Congressman Hakeem Jeffries Likens Trump to Ex-Boyfriend Trying to Turn Bloc Into Joke with American People: ‘We Broke Up with You for a Reason’ – Essence

In a speech that combined the rhythm of black church life with the urgency of political struggle, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) dominated the stage on the Democratic National Convention Wednesday night, reminding Americans that after you progress on, you may’t turn your nose up at it anymore.

Jeffries, who spoke at a major news conference for the primary time since taking up as leader of the Democratic Party within the House of Representatives, highlighted Kamala Harris’ role as a visionary leader and described Donald Trump as a serious threat to American democracy.

Jeffries, the primary black leader of a major party in Congress, didn’t mince his words. With the cadence of a seasoned preacher, Jeffries described Harris as a champion of working people and a relentless fighter for justice, while he portrayed Trump as an “agent of chaos” more keen on his own power than within the well-being of the American people.

“Donald Trump is like an old boyfriend that you broke up with, but he just won’t go away,” Jeffries joked, to loud laughter and applause from the audience. “He’s spent the last four years spinning the block, trying to connect with the American people. Dude, we broke up with you for a reason.”

The line, each humorous and cutting, epitomized Jeffries’ ability to connect with his audience on a cultural level, using language and imagery that directly related to the lived experiences of many within the room. But Jeffries’s message wasn’t just light-hearted sarcasm. He methodically dismantled Trump’s legacy, one policy at a time. From the GOP tax cuts, which he dismissed as a “fraud” that benefited the rich, to Trump’s disastrous handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jeffries painted a picture of a presidency that has failed the very people it was supposed to help.

He didn’t stop there. Jeffries reminded the group of the January 6 revolt, an event he portrayed as a deliberate attempt by Trump to “destroy our democracy.” He also condemned the appointment of three conservative Supreme Court justices who ultimately overturned Roe v. Wade, stripping women across the country of basic rights.

“We broke up with you for a reason,” Jeffries repeated. “Donald Trump can spin the block all he wants, but there’s no reason for us to ever get back together. Been there, done that, not going back.”

Jeffries’ speech was not only a critique of the past but additionally a hopeful vision of the long run. Speaking concerning the incoming Harris administration, Jeffries promised close cooperation between House Democrats and the White House on issues from climate change and immigration reform to strengthening Medicare and restoring abortion rights.

The highlight of Jeffries’ speech got here during a query-and-answer moment, evoking the spirit of the black church with a touch of Brooklyn flair.

“Develop a strategy on Sunday,” Jeffries began, his voice growing increasingly intense and strained. “Meet the moment on Monday. Take it to them on Tuesday. Solve it on Wednesday. Thank God on Thursday. Fight with power on Friday. Unleash it on Saturday. Get a few hours of sleep, wake up the next day and do it all over again until joy, joy, joy comes in the morning.”

The crowd at Chicago’s United Center, a lot of whom may not have been familiar with Jeffries’s oratory style, responded with a standing ovation. For those more familiar with his work on Capitol Hill, it was a reminder of why Jeffries is certainly one of the Democratic Party’s rising stars—a leader who can encourage, mobilize and lead with conviction.

Jeffries also took a moment to pay tribute to President Biden, who after much deliberation and pressure has decided to step down and never seek reelection. Jeffries praised Biden as a selfless leader who “passed the torch” to the subsequent generation and might be remembered as one of the necessary presidents in American history.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better leader to work with than President Joseph Robinette Biden,” Jeffries said. “He will go down in history as one of the most important presidents of all time.”

The Democratic National Convention is underway in Chicago. Tonight, the ultimate night of the convention, Kamala Harris is ready to officially accept the party’s nomination for the 2024 election.