Liberal Democrats withdraw letter to Biden that urged him to rethink Ukraine strategy

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Washington Post

The Congressional Progressive Caucus has withdrawn a letter, signed by 30 House liberals and sent to the White House Monday, that urged President Biden to negotiate directly with Russia to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. The withdrawal comes a day after the letter, led by Congressional Progressive Caucus chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), triggered fierce pushback from many Democrats, as well as from Ukrainian officials, who argued it was unrealistic to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

They also worried the letter could create more pressure on Biden as he tries to sustain domestic support for the war effort, at a time when the region is heading into a potentially difficult winter and Republicans are threatening to cut aid to Ukraine if they retake Congress. On Tuesday, Jayapal said the letter had been drafted several months ago and “released by staff without vetting.”

“As Chair of the Caucus, I accept responsibility for this. Because of the timing, our message is being conflated by some as being equivalent to the recent statement by Republican Leader [Kevin] McCarthy threatening an end to aid to Ukraine if Republicans take over,” Jayapal said in a statement.

“The proximity of these statements created the unfortunate appearance that Democrats, who have strongly and unanimously supported and voted for every package of military, strategic, and economic assistance to the Ukrainian people, are somehow aligned with Republicans who seek to pull the plug on American support for President Zelensky and the Ukrainian forces.”

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/10/25/democrats-ukraine-letter/

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Progressive Caucus
@USProgressives
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Statement from @RepJayapal on letter re Ukraine:
The CPC hereby withdraws its recent letter to the White House regarding Ukraine. It was drafted several months ago but unfortunately was released by staff w/o vetting. As Chair of the Caucus, I accept responsibility. Because of timing, our message is being conflated by some as being equivalent to the recent statement by Republican Leader McCarthy threatening to end aid to Ukraine if Republicans take over. The statements' proximity created the unfortunate appearance that Democrats, who've strongly & unanimously supported & voted for every package of military, strategic & economic assistance to Ukraine, are somehow aligned w Republicans who'd pull the plug on American support for President Zelensky & the Ukrainian forces. Nothing could be further from the truth. Every war ends w diplomacy & this will too after Ukrainian victory. The letter, altho restating that basic principle has been conflated w GOP opposition to Ukrainians’ just defense.It's a distraction at this time & we withdraw it
1:12 PM · Oct 25, 2022

[SheltieLover]

1. We don't negotiate with terrorists.

[3auld6phart]

42. Agreeed

Dictators and terrorists will never ever keep their word never
Most especially Pukin and his ilk.

[Walleye]

2. How come progressives can be so bad at politics?

[CTyankee]

33. I know, but it's kinda their job, if you think about it.

[Walleye]

34. See if they can do their job when they're in the minority

[CTyankee]

36. Hey, I know, I know! We want them pure and when they play politics we're telling them "we're better

than they are." It's an awful dilemma.

[paleotn]

44. In my mind, they tend to be purists and not pragmatists.

Pragmatists make better political operators.

[Walleye]

45. Their attitude is, "yeah that works out and practice but how is it in theory?"

I have always thought that that was the attitude of conventional conservative Republicans but apparently liberals can get it too

[LiberalLovinLug]

55. I fully support Ukraines desires to get back all of its country. No matter what it takes

That is a purist stance

You picked a very bad example to prove your point.

Those who encourage diplomacy over violence, for giving up land for peace. That is the very definition of pragmatism.

I am more to the left as well. I don't think every one of the more left wing of the party agreed with this letter either. But I think there is a faction of anti-war Ds that elevates the idea of peace above all else. More important than justice, more important than fairness or retribution. On some occasions this may be a good stance, but not when you are dealing with a madman IMO. Because any pragmatist deal will be broken in no time.

[paleotn]

57. They're purists in the sense that military action is always off the table for them.

That's the Noam Chomsky types that make me want to scream. A peaceful solution is preferred, that's the first option, but I'm not above a strong military response even if it involves NATO. Diplomacy was tried and it didn't work. Blowing the shit out of them is the only viable option at this point. Some Progressives just naturally recoil from that. Purists.

[Cha]

59. The so called purists Need to Tell that to Putin..

He Attacked Ukraine as We All Know.

And, there's No GD "negotiating" with Genocidal Terrorists.

They withdrew the Infamous Letter and Blamed it on Staff.. & said " it's Distracting at this time..".. so they haven't learned Anything.

[LiberalLovinLug]

60. The defence of violence by any liberal in this instance is that it is about defending democracy

Which I share.

This is about defense, this is not an offensive mission. Of which the US is guilty of a few unnecessary ones themselves. While RW authoritarians are rising everywhere, even the Western world, all friends of Putin, this war is of huge significance towards standing up to freedom and democracy for the planet. To defeat one of the worst of them would send a clear signal to these wanna be dictators that democracy wins in the end.

[catsudon]

46. after all these years

i'm still a bit irritated that Carter administration established diplomatic relationship with China after Nixon's visit. of course, if he didn't i think eventually Bush would've done it. ah well hindsight and all that.

