Early this morning, shortly after midnight, Republican Kevin McCarthy of California won enough votes to become speaker of the House of Representatives.
Thank you for this summary! I laughed out loud at the image of McCarthy's speech, "listening to a cover band playing yesterday’s hits."
Jeffries's alliterative alphabetical list of contrasts was clear and clever (and, no doubt, SO irritating to the other party) - he really seemed to enjoy what he was doing, too.
He is a beyond fantastic speaker, and a more than promising leader.
Additionally, he made the other guy wait even longer for an already phyrric victory, making it his big moment instead. Total unabashed boss move, of the type Republicans use at every opportunity, and Democrats way too rarely indulge in.
The alphabet gimmick was great because you can tell what is happening pretty quickly, and you know just how long it's gonna be. Sweet sweet xeniality. More, please.
EXCELLENT use of ye olde lexicon! Xenial is certainly not part of the vocabulary of anyone that I know.
Jeffries is a shining example of the benefits of PUBLIC eduction: Midwood High School (Brooklyn), Binghamton University (part of the State University of New York system - and *ahem* my alma mater... for whatever that adds to the conversation). And then, Georgetown and NYU Law - not public, but the foundation was there in taxpayer-supported education. Such a contrast to any number of other legislators.
Xanax would have been hilarious! To save other readers of these comments the trouble, here’s Merriam-Webster’s definition of Jeffries’ deftly chosen “xenial”:
xenial: [adjective] of, relating to, or constituting hospitality or relations between host and guest and especially among the ancient Greeks between persons of different cities.
In making sense of Merriam-Webster's reference to "different cities," it may be useful to recall that ancient Greece was never a unified country. The main political unit was the city-state, which in the corrugated topography of the Aegean and points inland meant a city and the farmland that surrounded and fed it, typically bounded by mountains and/or ocean. Think of Lauren Boebert's hometown of Rifle, Colorado as its own sovereign state, and you have something of the right idea. Whether a Greek felt xenial toward a citizen of a different city-state generally reflected the two city-states' status as either (a) allied against a third city-state, at least for the moment, or (b) related as mother and far-flung colonial daughter.
Urban Dictionary is one of the sites that shows up pretty close to the top - not my go-to for definitions- I was reading all of them & struck by the UD slant on xenial - I can’t believe I’m bothering to make this comment- HRC’s letter was such a good one- NOT about this!!
I can’t help but find this all hilarious. I mean, Jeffries has done all of us a HUGE favor by introducing a word most of us (and by “us,” I mean the country) have never heard/read before, with the added “value” (please note the reference to VAT, Value Added Tax!) of a different meaning brought to us by slang. English is indeed a living language.
Sorry, not sorry for all the fun. We will, I fear, need more innocent and maybe useless entertainment over the next couple of years.
I would have expected "xenophilic", naïf that I am; alas, words ending in -philia seem even more subject to having had fetishist readings imposed on them.
I think there's nuance between loving strangers (xenophilic) and welcoming them (xenial). In any case, am grateful for the vocabulary stretching: one of my Literature professors at Binghamton admonished us (in the late 1960s) that our generation only used 10% of the English language... he might still have been teaching when Jeffries was a student at BU. I immediately thought of that erudite gentleman when I heard this speech - it's such a delight to hear intelligent, clever (in the best sense) and joyful use of language.
If more Democratic candidates had campaigned the way Hakeem Jeffries spoke Saturday morning, perhaps there still might be a Democratic House. But assuredly, there will be in 2024, as the Republicans return to their MAGA ('Make America Gullible Again') pitch, devoted to demolition of government, rather than its successful operation for the benefit of the country.
I think he did enjoy it! And isn’t that when we are at our best? When working for something or someone we love, it doesn’t feel like work? He is working for all of us. That love is reciprocated, it births determination, perseverance, and creativity. The qualities of leadership most needed to sustain a historic effort to defeat these anti democratic factions and forces.
Jeffries broke the spell of their spectacle. Calling them out the way he did, in mocking them, he weaponized the truth to combat their lies. We can expect QOP spectacle after spectacle the next two years. Nancy chose wisely. While it’s serious, Dem leadership should have fun countering their nonsense.
Thanks for sharing this link. Every time I listen to President Biden, I like him even more for his honesty, his very human delivery, and his humor. So what if he has a stutter that sometimes gets in the way? His heart and his head are in the right place.
And although there was much to like in his speech, IMO there were several things conspicuously missing.
