Progressive Democrat Letter to Joe Biden Causes Backlash in the Party
(ConservativeInsider.org) – President Joe Biden has repeatedly shown his commitment to Ukraine and assisting it in its war against the invading forces of Russia. From rallying Congressional support to condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly, he understandably sides with Democrats trying to get all possible aid to the defending country. However, a group of 30 Progressives recently sent the White House a letter asking him to pursue diplomatic solutions to the war, a note which caused quite a bit of strife among the Democratic party.
Progressives Seek “Proactive Diplomatic Push” From White House
On Monday, October 24, Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) submitted a letter with signatures from 29 fellow lawmakers thanking Biden for his work to assist Ukraine during this time. However, it also urged him to have a “proactive diplomatic push” in addition to the economic and military aid it is providing the nation.
Near the end, the letter did emphasize the members of Congress agreed with the current US stance to not pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy into anything. Yet they reiterated their desire for the White House to “make vigorous diplomatic efforts” to negotiate a ceasefire.
The letter was met with pushback from Ukrainians and Americans — on both sides of the aisle — who do not see a settlement with Russia as a good or viable option at this time.
Letter urging President Biden to negotiate a ceasefire with russia by "30 liberals" has been withdrawn.
Thank you for making the right choice.
There can be no ceasefire with a terrorist nation. We've tried it before several times, and it has never worked.
— Maria Drutska 🇺🇦 (@maria_drutska) October 25, 2022
Jayapal Clarifies Stance After Letter
Later on Monday, Jayapal released a statement reiterating her support for Ukraine, emphasizing how she would only support a diplomatic solution “that is acceptable to the people of Ukraine” and condemned the Russian invasion as “illegal and outrageous.”
Statement from @RepJayapal reaffirming support for Ukraine and clarifying the position of a letter to President Biden ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ddcoyHu94H
— Progressive Caucus (@USProgressives) October 24, 2022
In a statement to POLITICO, Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), who did not sign the controversial letter, said the people of Ukraine must “determine their destiny” instead of the US forcing diplomatic talks. He believes the “best way to do that” is to continue supporting requests the US is willing and capable of fulfilling.
After Continual Pushback, Progressives Withdraw the Request for Diplomacy
On Tuesday, October 25, after constant backlash, the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) withdrew its letter to Biden.
BREAKING:
The Congressional Progressive Caucus withdraws its letter urging Biden to start ceasefire negotiations with Russia due to “high energy prices” & the risk of nuclear war
The letter signed by AOC, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib & others was “published by staffers by mistake” pic.twitter.com/3SnvfIttwp
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 25, 2022
The statement from Jayapal claimed staffers sent the months-old, unvetted letter without approval, calling it a “distraction.” Yet, the damage still remains. If the Democratic party is seriously split on how best to support Ukraine, what could this mean for upcoming elections? Could this be a sign of a future, larger rift among Progressives?
Copyright 2022, ConservativeInsider.org