[oldsoftie]

3. Didnt think about that BEFORE you released the stupid letter?

My God this group cant get out of their own way.

[onetexan]

38. Spot on!! K&R

[rogue emissary]

4. LOL

[LakeArenal]

5. How else was anyone to think of it two weeks before an election. Cripes.

[elleng]

6. Sounds like they got their .... kicked.

Sad. Thought they were smarter than this.

[The Unmitigated Gall]

7. 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[marble falls]

8. Abashed and with tails between their legs.

[BeyondGeography]

9. We don't run things here

That’s a “staff” job.

[orleans]

10. "On Tuesday, Jayapal said the letter had been drafted several months ago and "released by staff

On Tuesday, Jayapal said the letter had been drafted several months ago and “released by staff without vetting.”

sounds like the staff needs a talking to

[Ocelot II]

12. Sounds like "staff" is being made the scapegoat.

That letter wouldn't have gone out if someone in authority hadn't authorized it.

[LymphocyteLover]

19. Jayapal said she accepted responsibility

[Beastly Boy]

27. She accepted responsibility right after she blamed the staff.

[TeamProg]

22. +1 to OcelotII

[LenaBaby61]

50. REALLY THIS 👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻

[herding cats]

17. The staff also called the presser and forced Jayapal to participate?

That anonymous staffer has way too much power.

[LymphocyteLover]

20. yeah-- that's what i don't get

[chowder66]

32. I cannot find anything on a presser. Media are using an old photo.

Progressive Caucus Addresses Media Ahead Of Inflation Reduction Act Vote

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 12: Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and fellow members of the House Progressive Caucus hold a news conference ahead of the vote on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 outside the U.S. Capitol on August 12, 2022 in Washington, DC. Despite not achieving everything the House liberals wanted, the $737 billion act will focus on slowing climate change, lower health care costs, and creating clean energy jobs by enacting a 15% corporate minimum tax, and a 1% fee on stock buybacks, and enhancing IRS enforcement. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The last image is the one I have seen in articles about the Ukraine letter.

https://www.gettyimages.com/search/2/image?events=775856967

Here's the video of the original presser.
https://www.c-span.org/video/?522323-1/house-progressive-caucus-inflation-reduction-act

[chowder66]

24. I can't find anything on a presser. Did they have one or was the letter just released?

[chowder66]

31. There wasn't a presser as far as I can find.

Progressive Caucus Addresses Media Ahead Of Inflation Reduction Act Vote

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 12: Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and fellow members of the House Progressive Caucus hold a news conference ahead of the vote on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 outside the U.S. Capitol on August 12, 2022 in Washington, DC. Despite not achieving everything the House liberals wanted, the $737 billion act will focus on slowing climate change, lower health care costs, and creating clean energy jobs by enacting a 15% corporate minimum tax, and a 1% fee on stock buybacks, and enhancing IRS enforcement. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The last image is the one I have seen in articles about the Ukraine letter.

https://www.gettyimages.com/search/2/image?events=775856967

Here's the video of the original presser.
https://www.c-span.org/video/?522323-1/house-progressive-caucus-inflation-reduction-act

[Mr. Sparkle]

11. The letter was from July, so weird for it to turn up now.

almost like someone was deliberately shit stirring.

I'm happy they retracted it as its not the right way to deal with Russia

[Talitha]

47. Thanks for this info, I didn't know it was from July.

In any case, it still makes ya wonder what they were thinking...

[Gore1FL]

13. Good.

That was weirdly tone-deaf.

[awesomerwb1]

14. Laughable. Amateur hour

[sarisataka]

15. The damage has been done

And the "staff" did it is weak.

The impression left is "this is what we really think but it might affect our elections so we decided to not talk about it right now"

[halfulglas]

16. I really like Jayapal but they are responsible for their staff.

Not to mention, it may piss off your loyal staff if they didn't do it. I just hated it overhearing it when by boss would say to a patient, "Sorry, I never got your message," when it was the top one on his desk. You may be being paid to be the whipping boy, but it didn't stop if from hurting.

[LymphocyteLover]

18. Oy. Wasn't there a press conference? That was the impression from the article on this that showed

them standing outside. WTF.

Anyway, it's good they retracted. But weird story.

[chowder66]

30. There wasn't a presser. Media have been using an old photo which is shitty IMO

Progressive Caucus Addresses Media Ahead Of Inflation Reduction Act Vote

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 12: Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and fellow members of the House Progressive Caucus hold a news conference ahead of the vote on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 outside the U.S. Capitol on August 12, 2022 in Washington, DC. Despite not achieving everything the House liberals wanted, the $737 billion act will focus on slowing climate change, lower health care costs, and creating clean energy jobs by enacting a 15% corporate minimum tax, and a 1% fee on stock buybacks, and enhancing IRS enforcement. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The last image is the one I have seen in articles about the Ukraine letter.

https://www.gettyimages.com/search/2/image?events=775856967

Here's the video of the original presser.
https://www.c-span.org/video/?522323-1/house-progressive-caucus-inflation-reduction-act

[TeamProg]

21. One step backward, two steps backward. Nice going! n/t

[ZonkerHarris]

23. negotiating with a bully while he's punching your face in is not an effective strategy

[Beastly Boy]

25. That was awkward...

Both the letter itself and the circumstances of its release.

