Clyburn hopes Johnson will attempt to find 'common ground'

Senior Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn on Sunday encouraged newly reelected House Speaker Mike Johnson to work with Democrats on agenda items in the new term.

Johnson kept his gavel on the first ballot Friday, quelling dissent in his caucus with the help of President-elect Donald Trump and seeing just one defection from the GOP ranks. Two Republicans, Reps. Keith Self (Texas) and Ralph Norman (S.C.), initially voted against Johnson before flipping their ballots after phone calls with Trump and commitments that the conference would work more collaboratively.

"I would think that the speaker ought to put into practice as he presides over the full Congress the same thing he did in order to get elected on the first ballot," Clyburn told MSNBC's Jen Psaki on Sunday on "Inside with Jen Psaki." "He kept the vote open for a little while until he could sit down and negotiate within his conference to get the votes he needed."

Clyburn (S.C.) preached that same patience with Democrats.

"Give us time to sit down for him, to sit down with the leadership of the — on the Democratic side, with Hakeem Jeffries, and find common ground," Clyburn said, referring to the House Democratic leader.

Johnson has an ambitious agenda: The speaker is aiming to push a massive reconciliation package through Congress, one that combines Trump priorities including border security, energy-permitting, tax reform and action on the debt ceiling, by the end of April.

Clyburn, a key ally of President Joe Biden whose endorsement in 2020 helped jump-start Biden's primary campaign, also told Psaki he expects Monday's election certification to take on a very different tone from four years ago.

"And that's what you're going to see tomorrow, a great contrast," Clyburn said. "I hope the American people will take time out to watch this tomorrow and, hopefully, have their faith in this great country renewed."

Topics

Jags home after storm grounds flight for 7 hours

A winter storm delayed the Jaguars' flight out of Indianapolis, keeping players and staff on the tarmac for at least six hours before finally they were finally able to take off early Monday morning.
ESPN - 23h
Emeralds for Sale: The Taliban Look Below Ground to Revive the Economy

The Taliban government is counting on Afghanistan’s bountiful gemstone and mineral resources after the loss of billions of dollars in international aid.
The New York Times - 1d
Dash names new coach Gautrat in rebuild attempt

The Houston Dash named Fabrice Gautrat as their new head coach on Friday.
ESPN - 3d
Vehicle Ramming Attacks: Using Cars and Trucks as Weapons Has Become Common

A New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans killed at least 15 people.
The New York Times - 3d
Finding Light in Winter

No matter how dark the days, we can find light in our own hearts, and we can be one another’s light.
The New York Times - 3d
Our best and worst stocks in 2024 actually had a lot in common

AI spending, the Federal Reserve's easing campaign and Donald Trump's election victory were key themes for the market and our stocks in 2024.
CNBC - 4d
The Case for Hope for Palestinians

Israeli accountability, a powerful protest movement and an emerging generation of leaders could bring a better future for Palestinians.
The New York Times - 4d
Republican on GOP's Johnson holdouts: 'We find it very irritating'

Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) on Thursday expressed his frustration with those who haven't backed House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) in staying in his role yet. In an interview on NewsNation’s “The Hill” ...
The Hill - 4d