That was quick.
On Tuesday, the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) withdrew its letter demanding that the Biden administration open diplomatic discussions between Ukraine and Russia.
The CPC issued the letter Monday, but its chair Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) blamed staffers for sending the letter without properly vetting or considering its timing.
“The Congressional Progressive Caucus hereby withdraws its recent letter to the White House regarding Ukraine,” Jayapal said in a statement.
Jayapal, who bills herself as a friend of working-class Americans, promptly threw the schleps working for her on Capitol Hill under the bus.
“The letter was drafted several months ago, but unfortunately was released by staff without vetting,” she added. “As Chair of the Caucus, I accept responsibility for this.”
The original letter called upon President Joe Biden to change strategy on the Russian-Ukraine war and to begin a “proactive diplomatic push, redoubling efforts to seek a realistic framework for a ceasefire.”
In reaction, establishment Democrats, directly and indirectly, criticized the CPC for its actions.
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), for example, rebuked anybody who even suggests that Ukraine or the U.S. could engage in good-faith negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We cannot engage in magical thinking regarding the nature of the Russian threat,” Connolly said. “Russia has lied about its intentions in Ukraine and overturned international agreements fundamental to safeguarding peace on the European continent.”
The congressman made his statements from Croatia, where he joined Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who announced plans for even more funding for Ukraine.
“Congress has secured over $60 billion in security, economic, humanitarian and budget assistance for Ukraine, including twelve and a third billion just weeks ago,” Pelosi said. “And more will be on the way when we pass our omnibus funding bill this fall.”
Connolly also said, “Ukraine has our support now and until victory.”
Jayapal also noted that the progressive letter made it seem as if the CPC was expressing bipartisanship with the GOP when it came to Ukraine.
“Because of the timing, our message is being conflated by some as being equivalent to the recent statement by Republican Leader McCarthy threatening an end to aid to Ukraine if Republicans take over,” Jayapal said, noting that the letter “created the unfortunate appearance that Democrats … are somehow aligned with Republicans who seek to pull the plug on American support for President Zelensky and the Ukrainian forces.”
In other words, progressives believe that it’s better to support the war than to “align” with Republicans.
Whatever happened to the anti-war Left of yesteryear? Did they ever actually exist? Considering their absence during the Obama years and their utter silence-turned-cowardice as displayed by the CPC, it would appear not.
The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.