# Should we recall Hakeem Jeffries after the midterms? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [October 31, 2026, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294 "2026-10-31T16:37:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/61 "2026-11-04T21:27:09Z")
> [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](#): > > Anyway, the elections are over, the Iran war seems to have been the biggest issue, and for all the criticism in this thread, I haven’t seen much r distance to the idea that Israel dragged us into this war I’d put more of the blame on Trump than Isreal. Sure, Isreal wanted it, but Trump was all too eager to join the cause. Anyway, I’m fine with Jeffries becoming Speaker. ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/62 "2026-11-04T21:33:42Z")
We should also take care to separate “the Iran war was the biggest issue” from “gas prices caused by the Iran war were the biggest issue.” It’s not clear that lean-R voters care much about war until it impacts their ability to fill up their Dodge Compensator with 900 gallons of gas a week. Honestly there were so many strong reasons to vote D this time around that I think it’s kind of misguided to even try and select one. But gas prices are one of the few unfakeable pieces of information that’s thrown in the faces of ordinary people on a day-to-day basis. You fill up that tank twice a week, the evidence of Trump’s failure is staring you right in the face. There’s no spin, it’s just you doing battle with the pump. It’s unfortunate that this is probably the lever that moved people the most, but it is what it is. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/63 "2026-11-04T21:35:38Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > I’d put more of the blame on Trump than Isreal. Sure, Isreal wanted it, but Trump was all too eager to join the cause. America does what America wants. Always has, always will. You’re the 300 pound gorilla of international politics; claiming that another country can control you is absurd. I think it’s funny, though: some people blame the U.S. for everything in the world… unless Israel is involved, in which case you’re just an innocent victim. But then, some people claim they don’t understand antisemitism. Anyway, Jeffries just led his party to a historic victory. Nobody’s recalling him. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/64 "2026-11-04T21:45:15Z")
> [@HMS\_Irruncible](#): > > We should also take care to separate “the Iran war was the biggest issue” from “gas prices caused by the Iran war were the biggest issue.” It’s not clear that lean-R voters care much about war until it impacts their ability to fill up their Dodge Compensator with 900 gallons of gas a week. Good point. Also Diesel prices for the farmers. > [@Alessan](#): > > Anyway, Jeffries just led his party to a historic victory. Nobody’s recalling him. And he should not be. Especially as he can not be recalled. Nor is AIPAC funded by foreign money. So many issues with the idea. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/65 "2026-11-04T21:55:22Z")
> [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](#): > > Who believes Israeli money doesn’t flow into AIPAC and to our politicians? Maybe we could make a poll of that. I don’t, given the illegality. There are legal ways that foreign countries can influence politics in America. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/66 "2026-11-04T21:57:39Z")
> [@HMS\_Irruncible](#): > > Honestly there were so many strong reasons to vote D this time around that I think it’s kind of misguided to even try and select one. We’ve been bombarded by them for almost two years, well before the Iran war. Let’s not forget that he started that war to distract from other crap going on, particularly the Epstein Files. But back to Jeffries, he’s not exciting but he’s fine and he has experience, and he has put in effort; he seems to actually give a damn. I don’t know who would be better, so it would be all right with me if he was elected Speaker. They could do a lot worse. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/67 "2026-11-04T22:03:52Z")
The poll would be interesting. I think an unfortunate number of Americans would believe it. And that The Protocols of the Elders of Zion was a real book. And a host of other tropes. Really quite a few would, in both left and right circles. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/68 "2026-11-04T22:08:22Z")
Since when does Israel have any money? ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/69 "2026-11-04T22:14:21Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > America does what America wants. Always has, always will. You’re the 300 pound gorilla of international politics; claiming that another country can control you is absurd. While I think this is true in general, it’s pretty clear that Trump is more of a deranged elderly chimpanzee than a 300-pound gorilla, and was pretty directly influenced by Netanyahu (rather than the lobby this thread blames). I also think it’s worth separating our need for a reliable ally in the region aligned with our long-term goals, for which Israel is the only real candidate, vs any independent agenda that ally might have in the world. In other words, how much was this Israel influencing the US, how much the US supporting Israel in order to keep up that partnership, and how much execrable decisions by the respective leaders of the two nations in question? A lot of money flows in both directions in pursuit of these goals. A lot of looking the other way on Israel’s actions in Gaza is so that we can avoid introducing friction into that relationship. Other nations do the same with our many, many questionable decisions. That doesn’t excuse any bad behaviour on the international stage, but I think it’s a lot more complex than “they’re interfering in our politics!” ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/70 "2026-11-04T22:20:47Z")
> [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](#): > > I will not be forgiving them, I want them converted to Palestine or else conquered and gone away, and the never, Ever want them influencing my government ever again, in any way. So you’re not anti-Jewish, you just want 8 million Jews to be forcibly displaced from their homeland where they were born and grew up and which is the only place in the world where they have self-determination. Got it. This is a weird thing to focus your criticism of Jeffries on. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/71 "2026-11-04T22:45:26Z")
> [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](#): > > I will not be forgiving them, I want them converted to Palestine or else conquered and gone away, and the never, Ever want them influencing my government ever again, in any way. I’d like you to expand on these ideas. What, for example, do you mean by “conquered and gone away?” ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/72 "2026-11-04T22:54:21Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > by “conquered and gone away?” I think it is commendable when someone sees a problem and comes up with a solution to finally fix it … Don’t you? ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/73 "2026-11-04T23:30:15Z")
