violence’