He did not propose a national, mandatory E-Verify. That's something which could stanch illegal immigration, and stop visa overstayers. If they can't get jobs, they won't come. Such a law--which came within about 25 votes of passing in the House in '17, but didn't make it because TFG and Speaker Paul Ryan did not support it--should include severe penalties for CEOs of companies that hire unauthorized immigrants. And pushing for E-Verify would have made a favorable impression on a lot of GOP voters.
He also did not propose to cap immigration at a low number (The late Barbara Jordan, Black Dem from Texas, who made her name on the Watergate Committee, ran a commission on immigration reform in which she would have capped it at around half a million).
Immigration is now the driver of US population growth. We need to cap it for environmental reasons (climate change is greatly reducing the US' carrying capacity), to stanch the spread of sprawl, and to prevent the stagnation of workers' wages, which mass immigration has caused for the last 40 years, and indeed, throughout most of US history.
See: Back of the Hiring Line: A 200-Year History of Immigration Surges, Employer Bias, and Depression of Black Wealth.
Nonetheless, there was a lot to like in his speech, and he spoke well. Biden is probably going to be the best rated president since Roosevelt. As for age, Pelosi, the best House Speaker ever, did her best in her 80s.
E-Verify…Look what happened in Florida. DeSantis initially campaigned on preventing employers from hiring undoc immigrants. Surpise…big biz pushback!
Law quietly passed requiring public employers to use E-Verify…because these immigrants are all applying for gov jobs. Not. Did I mention former Fl Senate Prez and now Ag Commisioner made his millions egg farming…Somthimg tells me he may also have invested in our lucrative tourism industry.
I'm not sure what you're getting at. But big biz definitely likes cheap, easily exploitable labor, and unauthorized immigrants definitely fall into that category. And when they get hired, American and legal immigrant workers suffer fewer jobs available, and lower wages if they get jobs.
Ruth, your 'SO irritating to other party' observation never occurred to me, I ignored it. I read down another 50 comments until it sunk in. Jeffries was giving the GOP a good slap across the face to let them know he will not be punked. THAT may end up being the most significant event of the evening, long term.
I can imagine it is. I admit, I didn't listen to McCarthy's. He pretty much just makes me cringe and after last week I've seen and heard all I want to from that guy and his damn Freedom Caucus who appear to be just loud, noisy, bags of hot air.
Yeah. Except it'll never penetrate the thick skulls of the MAGASSes. Only time will dilute their delusions. Can't wait til they get to become preoccupied with the upcoming UAP report.
Thanks, Ellie! I believe that Jeffries' ABC's (in schooling seditious extremists hard) will be put to music by many generations to come. This is our new anthem for cult-following- extremists to ponder as they choose the dark or the light from now on. And on which good Americans can find solace and re-build our strength and power to overcome our battered, but still, standing stars and stripes. Our country will be usurped by the Mephistolic souls of seditious traitors no more. Do not give them excess in platforms---just move ahead with the changes we need and stop listening to their immature squabbling, narcissistic din. Keep our eyes on the positive prizes which Jeffries so eloquently elucidates in the most simplistic, melody of goals of our imperfect but potentially Great Nation and Experiment of living together in One Boat. He kept it simple so any American can understand the choices and actions they must make.
So true, as wonderful as it was to hear Jeffries say it, I kept hearing it Lin Manuel Miranda’s voice - the power of music will give that speech a life of its own!
This version of Jeffries's ABC's uses the word "xennial" instead of "xenial" (which is presumably the word in his speech) - according to Merriam-Webster "xennial is a word that refers to people who were born on the cusp between Generation X and the millennials". The Urban Dictionary definition of "xenial" is disturbing, and clearly not what Jeffries meant.
Out of curiousity (I love word origins), I looked up both words. I think Jeffries chose Xenial (the spelling that appears in the house transcript) quite deliberately, as others have pointed out- as a direct opposite to Xenophobia. Genial has a different kind of meaning, one that applies simply to general demeanor. Xenial specifically refers to welcoming strangers. I found it fascinating. As others have noted, it illuminated the meaning of xenophobia for me. Both have been around for centuries, tracable to ancient Greek.
I generally don't pay much attention to the UD, but in this case it does includes the original meaning of xenial as used by Jeffries. The rest of UD's entries beginning in Xen are street slang of recent origin, UD's specialty. There is a lot of roll-over in UD, which is why it it is of limited value in understanding English words.
I made a screen shot of that when I first saw it yesterday, brought it into Photoshop Elements, and added Jeffries' name and the date at the bottom, and then shared it on Flickr, Facebook and Post.
