Rep. Quigley Attributes Democratic Losses to Biden’s Unpopularity

Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley indicated that President Biden’s low approval ratings significantly contributed to the Democratic Party’s electoral setbacks on November 5, which posed challenges for Kamala Harris’s candidacy. He also expressed concerns about the incoming Trump administration’s cabinet choices and their impact on foreign policy and domestic affairs.

During a recent interview, Congressman Mike Quigley of Illinois attributed the Democratic Party’s disappointing performance in the November 5 elections primarily to President Joe Biden’s low approval ratings. Quigley remarked, “The bottom line was, it was very difficult for candidate (Kamala) Harris to overcome President Biden’s favorability ratings. He was at 42%. Sixty-five percent of the American people thought the country was going in the wrong direction in exit polling. It was too much to overcome.” Quigley, an influential figure in the House Appropriations Committee, had previously advocated for Biden to withdraw from the presidential race due to concerns about his viability, a move Biden ultimately made in July.

Although Quigley had contemplated a bid for the Chicago mayoralty in 2023, he ultimately chose not to run. He expressed his concerns for current Mayor Brandon Johnson, who holds a 15% approval rating, as revealed by a recent Change Research poll. When inquired about a potential candidacy in 2027, Quigley indicated a willingness to reassess the situation in a year, stating, “I’m as concerned as anyone with the situation in Chicago, from any number of circumstances, including financial.”

As the political landscape evolves, Quigley, like many Democrats, has voiced apprehension regarding the forthcoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, specifically concerning Trump’s cabinet selections. He particularly criticized former Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard, who has been appointed to lead the Department of National Intelligence. Quigley expressed doubt about Gabbard’s qualifications and criticized her past comments regarding figures such as Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad, stating, “I’m not sure she knows what the agency does, and sure as heck doesn’t have the experience to know how to commit those tasks.”

Quigley’s concerns extend to foreign policy, especially regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He emphasized the necessity of a two-state solution for lasting peace in the region and expressed wariness about the incoming administration’s relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who opposes such solutions. He stated, “If President Trump agrees with him all the time, that’s gonna make it more difficult.”

Moreover, Quigley, who chairs the House Ukraine Caucus, conveyed grave concerns regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine against Russian aggression, noting the overwhelming military advantage held by Russia. He articulated his fear that, with North Korean troops present, Ukraine would face insurmountable challenges, referring to the conflict as an “uphill battle.”

The article discusses Congressman Mike Quigley’s analysis of the Democratic Party’s electoral outcomes in relation to President Joe Biden’s unpopularity. It details how Quigley attributes the party’s struggles in the November elections to Biden’s low favorability ratings, which hampered the candidacy of Vice President Kamala Harris. Additionally, it touches on Quigley’s considerations regarding Chicago’s mayoral race, his criticisms of incoming Trump cabinet appointees, and his concerns for international relations, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the war in Ukraine.

In summary, Congressman Mike Quigley attributes the Democratic Party’s poor performance in the November elections to President Biden’s low approval ratings, which hindered the Vice President’s campaign. He also highlighted concerns surrounding Trump’s cabinet selections and the implications for both domestic and international politics. Quigley remains committed to addressing pressing issues facing Chicago and the international community, particularly regarding peace efforts in the Middle East and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine.

Original Source: www.fox32chicago.com