The MeidasTouch Podcast: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Democratic Plans Released on February 20, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas are joined by House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. As a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, Jeffries delves into pressing political issues, offering insights into the party's strategies and responses to current events. The conversation navigates through Trump's recent actions, Republican tactics, Democratic plans, and broader concerns about extremism and governance in America.

Donald Trump's Attack on Ukrainian President Zelensky

Timestamp: [00:00] - [01:16]

The episode kicks off with Ben addressing a recent press conference held by former President Donald Trump. Trump, while on vacation, made disparaging remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, labeling him a dictator and threatening Ukraine's stability.

Ben: "Donald Trump... he called Zelensky a dictator. I want to play the clip and get your response to it."

Trump's Clip:

Donald Trump [00:19]: "Like a fiddle... he's pretty easy. Pretty easy. A dictator without elections. Zelensky better move fast or he's not going to have a country left."

Hakeem Jeffries' Response:

Jeffries strongly refutes Trump's claims, emphasizing that Zelensky is a democratically elected leader and a staunch ally of the United States.

Hakeem Jeffries [00:38]: "President Zelenskyy is not a dictator. He was a duly elected President of Ukraine... Donald Trump continues to just lie so effortlessly to the American people."

He further criticizes Trump's alignment with Vladimir Putin, labeling Putin as a sworn enemy of the U.S., thereby questioning Trump's motivations and alliances.

Accountability Among Republican Colleagues

Timestamp: [01:16] - [03:41]

Ben shifts the conversation to the internal dynamics within the Republican Party. He points out the apparent hypocrisy among Republicans who publicly support Zelensky but align with Trump's controversial statements and actions.

Ben: "Is there a way to shame these Republicans? How do we call them out?"

Jeffries responds by highlighting the problematic nature of some House and Senate Republicans who disregard facts and exhibit hypocrisy. He underscores the necessity of holding these members accountable to prevent them from undermining democratic principles.

Hakeem Jeffries [01:39]: "It's one of the reasons why we've been trying to make the point in the House that... it only takes three House Republicans to break with the MAGA extremists and join all two hundred and fifteen House Democrats."

Jeffries emphasizes that bipartisan collaboration, even from a small number of Republicans, can be pivotal in advancing legislation that benefits the American people.

Democratic Strategy Amidst Low Approval Ratings

Timestamp: [02:56] - [06:27]

Ben raises concerns about the Democrats' low approval ratings and questions how the party can maintain momentum, especially when faced with opposition from powerful figures like Trump and Elon Musk.

Ben: "What if you can't get the three because they're afraid that Donald and Elon are gonna do a mean post?"

Jeffries acknowledges the challenges but remains optimistic, calling for an "all hands on deck" approach to combat extremism and uphold democracy.

Hakeem Jeffries [03:41]: "The flood of extremism... is an intentional strategy by Donald Trump and the MAGA extremists... to disappoint, discourage and disorient the American people."

He outlines a multifaceted strategy that includes:

• Legislative Pushback: Actively opposing GOP initiatives in Congress.
• Judicial Actions: Filing lawsuits against unconstitutional executive orders.
• Community Mobilization: Encouraging town hall meetings and grassroots engagement.

Hakeem Jeffries [05:15]: "We have to push back in the Congress... push back aggressively in the courts... and bring the American people along with us in this fight."

Combating GOP Budget Schemes

Timestamp: [06:27] - [12:28]

The discussion turns to the GOP's proposed budget, which includes significant tax cuts for the wealthy and cuts to essential social programs.

Ben: "What are, what will the Democrats do when Republicans try to ram through... Project 2025 playbook?"

Jeffries criticizes the GOP's budget as a "tax scam" that disproportionately benefits the wealthy while stripping funding from vital sectors like Medicaid, agriculture, and education.

Hakeem Jeffries [09:07]: "We're not simply massive tax cuts for their billionaire donors... they wanna devastate Medicaid."

He draws parallels to the 2017 attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, illustrating how public mobilization can influence legislative outcomes.

Hakeem Jeffries [09:59]: "At the same time, they did successfully pass the GOP tax scam... and stuck everyday Americans with the bill."