Go to my Flickr page, Ellen—https://www.flickr.com/photos/mimbrava/52615187390/. If it won't let you download it, see if you can do a screenshot. My Photoshop'd version shows Jeffries' name and the date he spoke those words.
McCarthy now has powerless power and has slid into leaderless leadership. The outcome of the mid-terms was promising. Maybe, just maybe McCarthy's creation of an empty speakership while the circus runs rings around him will be enough to convince just a few more voters to support Democrats -- for all of the reasons alliterated alphabetically by the Honorable Hakim Jeffries.
I listened to it off of Dan Rather's Steady substack. One reader commented she was the kind of person who "drifted off" while listening to speeches and sermons, as do I. But Hakeem's speech had her focused all the way through, and then inspired. Me, too!
There have to be a lot of Republicans who were appalled by that disgraceful spectacle. That guy from Alabama who tried to go after Gaetz should have been going after McCarthy instead. So maybe that's just how lost the party is.
I am skeptical that many or any Republicans were offput by the spectacle of failure, disorder, rudeness and arrogance since, as far as I can tell, they all have those problems internally.
Yes and their stated goal is deconstruction of the administrative state. No matter how many times they say it and demonstrate it, so many of us aren’t willing to acknowledge it, especially in the very important, 4th estate.
Yes. It's one of the reasons why I'm not keen on the proposed attempt by some Democrats to 'further humiliate' McCarthy (or, for that matter, most of the rest of the Republican representatives) -- it's really not possible to humiliate someone who has no shame.
The Representative verbally attacking Gaetz, Mike Rogers, is an insurrectionist. “Rogers is one of 147 Republican lawmakers who voted to overturn results in the 2020 presidential election.” So is Hudson, the Representative that physically shut him down. They are anti-democracy, anti voting rights, anti-women, anti-lgbtq, racist, and pro reckless ownership and use of guns, just like Gaetz. Their difference from Gaetz is that they hold leadership positions in McCarthy’s Party of Fascism.
They are both trained speakers and it it a joy to listen to either of them. I spent 4 years at a Black seminary. as one of only 5 white students. It was an aural orgy!
As I listened, I could hear the beautiful cadences and linguistic style of many of the sermons I have heard from Black preachers. I was also watching the sign language interpreter as his graceful movements caught the poetry of Jeffries speech. And me here by myself, calling out "Amen" as the spirit moved, feeling for that while that we were all listening, and calling out together.
With his "thank you" to Trump for securing the last few "present" votes, McCarthy basically said he wants to hand the 2024 Republican presidential nomination to 45. What a tool. May his groveling come back to end all their careers.
By secret ballot, insurrectionists were elected into all the leadership positions in their party. Not a single member of their party was willing to vote for the esteemed Jeffries over those insurrectionists. We have warriors leading the fight for democracy! Their work will be unpleasant, unsafe and formidable. We should not underestimate the leadership of the Fascist Party. We have for far too long. Their autocratic and deceitful ways are different and difficult for good people to acknowledge. It is our grave error to underestimate them. Our good and selfless leaders need all the support we can muster.
Another reason for hope and even optimism: The House Democrats are organized and focused on what they're doing in Congress. The Republicans -- well, we've seen where they're at. A cohesive minority can make headway against a schismatic (sorry, I love that word!) majority. Didn't we just see that in action? In that case, the minority was 100% focused on obstruction, The Dem minority is much larger and focused on making things happen that will benefit the majority's constituents. McCarthy's control over the Freedom Caucus is zero, but his control over other House Republicans isn't great either. Some will be willing and able to cooperate with Dems for constructive ends. I'm not nearly as pessimistic as some seem to be -- and boy, am I glad that the Republican margin in the House is as slim as it is.
Hey, Susanna. I just watched Hakeem Jeffries' interview on Meet the Press this morning. His every answer invoked what he is trying to accomplish for the American people. Such a stark contrast to what we hear on the other side.
Yes, good going, Gary, for labeling K. McCarthy a 'powerless-leaderless' politician. I would add, a 'memorable gavel swinging, smiling public spectacle'.
Thank you, professor, for capturing so eloquently a moment in history that likely will echo with critical importance for many years to come.
Listening to Hakeem Jeffries speaking live brought on a bout of deep pride as I tried to fight back tears. Here was a real leader in a time of great distress. Here was a leader speaking, without rancor, the truth. And then came a leader in name only, someone who has sold his soul for power while putting at risk the nation and its people, which he is sworn to serve.