Exhibit A, > **[MS NOW (@ms.now)](https://bsky.app/profile/ms.now/post/3mzifwjlwos23)** > > "The American people don't want us to get even; they want us to get things done on their behalf." > > House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is now poised to become the next House Speaker, says that Democrats will focus on affordability concerns and... Empty promises and no consequences for anyone. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2026, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/74 "2026-11-05T00:39:55Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > The poll would be interesting. I think an unfortunate number of Americans would believe it. And that The Protocols of the Elders of Zion was a real book. And a host of other tropes. Really quite a few would, in both left and right circles. Such a comparison is inapt. It’s specifically a foreign relations PAC that promotes the interests of a particular country. Of course people will think that country is in some way providing money. That’s just believing in basic corruption, not a belief in some Jewish cabal. If I learned of a China PAC or a Canada PAC or a, I dunno, a Brazil PAC, I would also be skeptical that no money was coming from outside. Probably not directly, but no reason you couldn’t have people who have financial interests in those countries being influenced to spend money they get from those countries. Looking up the others that exist: yeah, USINPAC probably gets money from India, albeit indirectly. Same with ANCA-PAC and Armenia. Not saying I believe for sure. The source of the funding isn’t high on my importance meter. I just think it’s bizarre to say it requires believing in anti-Jewish conspiracy theories, and not just general skepticism. And, no, it doesn’t mean I agree with the OP, who seems to have admitted to wanting to eliminate Israel. I hope that he misspoke. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2026, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/75 "2026-11-05T00:46:32Z")
Jeffries is exactly correct. Said in a different thread; > [@De-Trumpification: Repairing the extensive damage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/de-trumpification-repairing-the-extensive-damage/1034406/50): > > the Dems need to angle toward laying off of the investigation and punishment of Trump and his minions. For now. Democrats have a lot of political capital after this election and I’d hate to seem them squander it all by moving aggressively to punish Trump. Get shit done _first_. Make Trump veto the things that would fix things and put the rats wondering when it is time to jump ship in position to go on record as with Trump’s mess or a face saving bipartisan plan to solve the mess Trump (and they) created. Then move into investigation timed to still be in memory as the next election season ramps up. Consequences resulting from that much less important than having the blatant corruption and abuse of power fresh in mind. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2026, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/76 "2026-11-05T01:03:22Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > And that The Protocols of the Elders of Zion was a real book. Well, it was printed and everything- but entirely false, of course. 😇 > [@crowmanyclouds](#): > > Empty promises and no consequences for anyone. Jeffries speech was perfect, and talking about “consequences” makes me think of trumps quest for political vengeance. I want the Dems to be NOT LIKE trump. Anyway, “consequences” are mostly politically impossible for Congress. > [@DSeid](#): > > Jeffries is exactly correct. Said in a different thread; > > De-Trumpification: Repairing the extensive damage > [@DSeid](#): > > Then move into investigation timed to still be in memory as the next election season ramps up. Let the states handle those. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2026, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/77 "2026-11-05T01:07:34Z")
> [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](#): > > Exhibit A: Israel hijacked our government like an airplane on 9/11 to crash our whole country into Iran, for their own purposes, without the involvement of Congress, and against the clear and expressed wishes of the American public (allegedly). No, Donald Trump drove that plane. He chose involvement. And Congress had the power to stop it and didn’t. The US is accountable for its own actions. And those Americans who were complicit should be held accountable in whatever way is possible. Preferably by losing their elections. Oh wait… ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2026, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/78 "2026-11-05T01:26:22Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > But most importantly for this discussion, it counters the assertion by some that Jeffries is meek, timid, and unassertive. On the contrary, he was willing to put in a huge effort to highlight a problem, a record-setting effort. He couldn’t leave the podium or it would be over, so he stood there for hours and snuck in bits of food and drink to keep going as long as possible. > [@Procrustus](#): > > If we want to opposition leaders to do something effective, I guess we need to figure out what that might be. I’ll settle for standing up and saying “this is wrong.” At least until he has a majority. Yeah, this. Most of the anger at Jeffries seems to involve frustration with him not doing things that he can’t do. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2026, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/79 "2026-11-05T01:33:19Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > Yeah, this. Most of the anger at Jeffries seems to involve frustration with him not doing things that he can’t do. Yep. we heard that over and over how the Democratic party is useless since they were not stopping trump- which they could not do, except an occasional. filibuster. Some posters even said they were angry as the Dems were not even speaking out about MAGA stuff- but of course they were- just not carried much in the news. I doubt many here read the Congressional record, boring as hell. ---
**Author:** ![Hawkeyeop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/958977/32.png) [@Hawkeyeop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hawkeyeop)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2026, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294/80 "2026-11-05T01:38:45Z")
Mississippi looks like it is going to go blue. Sometimes we can do things we didn’t expect we could do. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-recall-hakeem-jeffries-after-the-midterms/1034294.md?page=5)