Battenfeld: Katherine Clark and Democrats’ obsession with Epstein the wrong message
In recent discussions about the future of the Democratic Party, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark has come under scrutiny for her perceived alignment with the old guard, particularly the leadership style of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. As a 62-year-old congresswoman from Massachusetts, Clark’s recent missteps, including her controversial comments labeling Israel’s military actions against Hamas as “genocide” and her remarks about leveraging healthcare for the poor during a government shutdown, have raised questions about her relevance and effectiveness in a party seeking renewal. Critics argue that her approach, which often centers on high-profile issues like the Epstein case, distracts from the pressing economic concerns that resonate more with the average voter. Instead of addressing the immediate worries of constituents, such as rising living costs and economic instability, Clark’s focus seems to be on political battles against former President Donald Trump and his associates, which may not engage the broader electorate.
Clark’s recent comments have not only drawn ire from her political opponents but have also exposed a disconnect with the Democratic base. For instance, her assertion that the government shutdown could be used as “leverage” to achieve political goals was met with backlash, highlighting a perceived insensitivity to the real consequences faced by families during such crises. Furthermore, her close ties with Pelosi and the traditional Democratic playbook—characterized by a focus on elite issues rather than grassroots concerns—suggest that she may not be the leader the party needs to regain momentum. With younger, more dynamic voices emerging within the party, Clark’s alignment with past leadership could hinder her chances of playing a significant role in the Democratic Party’s future, especially as they prepare for the upcoming midterm elections.
As the Democratic Party grapples with its identity and strategies for reclaiming control in Congress, the need for fresh perspectives is more pressing than ever. Figures like Clark and Senator Elizabeth Warren, who have relied on familiar narratives and elite connections, risk alienating a constituency that is more concerned with economic stability than with political scandals. The party’s ability to resonate with voters will depend on its willingness to pivot away from its traditional focus and embrace new ideas that directly address the everyday challenges faced by Americans. In this context, Clark’s recent gaffes and her ties to the old guard may serve as cautionary tales, illustrating the necessity for the Democratic Party to evolve and adapt to the changing political landscape if it hopes to regain the trust and support of the electorate.
If the Democratic party is going to be reinvented, it won’t start with House Minority Whip Katherine Clark.
Besides making missteps like calling the war against Hamas a “genocide” and poor people’s health care “leverage,” the 62-year-old Democratic Massachusetts congresswoman is part of the politics of the past – the Nancy Pelosi retread wing of the party.
Aside from insisting everyone calls her “Whip,” what use has she made of her position or brought back to Massachusetts in the form of clout?
Clark and Elizabeth Warren are following the same old stale Democratic playbook – going to their favorite liberal networks and focusing on President Donald Trump and the Epstein files rather than a laser focus on the economy.
“What we are seeing is outright corruption,” Clark declared on the former MSNBC, now called MSNow, accusing Trump and Republicans of a “cover up” on Epstein.
“We will do whatever it takes to get justice for the survivors and victims of Jeffery Epstein and to get to the bottom of whatever is in those files.”
Warren joined Clark on Monday in jumping on the Epstein story, calling on Harvard University to sever ties with the university’s former President Larry Summers over his ties to the convicted sex offender.
“For decades, Larry Summers has demonstrated his attraction to serving the wealthy and well-connected, but his willingness to cozy up to a convicted sex offender demonstrates monumentally bad judgement,” Warren told CNN.
Wrong answers.
The greatest threat to President Donald Trump and MAGA is not the Epstein files – it’s the economy and voter fatigue over the chaos of the Trump administration. Only Democratic die-hards care about Epstein. The average voter is more concerned with paying rent or putting food on the table.
Clark, a multi-millionaire, and Warren are showing they are part of the old Democratic regime which needs a complete overhaul if they want to retake Congress next year.
Clark’s gaffes should rule her out of any major future in the party.
“Of course, there will be families that are going to suffer….but it is one of the few leverage times we have,” Clark said of the impact of the government shutdown.
Clark mistakenly told the truth about Democrats’ real obsession with keeping the government closed – to get a victory over Donald Trump, but it gave a gaping opening to Republicans.
“Rep. Clark’s comments were shameful but revealing,” House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) said.
Back in August, Clark made another mistake by calling Israel’s war against Hamas “genocide” during a forum organized by a nonpartisan Quaker organization.
Worse, Clark’s aides attempted to cover up her comment by claiming her position on the war “had not changed” despite her genocide comment.
“The Israeli and Palestinian people deserve security and peace. It can only be achieved through a permanent ceasefire, the immediate return of the remaining hostages and a surge of humanitarian aid to Gaza,” spokesperson Joy Lee said in a statement to Politico, which reported on the “genocide” comment.
Clark promoted Lee, a longtime adviser to former Speaker Pelosi, to the post of communications director this month.
The 85-year-old Pelosi, facing a primary challenge, earlier this year announced she was retiring from Congress.
Clark’s close ties to Pelosi pretty much doom any chance she has of leading the Democratic Party’s rebuild. The party, looking for younger, fresher talent, is unlikely to turn to Clark if they return to power in Congress after the midterm elections.
