After Republicans took control of the House, Senate, and White House, the Democrats quickly embraced their role as the opposition. And in doing so, they’ve been making it clear that when it comes to respecting the democratic process, there’s one party that knows how to do it right—and it’s not the party across the aisle.
Just recently, the Senate and House came together for a joint session of Congress to officially certify Donald Trump’s 2024 Electoral College win. The event itself was a simple, no-fuss occasion—exactly how a democratic process should be. Vice President Kamala Harris oversaw the certification of her own loss, sticking to the procedure that’s become an essential part of America’s peaceful transitions of power.
While the ceremony may have been uneventful, the message Democrats were sending couldn’t have been clearer. They were back in their element, reminding everyone why they still hold the torch for liberal democracy. And just as importantly, why they remain the party of reason and responsibility. No election deniers in their ranks, thank you very much.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) kicked things off during his speech to open the 119th Congress, taking a subtle jab at the other side of the aisle. He reminded everyone how, just two months ago, the American people had chosen Donald Trump to be the 47th President of the United States. As the applause died down, he added, “It’s okay. There are no election deniers on our side.”
Jeffries continued, making a point about patriotism. “One should love America—win or lose,” he said. “That’s the patriotic thing to do.” And that’s exactly the kind of America House Democrats are committed to defending.
When the certification process wrapped up, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), who had played a key role in investigating the January 6 Capitol attack, echoed the same sentiments. He pointed out that the peaceful nature of the certification was a testament to the fact that Democrats are true constitutional patriots. “We have no election deniers on our side,” Raskin said. “We try to act as constitutional patriots, adhering to the processes set forth in the Constitution.”
In the end, it’s all about protecting democracy. And right now, Democrats are doing everything they can to remind us all that respect for the system—win or lose—is what makes America great.