Battenfeld: Katherine Clark and Democrats’ obsession with Epstein the wrong message
In the evolving landscape of the Democratic Party, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark’s recent actions and statements have sparked criticism, suggesting she embodies the outdated politics that many believe need to be reformed. At 62, Clark represents a faction of the party closely associated with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, often referred to as the “Pelosi retread wing.” This label stems from Clark’s controversial remarks, such as labeling the conflict between Israel and Hamas a “genocide” and describing poor people’s healthcare as “leverage.” These missteps have raised questions about her suitability as a leader capable of steering the party towards a more progressive and relevant future.
Clark’s focus appears to be misaligned with the pressing concerns of everyday voters. Instead of addressing the economic issues that are top-of-mind for many Americans—such as rising living costs and job security—Clark, alongside Senator Elizabeth Warren, has directed attention towards high-profile topics like the Epstein files and criticisms of former President Donald Trump. While these issues resonate with a segment of the Democratic base, they fail to engage the broader electorate that is more concerned about financial stability. For instance, Clark’s comments on the potential government shutdown, which she described as a “leverage” opportunity, were met with backlash, including from Republican leaders who deemed her remarks “shameful but revealing.” This incident underscores a disconnect between Clark’s political strategy and the immediate needs of her constituents.
Moreover, Clark’s close association with Pelosi, who is stepping back from Congress amid a primary challenge, further complicates her prospects for leadership within a party seeking rejuvenation. As the Democratic Party grapples with the need for fresh ideas and younger voices, Clark’s alignment with past leadership may hinder her ability to position herself as a viable candidate for future influence. The party’s success in the upcoming midterm elections will likely depend on its ability to resonate with voters through a clear focus on pressing economic issues, rather than getting caught up in political theater surrounding figures like Trump or controversial historical connections. For the Democratic Party to reclaim its strength, it must look beyond established figures like Clark and Warren and embrace a new generation of leaders who can effectively address the concerns of the American public.
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.
