An Idea Whose Time Has Come

Leader Jeffries has embraced our proposal!

Feathers of Hope is a network of ordinary citizens committed to advocating for the removal and replacement of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House, thereby diminishing the power and influence of MAGA extremists in the chamber.

We have been urging moderate Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives to form a temporary bipartisan majority voting bloc for the purpose of passing a motion to “vacate the chair” and elect a new Republican Speaker who owes nothing to the minority MAGA group.

Note: This site can also be accessed by entering FeathersOfHope.net in your browser window

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“The need to change course is urgent.”

—Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)

Over the weekend, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) explicitly called for Republicans to join with House Democrats and enter into a bipartisan governing coalition — precisely what we here at Feathers of Hope have been advocating since before Kevin McCarthy became Speaker.

Writing in the Washington Post on October 6, the House minority leader expresses his “sincere hope” for a bipartisan arrangement that would “end the chaos in the House”. Over the past several weeks, he writes, the prospect of such a coalition had repeatedly been raised in private with Republicans.

That he is now making these overtures in a public forum suggests it is an appeal for support from the American people. And no one is better prepared than members of this network to answer his call.

Leader Jeffries’ plea is elegant and gracious, while also reflecting the perilous nature of the moment:

“Congress is in the midst of a Republican civil war that undermines our ability to make life more affordable for American taxpayers, to keep communities safe and to strengthen democracy. Traditional Republicans need to break with the MAGA extremism that has poisoned the House of Representatives since the violent insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, and its aftermath.”

Everyone is strongly encouraged to read this column. It can be found on the Washington Post website here: A Bipartisan Coalition is the Way Forward. (No subscription is required to read this item.) Or you can read it in its entirety here:

A Bipartisan Coalition Is The Way Forward

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Despite what many progressive liberals believe, Mr. Jeffries is of the opinion that there are still enough "traditional Republicans" in the House of Representatives to make his proposal a reality. Given that he knows far more about this than his skeptical critics, he deserves the benefit of any doubt.

From our research, we know that a few of these traditional Republicans have the training, experience and skills to lead in taking that bold step. But they need to have their courage bolstered if they are to break with MAGA extremism. They need to be reassured that there still is broad public support for respectful cooperation across partisan boundaries.

We are uniquely positioned to provide that reassurance. Together our voices can truly make an historic difference. Call these four Representatives today. Urge each to either themselves run as a consensus candidate for Speaker of the House, or to nominate one of the others to do so :

• Don Bacon (R-NE): (202) 225-4155 D.C. or (402) 938-0300 District

• Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA): (202) 225-4276 D.C. or (215) 579-8102 District

• Mike Gallagher (R-WI): (202) 225-5665 D.C. or (920) 301-4500 District

• David Joyce (R- OH): (202) 225-5731 D.C. or (440) 352-3939 District

Keep in mind that this is not meant to be an endorsement of their views on issues. All are Republicans and we likely disagree with them on many things. But that’s what a bipartisan governing coalition is meant to be. It’s a partnership across party lines, based on respect for the institution, and a committment to work together for the common good.

If you’d like to know a little more about the individuals named above, see our post from May 18: If McCarthy’s Out Who’s In?

Mr. Jeffries’ conclusion is unambiguous.

“House Democrats remain committed to a bipartisan path forward, as we have repeatedly demonstrated throughout this Congress.

At this point, we simply need Republican partners willing to break with MAGA extremism, reform the highly partisan House rules that were adopted at the beginning of this Congress and join us in finding common ground for the people.”

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This is a network of ordinary citizens. In a democracy, we exercise our power by raising our voices. To be silent is to be powerless.