In conversation with CAP founder and Chairman of the Board John Podesta, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) outlined what a new House majority would prioritize on day one and beyond: lowering costs, strengthening care, and combating corruption. Jeffries argued that rebuilding trust in government will require delivering results people can actually feel.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) argued that solving the affordability crisis requires politicians to be more willing to challenge the status quo, invest in energy infrastructure, and build more housing. Her message: Government should solve hard problems, and voters want leaders willing to “find a way or make one.”
Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) warned that foreign policy is never abstract for working families and that Trump’s war of choice with Iran is already driving up costs for Americans while making the country less secure. Drawing on his experience as a Marine in Iraq, Gallego made the case for not starting “stupid wars,” standing by allies like Ukraine and Taiwan, and building a foreign policy rooted in economic security at home.
MS NOW’s Catherine Rampell moderated the panel discussion with Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL), Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL), and Rep. Greg Casar(D-TX) as they discussed how the Hill must take action to find real solutions that will drive down costs and make life more affordable for everyone.
With MS NOW moderator Ari Melber, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey reflected on the local and national response to federal immigration crackdowns, government accountability, and what it means to defend Americans’ freedoms and rights amid growing threats to democratic norms. They argued that protecting those freedoms requires both strong institutions and communities willing to stand up for one another.
As a reminder: MS NOW will be airing “We the People: America’s Future,” a two-hour special on the CAP IDEAS Conference, tomorrow at 9:00 p.m. ET.