Jeffries calls for continued vigilance and public engagement to expose and oppose the GOP's harmful policies.

Public Perception and Democratic Tactics

Timestamp: [07:20] - [09:07]

Ben addresses a common criticism that Democrats are not fighting back vigorously enough compared to Republicans, who are perceived as employing "asymmetrical warfare."

Ben: "The implication is... Democrats need to be equally as dirty as Republicans. But what's your message when people are out there?"

Jeffries counters by advocating for "enlightened and righteous intensity." He argues that Democrats should maintain moral high ground while being steadfast and proactive.

Hakeem Jeffries [07:20]: "We have to not simply match that intensity, but exceed it by enlightened and righteous intensity."

He lists key policy areas that resonate with the American public, such as protecting Social Security, Medicare, and addressing the high cost of living, underscoring the Democrats' commitment to meaningful change.

Elon Musk's Influence in Government

Timestamp: [12:28] - [14:59]

The conversation shifts to concerns about Elon Musk's expanding role within various government agencies, raising alarms about potential overreach and data privacy issues.

Ben: "DOGE is now in the FAA... they're gaining access to the payment system... they're in Social Security."

Jeffries expresses strong opposition to Musk's unprecedented access to sensitive government data, labeling it as an attempt to "raid the federal government."

Hakeem Jeffries [13:22]: "There's no reason... why Elon Musk should need access to our names, our addresses... our Social Security numbers."

He outlines the Democratic response, which includes introducing legislation and filing lawsuits to restrict Musk's access, emphasizing the need to protect American citizens' data and maintain governmental integrity.

Hakeem Jeffries [13:22]: "We've introduced legislation to block him from getting this access... we've got to use every tool in the toolbox to push back against it."

Jeffries calls for a clear narrative to expose the intentions behind the alliance between Trump and Musk, asserting that their actions do not serve the best interests of the American people.

Final Message and Call to Action

Timestamp: [14:59] - [17:21]

As the interview draws to a close, Ben invites Jeffries to share a final message with the podcast's extensive audience, highlighting the urgency and need for collective action.

Hakeem Jeffries' Closing Remarks:

Jeffries delivers an impassioned call to action, urging Americans to "show up, stand up and speak up for what is right." He emphasizes the importance of sustained engagement to navigate the current political turbulence and steer the country towards a more perfect union.

Hakeem Jeffries [15:29]: "In moments of turbulence, in moments of crisis, there have always been just enough of us who have come together to... ensure that America can continue to be the best version of herself."

He reflects on past victories, such as blocking the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, to inspire confidence that collective effort can counteract extreme political forces.

Hakeem Jeffries [16:10]: "We were successful during the first Trump administration... Now they're back for an epic struggle between those who want to move the country forward and the extreme MAGA Republican forces."

Jeffries concludes with a message of hope and determination, reinforcing the idea that active participation and unity are key to overcoming current challenges.

Conclusion

The episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast featuring House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries offers a comprehensive look into the Democratic Party's strategies and responses to Republican tactics and current political challenges. Through a combination of critical analysis, strategic planning, and a call for public engagement, Jeffries articulates a vision for preserving and advancing democratic values in the face of rising extremism and political turbulence. For listeners seeking insight into the Democratic approach to governance and opposition, this episode provides valuable perspectives and actionable messages.

Notable Quotes:

• Hakeem Jeffries [00:38]: "President Zelenskyy is not a dictator. He was a duly elected President of Ukraine..."

• Hakeem Jeffries [01:39]: "It only takes three House Republicans to break with the MAGA extremists and join all two hundred and fifteen House Democrats..."

• Hakeem Jeffries [07:20]: "We have to not simply match that intensity, but exceed it by enlightened and righteous intensity."

• Hakeem Jeffries [13:22]: "There's no reason... why Elon Musk should need access to our names, our addresses... our Social Security numbers."

• Hakeem Jeffries [15:29]: "In moments of turbulence... there have always been just enough of us who have come together to... ensure that America can continue to be the best version of herself."

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the podcast.