Democratic U.S. Rep. John Larson, in a heated exchange with Fox News correspondent Chad Pergram on Capitol Hill, gave sharp responses to questions about whether candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) who won this week's New York primaries threaten Democratic unity.
When Pergram asked whether these candidates would complicate House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' path to the speakership, Larson replied, "New York voters make their own decisions. We don't control New York voters. In a free democratic republic, people choose their own elected representatives."
Full Support for Jeffries
Pressed repeatedly on whether DSA-linked candidates would create division in the House, Larson said Jeffries 'will bring everyone together.' Larson stated, "Hakeem Jeffries is the greatest leader we could have because he will bring everyone together just as he brought together 11 different groups within the Democratic caucus and more."
When Pergram suggested that Nancy Pelosi could have skillfully managed such a situation at the height of her speakership but that Jeffries has never been speaker, Larson said, "She wasn't speaker for a long time either, but she became speaker and did an extraordinary job. Jeffries will also be an extraordinary speaker thanks to his ability to bring people together."
Antisemitism and Radical Views Debate
Larson was also asked whether he would stand alongside individuals or groups with antisemitic views. "Am I against antisemitism? If that's your question," Larson said, clearly stating he is against antisemitism while continuing to argue that voters have the right to choose their candidates.
Later in the interview, Larson was reminded of the DSA's statements about abolishing the Senate and having the House elect the president and the Supreme Court. Larson responded, "That's the DSA's view. The people of New York decide their own elected officials." When asked whether these ideas are radical, he replied, "Many people seem radical to me. Radical on the left, radical on the right. What do you mean?"
When Pergram said, "Abolishing the Senate is not very American," Larson ended the discussion by saying, "I don't think it's very American either," and began answering another reporter's questions.