Has there ever been such a striking contrast between the light of good and darkness of bad revealed in back-to-back speeches in the the House chamber? It was as if we were watching the dramatic opening scene of an epic narrative about to play out. Now we have to do whatever required to make sure the ending is right and just.
Michael, I too, felt such emotions. I was so proud that Nancy handed the torch to Hakeem, a man who came from humble beginnings. He held the party together, like glue. He is as strong, intelligent, and forceful as we wanted him to be. What I absolutely loved is the way that he began his speech with very kind words and then crescendoed with absolute fury at what the Pro-Rape Party will attempt to do. He outshined Qevin in the early morn. Qevin will never come close to Hakeem’s greatness. 2024, Hakeem will be our Speaker. Let’s make certain that happens!
The Democratic campaigns for 2024 need to start NOW, in early 2023. Identify solid candidates, then follow in Governor Gretchen Whitmer's footsteps and snowshoe tracks all over the districts, meeting folks and listening ("Fix the Damn Roads!"). We need representatives who actually represent The People, All of Us This Time!
Yes, we do need to start now. I keeping thinking, “ok... now what?” How can we prevent them from dismantling our power at home and in the world by their power in the house. What can we do if they refuse to raise the debt ceiling. Is there anything to prevent that from happening? Can 20 lunatics truly hamstring the Executive and Judicial branches of government? I’m feeling my body go into panic mode. I’m inspired by Jeffries speech as “we” all are but will bring inspired keep the chaos and destruction of our government by those 20 from happening? My anxiety is overtaking my whole being today. I don’t see how retaking the house in 2 years will save us if they’ve already destroyed our standing in the world. Can they be stopped before that happens? I’m sorry. I’m rambling and melting down.
Felt that McCarthy was ready for the vote, but had not prepared an acceptance speech or delivered one to inspire, show leadership chops. Mr Jefferies, on the other hand, came prepared to begin the 118th Congress as leader and jumped right in to the work by his leadership. I hope he stays on for the next three sessions. We need strong leadership that has depth, chops, and experience to move the American agenda forward. I understand, but worry about suggestions that he aspire to presidency in 2024.
Thank you for this summary! I laughed out loud at the image of McCarthy's speech, "listening to a cover band playing yesterday’s hits."
Jeffries's alliterative alphabetical list of contrasts was clear and clever (and, no doubt, SO irritating to the other party) - he really seemed to enjoy what he was doing, too.
He is a beyond fantastic speaker, and a more than promising leader.
Additionally, he made the other guy wait even longer for an already phyrric victory, making it his big moment instead. Total unabashed boss move, of the type Republicans use at every opportunity, and Democrats way too rarely indulge in.
The alphabet gimmick was great because you can tell what is happening pretty quickly, and you know just how long it's gonna be. Sweet sweet xeniality. More, please.
Xenial was a new word for me, but I will now be slipping it into conversations whenever needed!
EXCELLENT use of ye olde lexicon! Xenial is certainly not part of the vocabulary of anyone that I know.
Jeffries is a shining example of the benefits of PUBLIC eduction: Midwood High School (Brooklyn), Binghamton University (part of the State University of New York system - and *ahem* my alma mater... for whatever that adds to the conversation). And then, Georgetown and NYU Law - not public, but the foundation was there in taxpayer-supported education. Such a contrast to any number of other legislators.
Yes Binghamton University - about 30 minutes away from where I live, too.
And to DeSatan ...
I was wondering what he was going to do with X. I pretty much knew that Xmas wasn't going to cut it.
For a hot second all I could think of was Xanax. Which, to be fair, would be applicable considering the situation.
Xanax would have been hilarious! To save other readers of these comments the trouble, here’s Merriam-Webster’s definition of Jeffries’ deftly chosen “xenial”:
xenial: [adjective] of, relating to, or constituting hospitality or relations between host and guest and especially among the ancient Greeks between persons of different cities.
Thanks for that definition. Really appreciate not having to look it up!
In making sense of Merriam-Webster's reference to "different cities," it may be useful to recall that ancient Greece was never a unified country. The main political unit was the city-state, which in the corrugated topography of the Aegean and points inland meant a city and the farmland that surrounded and fed it, typically bounded by mountains and/or ocean. Think of Lauren Boebert's hometown of Rifle, Colorado as its own sovereign state, and you have something of the right idea. Whether a Greek felt xenial toward a citizen of a different city-state generally reflected the two city-states' status as either (a) allied against a third city-state, at least for the moment, or (b) related as mother and far-flung colonial daughter.
