Rep. Quigley Attributes Democratic Losses to Biden’s Unpopularity

Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley attributed the Democratic Party’s poor election performance to President Biden’s unpopularity, stating it was a challenge for Kamala Harris’s candidacy. He also expressed concerns over Trump’s cabinet picks and their implications for both domestic and foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Israel.

In a recent interview with Fox 32 Chicago, Representative Mike Quigley expressed his belief that President Joe Biden’s low approval ratings significantly contributed to the Democratic Party’s disappointing performance during the November 5 elections. Quigley noted that Biden’s favorability stood at just 42%, while exit polls indicated that 65% of voters felt the country was on the wrong track. He stated, “The bottom line was, it was very difficult for candidate (Kamala) Harris to overcome President Biden’s favorability ratings.”

Quigley has been vocal regarding Biden’s viability as a candidate, being one of the first Democrats to suggest that the President should withdraw from the race. Following Biden’s exit in July, Quigley considered running for the mayoralty of Chicago but ultimately opted out. Meanwhile, current Mayor Brandon Johnson’s approval rating languishes at a mere 15%. Quigley hinted at a possible run in 2027, citing his concerns about Chicago’s myriad issues, particularly financial ones.

Shifting focus to the prospective Trump administration, Quigley expressed apprehensions regarding cabinet selections, specifically highlighting former Representative Tulsi Gabbard’s appointment as head of the Department of National Intelligence. “I’m not sure she knows what the agency does,” Quigley commented, referencing her controversial prior comments regarding figures such as Vladimir Putin and mischaracterizations of adversarial relationships in the Middle East.

Quigley also warned about the potential implications of a Trump presidency on Middle Eastern peace efforts, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He underscored the necessity for a two-state solution, voicing concerns over President Trump’s alignment with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who is not a proponent of such measures. Moreover, as the chair of the House Ukraine Caucus, Quigley raised alarms about Ukraine’s challenging situation in its ongoing conflict with Russia, noting the disparity in troop strength and the introduction of North Korean forces into the fray.

In conclusion, Quigley remains deeply concerned about the trajectory of both local and international politics, highlighting the struggles faced by the Democratic Party domestically while scrutinizing the ramifications of the incoming Republican administration’s foreign policy decisions.

The discussion focuses on the Democratic Party’s performance during the recent November elections, specifically attributing challenges faced by candidates to President Biden’s declining popularity. It highlights Representative Mike Quigley’s insights, his past calls for Biden to withdraw from candidacy, and his concerns over the implications of a new Republican administration under President-elect Trump, especially in relation to significant geopolitical issues.

Representative Quigley indicates that President Biden’s low popularity was a detrimental factor for Democrats in the recent elections, affecting candidate Kamala Harris’s chances. His critique extends to proposed changes under the Trump administration, particularly regarding cabinet appointments and foreign policy. Quigley’s comments underscore a growing unease among Democrats about their leadership and political strategy moving forward, making the next few years critical for party dynamics and national policy.

Original Source: www.fox32chicago.com