The Democrats say they not only have the policy advantage, as polls show overwhelming support for the gun reforms they’re pushing. But they also feel they hold a political wildcard in the form of Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), a Black Caucus member and civil rights hero who led the day-long floor protest.
“If they want to come in and say that we’re going to punish you for having a demonstration for gun violence prevention –– led by an all-American icon, John Lewis –– bring it on,” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Thursday.
Lewis is an historic figure, having been beaten nearly to death by police during a 1965 rights march in Selma, Ala., that paved the way for passage of the Voting Rights Act. He’s widely considered Capitol Hill’s moral compass –– one essentially beyond reproach –– when it comes to issues of human rights and civil disobedience. And his Democratic allies are openly daring the Republicans to punish the protest amid a volatile election season in which GOP leaders are scrambling to appeal to the same minority voters their presidential nominee, Donald Trump, has driven away.
The Democrats’ message is clear and gaining volume: “By going after any of us, you’re going after John Lewis,” Rep. Joe Crowley (N.Y.), vice chairman of the Democratic Caucus, said this week.
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