Too funny!
Laugh-out-loud funny!
True! 😆 Lol
Xenial new to me too. Looked it up. Love it.
It's Gallagher in Irish.
It makes the word xenophobia much more understandable, right?
Actually, that worked in reverse for me. His opposing it to xenophobic made it’s meaning so much clearer 🙂
I looked it up - the Urban Dictionary's definition might give you pause
Hmmm... yeah, I get your point... however, given his love of word play, I assume (and defend!) that Jeffries meant the original definition.
Yes, of course!!!!!!
If I looked up the meaning of words in the Urban dictionary before using them I might have a vocabulary of a few hundred words
HA!
Urban Dictionary is one of the sites that shows up pretty close to the top - not my go-to for definitions- I was reading all of them & struck by the UD slant on xenial - I can’t believe I’m bothering to make this comment- HRC’s letter was such a good one- NOT about this!!
I can’t help but find this all hilarious. I mean, Jeffries has done all of us a HUGE favor by introducing a word most of us (and by “us,” I mean the country) have never heard/read before, with the added “value” (please note the reference to VAT, Value Added Tax!) of a different meaning brought to us by slang. English is indeed a living language.
Sorry, not sorry for all the fun. We will, I fear, need more innocent and maybe useless entertainment over the next couple of years.
;-)
I would have expected "xenophilic", naïf that I am; alas, words ending in -philia seem even more subject to having had fetishist readings imposed on them.
I think there's nuance between loving strangers (xenophilic) and welcoming them (xenial). In any case, am grateful for the vocabulary stretching: one of my Literature professors at Binghamton admonished us (in the late 1960s) that our generation only used 10% of the English language... he might still have been teaching when Jeffries was a student at BU. I immediately thought of that erudite gentleman when I heard this speech - it's such a delight to hear intelligent, clever (in the best sense) and joyful use of language.
Logophiles of the world, unite! And let's hope that neither "logophile" nor "bibliophile" ever are fetishized.
If more Democratic candidates had campaigned the way Hakeem Jeffries spoke Saturday morning, perhaps there still might be a Democratic House. But assuredly, there will be in 2024, as the Republicans return to their MAGA ('Make America Gullible Again') pitch, devoted to demolition of government, rather than its successful operation for the benefit of the country.
Let's make it so.
I think he did enjoy it! And isn’t that when we are at our best? When working for something or someone we love, it doesn’t feel like work? He is working for all of us. That love is reciprocated, it births determination, perseverance, and creativity. The qualities of leadership most needed to sustain a historic effort to defeat these anti democratic factions and forces.
Ted,
I think we have a Democrat we can all coaelesce behind for President now.
However, I am am OK with Biden running again. At first, I thought he was too old.
However, I saw his speech on the border yesterday or day before and, you know what, it was one of the best speeches I have EVER seen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUVsaoigOZw
Sounds a bit like he is getting over being sick, but, a blockbuster speech.
Jeffries broke the spell of their spectacle. Calling them out the way he did, in mocking them, he weaponized the truth to combat their lies. We can expect QOP spectacle after spectacle the next two years. Nancy chose wisely. While it’s serious, Dem leadership should have fun countering their nonsense.
Thanks for sharing this link. Every time I listen to President Biden, I like him even more for his honesty, his very human delivery, and his humor. So what if he has a stutter that sometimes gets in the way? His heart and his head are in the right place.
For those who don't want to spend 25 minutes listening to the President--who spoke very well, by the way--here's the transcript of his speech.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/01/05/remarks-by-president-biden-on-border-security-and-enforcement/
And although there was much to like in his speech, IMO there were several things conspicuously missing.
He did not propose a national, mandatory E-Verify. That's something which could stanch illegal immigration, and stop visa overstayers. If they can't get jobs, they won't come. Such a law--which came within about 25 votes of passing in the House in '17, but didn't make it because TFG and Speaker Paul Ryan did not support it--should include severe penalties for CEOs of companies that hire unauthorized immigrants. And pushing for E-Verify would have made a favorable impression on a lot of GOP voters.
He also did not propose to cap immigration at a low number (The late Barbara Jordan, Black Dem from Texas, who made her name on the Watergate Committee, ran a commission on immigration reform in which she would have capped it at around half a million).
Immigration is now the driver of US population growth. We need to cap it for environmental reasons (climate change is greatly reducing the US' carrying capacity), to stanch the spread of sprawl, and to prevent the stagnation of workers' wages, which mass immigration has caused for the last 40 years, and indeed, throughout most of US history.
