Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas expressed her disappointment with her Democratic colleagues who supported a House resolution honoring the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The resolution, which passed with a vote of 310-58 last week, garnered backing from 95 Democratic lawmakers, including prominent party leaders such as Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from New York, Whip Katherine Clark from Massachusetts, and Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar from California. In contrast, Crockett was one of the 58 Democrats who opposed the measure.
During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Crockett highlighted her concerns about the voting pattern. “One of the things I do want to point out that’s not been laid out that honestly hurts my heart is when I saw the no votes, there were only two Caucasians,” she remarked. She noted that the majority of those voting against the resolution were people of color, suggesting that Kirk’s rhetoric had a particular negative impact on these communities.
Kirk, known for his controversial views, had previously made statements regarding the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and expressed strong opposition to diversity and inclusion initiatives. His comments on various public figures, including Michelle Obama and Joy Reid, drew significant criticism, especially when he implied that they lacked the intellectual capacity to hold serious positions. He later accused Crockett of participating in a conspiracy theory alleging a systematic effort to replace the white population in the United States, a claim he termed the Great Replacement Theory.
“It is unfortunate that even our colleagues could not see how harmful his rhetoric was specifically to us,” Crockett stated. She emphasized her refusal to honor someone who had spoken negatively about her and perpetuated divisive narratives. “If there was any way that I was gonna honor somebody who decided that they were just gonna negatively talk about me… yeah I’m not honoring that kind of stuff,” she added.
Crockett’s discontent was echoed by fellow Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York, who also voted against the resolution. On the House floor, she articulated her objections, describing Kirk’s views as “ignorant” and detrimental to many Americans. “His rhetoric and beliefs were ignorant and sought to disenfranchise millions of Americans — far from ‘working tirelessly to promote unity’ as asserted by the majority in this resolution,” Ocasio-Cortez stated.
In a different perspective, former President Donald Trump publicly expressed disbelief that any lawmakers would oppose the resolution, asking, “Who could vote against that?” His comments reflect the polarized views surrounding Kirk’s legacy and the resolution itself.
The debate surrounding this resolution highlights deeper divisions within the Democratic Party and raises questions about how the party engages with figures who have espoused controversial and divisive views. As discussions continue, the implications of these conflicts will likely resonate beyond the House floor, influencing both party dynamics and public perception.