There were 30 signatories to that letter, it was drafted in July, it was a stupid idea even back then, and nobody noticed there is an unvetted draft in the hands of the staff that would make the 30 signatories look stupid if released? It's as if every single one of the lawmakers who signed the letter decided to wait until just before the election and see if it would do more damage if they blame the staff for its release.

[MichMan]

26. Withdrawing it now is meaningless

Are they hoping that everyone can just pretend it was never sent in the first place?

Then blaming "staff" but accepting responsibility 🙄

[amb123]

28. Yes. It gives the GOP the excuse to scream "APPEASEMENT!" 100 times a day

until the election.

[IronLionZion]

29. This is why GOP runs circles around us

our side needs to be more organized.

[Skittles]

52. goose-stepping fascists do tend to be very organized

yup

[IronLionZion]

53. They play the long game

a lot of their evil stuff has been decades in the making

[Bayard]

35. Earlier thread

https://democraticunderground.com/10142985354

The update is good news, but I am suspicious of its release.

[GreenWave]

37. The idea is to crush the Russian fascists.

[Crepuscular]

39. ...

It would be interesting to know how many of the signatories hold totally safe seats and face almost zero chance of losing those seats in two weeks. I have not taken a look but I would bet that most of them are not facing tough challenges in this election. If they were I suspect that they would been much more careful about the timing of releasing such a letter.

[truthisfreedom]

40. Ugh.

[mcar]

41. Amateur hour

[hamsterjill]

43. MUST Democrats always have some on our side who insist that we shoot ourselves in the foot?

Good grief - the timing of ALL of this is ridiculous. What is this woman trying to accomplish other than get Republicans elected by showing that Democrats aren't getting along?

Don't we have ENOUGH trouble?

[Dee0909]

56. AMEN

Amen Why can't progressives understand Democrats must all stick together and be on the same page. Otherwise our Democracy is DONE! Progressives need to understand if Republicans take over the House and Senate it is over no matter what they want or say. Frustrating.

[Layzeebeaver]

48. Credit to them for realizing the impact and optics of this.

would have been better if they thought in advance of this, but regardless its good that they pulled it back.

[LenaBaby61]

49. How stupid and damn TONE DEAF of them to write that 'let putin be putin' letter.

and for Pramila Jayapal to get herself entangled up in endorsing that piece of shit letter wanting 'putin to be putin,' and as so many have rightfully said why do deals with the DEVIL?

The Squad can be SO tone deaf at times. When the reich-wing is tone deaf, they can and usually do get away with it ie: Marjorie traitor, serial-adulteress, racist Greene, can just about say anything she damn well pleases. But when a Dem strays that far off, and even a little far off, and this close to the most significant mid-term EVER

The GQP US Taliban "we love sniffing putin's farts" party can get away with following in behind tReasonous tRump AND putin, and that's as fascistic as they can BE. With the exception of a few, most newspapers suck and barely if ever criticize the GQP.

Look at most in the main stream media's love of and fawning over that big, fat racist, thigh-high boot wearing, non-woke, anti-Black, anti, Haitian, anti LGBTQ2 asshole DeathSatis.

[BlueIdaho]

51. Maybe they can hang this letter next to the Defund the Police Memo

In the Painfully Progressive Clubhouse.

[yardwork]

54. What an incredibly stupid stunt this was.

Warning: rant. My personal beliefs are very far to the left. I would love to live in a socialist country where high taxes paid for a strong safety net for everybody, where workers were paid truly living wages, where there wasn't such a divide between the ultra-rich and the workers. And we could really do something about climate change.

BUT most of the politicians in the U.S. who represent this point of view come across as, frankly, stupid. Naive. Not understanding political realities. Over and over I'm left gaping at their utterly inane behavior, which just gives fuel to the GOP's slanders about Democrats.

I hope these people learn something from this. A week out from the most important mid-term election of my lifetime and they did this. I'm furious.

[betsuni]

58. They put themselves in a difficult position.

Their supporters expect them to be more like purity anti-establishment activists and get mad when they vote for things like funding Ukraine. Putting out the letter pleased supporters but made everyone else mad, taking back the letter made supporters mad again. Way to make everybody mad at you!

I remember one getting in trouble with supporters for voting for a budget bill because at the time Defund ICE was a popular slogan with them, so she voted no on the next budget bill, saying she wouldn't fund ICE. Except the second bill didn't have any ICE funding in it. Constituents would prefer someone who actually reads legislature and are interesting in doing the actual job.

Don't be the enemy the Republicans need -- a good rule.