See: Back of the Hiring Line: A 200-Year History of Immigration Surges, Employer Bias, and Depression of Black Wealth.
Nonetheless, there was a lot to like in his speech, and he spoke well. Biden is probably going to be the best rated president since Roosevelt. As for age, Pelosi, the best House Speaker ever, did her best in her 80s.
Good suggestions for Congress as well. I agree about Biden
E-Verify…Look what happened in Florida. DeSantis initially campaigned on preventing employers from hiring undoc immigrants. Surpise…big biz pushback!
Law quietly passed requiring public employers to use E-Verify…because these immigrants are all applying for gov jobs. Not. Did I mention former Fl Senate Prez and now Ag Commisioner made his millions egg farming…Somthimg tells me he may also have invested in our lucrative tourism industry.
I'm not sure what you're getting at. But big biz definitely likes cheap, easily exploitable labor, and unauthorized immigrants definitely fall into that category. And when they get hired, American and legal immigrant workers suffer fewer jobs available, and lower wages if they get jobs.
Great speech! IMHO, and I vote!
Ruth, your 'SO irritating to other party' observation never occurred to me, I ignored it. I read down another 50 comments until it sunk in. Jeffries was giving the GOP a good slap across the face to let them know he will not be punked. THAT may end up being the most significant event of the evening, long term.
The speech that is being quoted and discussed is his, not McCarthy’s. It was a victory for sure.
I can imagine it is. I admit, I didn't listen to McCarthy's. He pretty much just makes me cringe and after last week I've seen and heard all I want to from that guy and his damn Freedom Caucus who appear to be just loud, noisy, bags of hot air.
Yeah. Except it'll never penetrate the thick skulls of the MAGASSes. Only time will dilute their delusions. Can't wait til they get to become preoccupied with the upcoming UAP report.
Jeffries’ ABCs in graphic form to share widely:
https://twitter.com/gailwaldby/status/1611928377711276032?s=46&t=V81tBSJRWB5Zg7_OlZT1Bw
Thanks, Ellie! I believe that Jeffries' ABC's (in schooling seditious extremists hard) will be put to music by many generations to come. This is our new anthem for cult-following- extremists to ponder as they choose the dark or the light from now on. And on which good Americans can find solace and re-build our strength and power to overcome our battered, but still, standing stars and stripes. Our country will be usurped by the Mephistolic souls of seditious traitors no more. Do not give them excess in platforms---just move ahead with the changes we need and stop listening to their immature squabbling, narcissistic din. Keep our eyes on the positive prizes which Jeffries so eloquently elucidates in the most simplistic, melody of goals of our imperfect but potentially Great Nation and Experiment of living together in One Boat. He kept it simple so any American can understand the choices and actions they must make.
So true, as wonderful as it was to hear Jeffries say it, I kept hearing it Lin Manuel Miranda’s voice - the power of music will give that speech a life of its own!
Me, too, SAT12!
This version of Jeffries's ABC's uses the word "xennial" instead of "xenial" (which is presumably the word in his speech) - according to Merriam-Webster "xennial is a word that refers to people who were born on the cusp between Generation X and the millennials". The Urban Dictionary definition of "xenial" is disturbing, and clearly not what Jeffries meant.
I was thinking he meant “xenial” as in hospitality — see: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xenial
He probably meant genial, but needed an word starting with x.
Out of curiousity (I love word origins), I looked up both words. I think Jeffries chose Xenial (the spelling that appears in the house transcript) quite deliberately, as others have pointed out- as a direct opposite to Xenophobia. Genial has a different kind of meaning, one that applies simply to general demeanor. Xenial specifically refers to welcoming strangers. I found it fascinating. As others have noted, it illuminated the meaning of xenophobia for me. Both have been around for centuries, tracable to ancient Greek.
I generally don't pay much attention to the UD, but in this case it does includes the original meaning of xenial as used by Jeffries. The rest of UD's entries beginning in Xen are street slang of recent origin, UD's specialty. There is a lot of roll-over in UD, which is why it it is of limited value in understanding English words.
Ellie,
Many thanks. I have blown it up and sent it on to about 40 people (some who will not read it, probably, since, their goal is fascism, nasty and hate).
But, I sent it. It is truly spectacular.
I made a screen shot of that when I first saw it yesterday, brought it into Photoshop Elements, and added Jeffries' name and the date at the bottom, and then shared it on Flickr, Facebook and Post.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mimbrava/52615187390/
This is great! Thank you!
