Home All 50 US States Biden encourages newly elected Democratic lawmakers to collaborate with Republicans as he approaches the end of his term.

Biden encourages newly elected Democratic lawmakers to collaborate with Republicans as he approaches the end of his term.

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Biden encourages newly elected Democratic lawmakers to collaborate with Republicans as he approaches the end of his term.


On a recent Sunday, President Joe Biden emphasized the need for newly elected Democratic lawmakers to consider diverse perspectives, even when they may disagree with them. This appeal came during an event designed to welcome a group of mostly young Democratic officials to Washington, marking a critical moment as they prepare to navigate the challenges of minority governance. Sharing anecdotes from his extensive political career, the veteran politician urged the new representatives to engage in bipartisan dialogue and strive for understanding.

Biden reflected on the importance of relationships in politics, lamenting the current state of division. “We don’t do that anymore,” he expressed in the White House State Room. “The single greatest loss we have is that we don’t know each other anymore.” The latest batch of about 30 Democratic lawmakers enters Congress at a time when their party finds itself in a diminished position following the significant defeat in the 2024 general elections, which included Kamala Harris’s unsuccessful presidential campaign. Additionally, Republicans retained their majority in the House and secured a narrow lead in the Senate.

Despite these challenges, the incoming lawmakers are optimistic about their potential for impact. Sam Liccardo, a Democratic representative from California and former mayor of San Jose, shared his perspective, acknowledging the constraints he will face but highlighting opportunities to drive progress. “I’m not expecting as a first-term member I will be the one to cut the deal on the border,” he stated. “On the other hand, there are other issues like housing costs, low-income housing tax credits, where there is a relative consensus to build a majority.”

Biden also drew from his own experiences as he reminisced about joining Congress over 50 years ago at age 29. He recounted his election in 1972, which began his lengthy political career after defeating incumbent Republican Caleb Boggs. Although he initially did not meet the minimum age for the Senate, Biden turned 30 shortly after the election. He reiterated the significance of forming alliances with those across the aisle. “You don’t have to give up your principles to build relationships,” he advised the new lawmakers.

In addition to offering wisdom from his experiences, Biden articulated the pressing challenges facing the nation both internationally and domestically. He remarked on how the world has transformed, stating, “We’re in an entirely new era, everything has changed. Our safety depends on who our partners are and who our allies are.”

Yassamin Ansari, a newly elected Democratic representative from Arizona, conveyed her eagerness to tackle issues like housing affordability, climate change, and reproductive rights. “These are issues that young people have said loud and clear are important to them,” she noted during an appearance on CNN, expressing her desire to find bipartisan solutions for these topics.

Similarly, Adam Gray, also a new representative from California, acknowledged the political landscape of his district, which favored Trump over Harris. “I think what Americans want to see is border security,” he told CNN. He pointed out that the previous Congress did not take the issue seriously, which is why voters sent him to Washington, sending a clear message that they desire change. “Status quo is not going to do it,” he emphasized.

Liccardo remarked on Biden’s extensive experience as indicative of his understanding and appreciation for guiding the next generation of leaders. He described the reception event as a significant moment for Biden to connect with the new lawmakers and pass on essential insights. “It’s an opportunity for him to bless and share a moment with the next generation of leaders in the country,” he stated.