Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) is just weeks into her second term in Congress, but she’s already reshaping how the Democratic party communicates with the American people.
Democrats are still reeling from a stinging defeat in November, narrowly losing both the White House and the Senate. With Donald Trump back in power, and Republicans in full control of Congress, the party is scrambling to renew its messaging.
Over the past six months, Crockett has tapped into a new energy among progressives. Her straight-forward, all facts, no bullsh*t approach to rebutting MAGA talking points has made for countless viral moments.
At 43, Jasmine Crockett is more than a decade younger than the average age of her fellow members of Congress. At a time marked by a clear push for a new, younger generation of leadership, Crockett is meeting the moment.
Crockett’s viral moments highlight the appeal of her communication style
Earlier this week in an appearance on CNN, Crockett was asked about Darren Beattie, a recent Trump appointee. CNN host Laura Coates asked for Crockett’s reaction to Beattie’s hiring, despite his long history of supporting white supremacists.
“Right now we have a white supremacist that is sitting in the White House,” Crockett responded, in reference to Trump. “He is backed up by other white supremacists.”
Crockett then took the opportunity to punch back against attacks on DEI and the Black community from the far-right.
“I am tired of the White tears,” Rep. Jasmine Crockett said. “If you are competent, you are not concerned.”
“When I walk into Congress every day, you know why you can’t make me doubt who I am?” she continued. “Because I know that I had to work 10 times as hard as they did to get into the seat. So, the only people that are crying are the mediocre white boys that have been beaten out by people that historically have had to work so, so much harder.”
Jasmine Crockett pushes Dem toward more authentic messaging
Clips of the interview have garnered tens of millions of views across social media. It builds on other viral moments taking on MAGA favorites like Nancy Mace or Marjorie Taylor Greene. Crockett was also widely praised last summer for her stirring speech at the Democratic National Convention.
Crockett, a former public defender, made a bid to become chairperson of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee. While she lost to current chairwoman Debbie Dingle (D-MI), Crockett continues pushing for raw honesty instead of political niceties.
“I do think we have transitioned into a space where authenticity is valued so much more than people being proper or polite,” Crockett said in an interview with Roll Call.
Jasmine Crockett’s emphasis on stronger messaging is coupled with her intentional focus on serving her district.
“We’ve been to every city in my district no less than three times since I’ve been in office, and one of my big things is constituent casework,” she said. “I want them to always know that I’m doing the bread and butter, and make sure they don’t just know me as a viral sensation.”
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