Ellie, is this graphic available elsewhere? I canceled my Twitter account. Thanks!
Go to my Flickr page, Ellen—https://www.flickr.com/photos/mimbrava/52615187390/. If it won't let you download it, see if you can do a screenshot. My Photoshop'd version shows Jeffries' name and the date he spoke those words.
Thank you!
Thank you, Mim!
A--Z. Brilliant. I felt hopeful, energized. This is a speech for the ages. Thank you Hakeem Jeffries
I totally missed that it was in alphabetic order. I had to go back snd look at it again!
It took me until G to finally catch on.
I was also amused by McCarthy’s vaporous rhetoric being summarized and Jeffries’ suitably and amply quoted.
I enjoyed that laugh too.
Yes the contrast was astounding!
McCarthy now has powerless power and has slid into leaderless leadership. The outcome of the mid-terms was promising. Maybe, just maybe McCarthy's creation of an empty speakership while the circus runs rings around him will be enough to convince just a few more voters to support Democrats -- for all of the reasons alliterated alphabetically by the Honorable Hakim Jeffries.
DIdn’t you just love Hakeem’s speech? It was a breath of fresh air....and yes, “powerless power” and “leaderless leadership”. Sad but perfect.....
I listened to it off of Dan Rather's Steady substack. One reader commented she was the kind of person who "drifted off" while listening to speeches and sermons, as do I. But Hakeem's speech had her focused all the way through, and then inspired. Me, too!
There have to be a lot of Republicans who were appalled by that disgraceful spectacle. That guy from Alabama who tried to go after Gaetz should have been going after McCarthy instead. So maybe that's just how lost the party is.
Jim,
I am skeptical that many or any Republicans were offput by the spectacle of failure, disorder, rudeness and arrogance since, as far as I can tell, they all have those problems internally.
Yes and their stated goal is deconstruction of the administrative state. No matter how many times they say it and demonstrate it, so many of us aren’t willing to acknowledge it, especially in the very important, 4th estate.
Yes. It's one of the reasons why I'm not keen on the proposed attempt by some Democrats to 'further humiliate' McCarthy (or, for that matter, most of the rest of the Republican representatives) -- it's really not possible to humiliate someone who has no shame.
The Representative verbally attacking Gaetz, Mike Rogers, is an insurrectionist. “Rogers is one of 147 Republican lawmakers who voted to overturn results in the 2020 presidential election.” So is Hudson, the Representative that physically shut him down. They are anti-democracy, anti voting rights, anti-women, anti-lgbtq, racist, and pro reckless ownership and use of guns, just like Gaetz. Their difference from Gaetz is that they hold leadership positions in McCarthy’s Party of Fascism.
I sure did!!
Gary, the Hon. Jeffries could preach a Black pastor off his pulpit....
Equal to Obama I say.
Another breakout, real, leader from the Democrat Party.
My thought exactly...Obama style oratory.
Maybe, Guy, except for Rev Warnock, wouldn't you say?
Totally agree Lynell.
They are both trained speakers and it it a joy to listen to either of them. I spent 4 years at a Black seminary. as one of only 5 white students. It was an aural orgy!
How interesting, Gus. I'm sure your time at the seminary was well spent. And,
I, too, enjoy listening to both of them when they speak!
Wow!
I just love your turn of phrase! Oral Orgy!
Gus, That must have been an amazing experience! Be well friend.
As I listened, I could hear the beautiful cadences and linguistic style of many of the sermons I have heard from Black preachers. I was also watching the sign language interpreter as his graceful movements caught the poetry of Jeffries speech. And me here by myself, calling out "Amen" as the spirit moved, feeling for that while that we were all listening, and calling out together.
Amen, Annie!
I think you are right. It should influence most independents, and a few R’s, hopefully.
With his "thank you" to Trump for securing the last few "present" votes, McCarthy basically said he wants to hand the 2024 Republican presidential nomination to 45. What a tool. May his groveling come back to end all their careers.
Yes, Ruth, may it end all their careers. Such a pathetic human being: Qevin McTaliban, a hollow shell.
By secret ballot, insurrectionists were elected into all the leadership positions in their party. Not a single member of their party was willing to vote for the esteemed Jeffries over those insurrectionists. We have warriors leading the fight for democracy! Their work will be unpleasant, unsafe and formidable. We should not underestimate the leadership of the Fascist Party. We have for far too long. Their autocratic and deceitful ways are different and difficult for good people to acknowledge. It is our grave error to underestimate them. Our good and selfless leaders need all the support we can muster.
