Vice President Joe Biden made an appearance at the House Democrats’ caucus meeting Tuesday, where he discussed how the party should achieve its goals in Trump’s America.
His remarks come in the wake of Democrats’ being hit with a devastating blow on election night, as they were expected to gain somewhere between 15 and 20 seats, yet only managed to pick up a handful of districts. Biden reportedly told lawmakers in the closed-door meeting they need to change their messaging if they want to stay afloat.
“We’re just talking about, of course, the opportunities that the Democrats have to show that there is a clear contrast to what President-elect Trump sees as the future of this country and standing up for working people,” Minnesota Rep. Betty McCollum told The Daily Caller News Foundation. “Well I mean, making sure that we keep the promise of Social Security and Medicare for our seniors, as well as, we need to do a better job of reflecting on how we communicate with working-class people and many of our districts, because people feel like we aren’t listening to them or the words we are saying are not resonating with them.”
With Republicans holding the majority in both chambers in addition to winning back the White House and soon the Supreme Court, the legacy President Barack Obama was hoping to leave behind is now expected to be completely overturned. Republicans said one of their first priorities will be repealing Obamacare, and President-elect Donald Trump has made it clear he plans on overturning regulations put in place by the current administration.
McCollum said the party plans on “shining a bright light” on the incoming administration’s actions and will offer a sharp alternative on issues like climate change and education policy.
As Democrats continue their election autopsy, a number of Democratic lawmakers have been vocal about their frustrations, pointing fingers at leadership and the Clinton campaign for failing to reach out to their base of voters. Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan, who challenged House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi for her leadership role, said the party needs to change its direction id it wants to stay relevant. Pelosi told CBS’ John Dickerson Sunday she doesn’t believe the party needs to change course, just the way it they articulate their goals.
Biden told members they need to be mindful when listening to their constituents needs as its their job to represent the people.
“Vice President Biden was just telling us to stay true, but to have sharper ears and to really, when we are talking to people to talk with them and not talk out them,” McCollom said. “He’s always fascinating to listen to, but as far a sage advice or anything like that, it’s just be true to yourself, but realize especially when speaking with millennials that they want to make sure that we are talking about the future that they are going to have, not just the future of their grandparents or parents.”
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