Another reason for hope and even optimism: The House Democrats are organized and focused on what they're doing in Congress. The Republicans -- well, we've seen where they're at. A cohesive minority can make headway against a schismatic (sorry, I love that word!) majority. Didn't we just see that in action? In that case, the minority was 100% focused on obstruction, The Dem minority is much larger and focused on making things happen that will benefit the majority's constituents. McCarthy's control over the Freedom Caucus is zero, but his control over other House Republicans isn't great either. Some will be willing and able to cooperate with Dems for constructive ends. I'm not nearly as pessimistic as some seem to be -- and boy, am I glad that the Republican margin in the House is as slim as it is.
Hey, Susanna. I just watched Hakeem Jeffries' interview on Meet the Press this morning. His every answer invoked what he is trying to accomplish for the American people. Such a stark contrast to what we hear on the other side.
His remarks begin at approx. min. 23:25
https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press-full-episodes
Susanna, let’s get that Repugnant margin down to minus and beat them in 2024! Starting yesterday!
Yes, good going, Gary, for labeling K. McCarthy a 'powerless-leaderless' politician. I would add, a 'memorable gavel swinging, smiling public spectacle'.
At one point I swear I thought McCarthy was going to kiss his gavel.
Yes, just before he destroyed the podium with it.
What is the playbook for breaking ridiculous spectacles? Each week expect a new one from the 21 extremists.
The same old playbook, ted: Comedy & Tragedy & a water hose.
Well said Gary; all of it.
Excellent assessment, Gary. Thanks!
Great response.
Well done, Gary!
Thank you, professor, for capturing so eloquently a moment in history that likely will echo with critical importance for many years to come.
Listening to Hakeem Jeffries speaking live brought on a bout of deep pride as I tried to fight back tears. Here was a real leader in a time of great distress. Here was a leader speaking, without rancor, the truth. And then came a leader in name only, someone who has sold his soul for power while putting at risk the nation and its people, which he is sworn to serve.
Has there ever been such a striking contrast between the light of good and darkness of bad revealed in back-to-back speeches in the the House chamber? It was as if we were watching the dramatic opening scene of an epic narrative about to play out. Now we have to do whatever required to make sure the ending is right and just.
Michael, I too, felt such emotions. I was so proud that Nancy handed the torch to Hakeem, a man who came from humble beginnings. He held the party together, like glue. He is as strong, intelligent, and forceful as we wanted him to be. What I absolutely loved is the way that he began his speech with very kind words and then crescendoed with absolute fury at what the Pro-Rape Party will attempt to do. He outshined Qevin in the early morn. Qevin will never come close to Hakeem’s greatness. 2024, Hakeem will be our Speaker. Let’s make certain that happens!
The Democratic campaigns for 2024 need to start NOW, in early 2023. Identify solid candidates, then follow in Governor Gretchen Whitmer's footsteps and snowshoe tracks all over the districts, meeting folks and listening ("Fix the Damn Roads!"). We need representatives who actually represent The People, All of Us This Time!
They are. CA41 Democracy in Action for 2023 is having a zoom meeting on Jan 26.
YAYAY!!
Yes, we do need to start now. I keeping thinking, “ok... now what?” How can we prevent them from dismantling our power at home and in the world by their power in the house. What can we do if they refuse to raise the debt ceiling. Is there anything to prevent that from happening? Can 20 lunatics truly hamstring the Executive and Judicial branches of government? I’m feeling my body go into panic mode. I’m inspired by Jeffries speech as “we” all are but will bring inspired keep the chaos and destruction of our government by those 20 from happening? My anxiety is overtaking my whole being today. I don’t see how retaking the house in 2 years will save us if they’ve already destroyed our standing in the world. Can they be stopped before that happens? I’m sorry. I’m rambling and melting down.
Ditto.
Herbal tea just isn’t cutting the anxiety! 🥺
Try another herb.
Best comment today, MaryPat. I’m raring to go….
We certainly need inspiration, and hope, to stay connected and to plan a strong campaign in 2024, both for the Presidency and the control of Congress.
Qevin McTaliban, his new name as Speaker. I love it….
Felt that McCarthy was ready for the vote, but had not prepared an acceptance speech or delivered one to inspire, show leadership chops. Mr Jefferies, on the other hand, came prepared to begin the 118th Congress as leader and jumped right in to the work by his leadership. I hope he stays on for the next three sessions. We need strong leadership that has depth, chops, and experience to move the American agenda forward. I understand, but worry about suggestions that he aspire to presidency in 2024.