Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, is a man on the go. On Tuesday, he played a key role in the vote concerning the release of the Epstein files, and when I encountered him en route to his Cannon building office, he inquired if we could walk and talk, as he had several stops to make.
“Sure thing,” I replied, and we set off.
My focus wasn’t on Epstein. I was interested in understanding the future trajectory of his Democratic Party. Therefore, I began by questioning whether he and the party had shifted the objective of the social safety net from providing a helping hand to simply giving handouts.
“That’s not my vision,” Khanna stated. “My vision aligns with that of FDR, emphasizing the need for wealth generation across the nation. We require production, manufacturing, and the creation of goods throughout America.”
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He highlighted that Roosevelt’s approach extended beyond handouts, as he also played a role in industrializing America.
I pressed him regarding his proposal for $10-a-day childcare for all American families. Isn’t this, alongside his Medicare for all policy, essentially a massive, free payout from the government? He once again steered the conversation towards FDR.
“It’s akin to the New Deal,” he explained. “I advocate for an economic bill of rights, encompassing national healthcare. This aligns with FDR’s beliefs, including universal childcare. During FDR’s era, we had war nurseries, and do you know the reason for that?”
I could have speculated, but the reason was to provide care for Rosie the Riveter’s children while she contributed to building planes and tanks.
FDR and the New Deal appear to be central to Khanna’s economic outlook, and while conservatives, particularly the old guard, often criticize the New Deal, they would likely prefer FDR over Karl Marx, who seems to be inspiring others within his party lately.
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By the time I transitioned my questions to immigration, we had arrived at an elevator, the only one the congressman used during our 25-minute walk. “The stairs are quicker,” he mentioned.
This presented an opportunity to bring the perspective of everyday people, like those in my community, to the corridors of power in D.C., a place I only visit reluctantly as a tourist.
“People frequently tell me, ‘Democrats allowed 20 million undocumented immigrants into the country with minimal to no process, and now they insist that each one must undergo due process.’ What is your response to that?”
For emphasis, I pointed out that granting 20 million individuals a one-hour hearing would require over 2,000 years in total.
Khanna responded with a lengthy explanation, sharing anecdotes about his own immigrant parents, emphasizing his mother’s emphasis on learning English, understanding our nation’s history, and adopting its values. He also mentioned that he had won the lottery and, as an American, should prioritize his responsibilities over his rights.
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The congressman seemed to avoid the question, but it was noteworthy that this sense of pride and gratitude towards America contrasts with the rhetoric prevalent among his party’s rising socialist faction.
At this juncture, Khanna had to excuse himself for a meeting. He gestured for me to join, but a courteous guard informed us that my Adidas Gazelles and white sweater were not suitable attire. In my defense, it’s a rather nice sweater.
Upon his return, I readdressed the question concerning the 20 million undocumented immigrants.
“You’re inquiring about the millions who are already here. I believe that individuals who have committed violent crimes should face deportation following due process. However, for many others who are here contributing to childcare, working in hospitality, or construction, and paying taxes, I believe there should be a pathway to legalization.”
And there it was. They will be allowed to remain.
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As the elevator doors opened to reveal the bustling, brightly lit subterranean passageways we had already traversed, I remarked to Khanna, “Here’s precisely what people back home will say: ‘If Democrats permitted 20 million in the past, why wouldn’t they repeat it if given the opportunity?'”
The point seemed to resonate.
“That’s a valid point, a very important question, because we are mindful of not losing elections,” Khanna acknowledged, suggesting that the perception of an open border contributed to recent GOP gains.
Two key takeaways emerge here: firstly, Khanna and the Democrats appear to believe that the vast majority of the 20 million Biden-era undocumented immigrants will be allowed to stay. Secondly, they may be considering advocating, at least nominally, for Trump’s border security measures.
As we made our roundabout way back to his office, I broached the topic of Israel with the congressman. He concurred that, even a decade ago, his party held a significantly more favorable view of the Jewish state.
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“What has changed?” I inquired.
Without hesitation, he responded, “Netanyahu.” Khanna initially supported Netanyahu’s efforts to combat Hamas following the Oct. 7 massacre, but after several months, he felt that they had gone too far.
If there is a positive aspect for Zionists, it is that, unlike New York City Mayor-elect and Socialist rising star Zohran Mamdani, Khanna does affirm Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish State.
We both agreed that if President Donald Trump’s peace initiative endures, the Israel issue may soon recede into the background.
Finally, back in Khanna’s office for a few moments, I inquired about Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, who has vehemently argued that his party is drifting too far to the left.
“I like John,” Khanna admitted. “Perhaps I shouldn’t say it. We occasionally share drinks, but as a progressive Democrat, we do have disagreements.”
It was at that moment that I realized this was the third or fourth instance of Khanna referring to himself as a “progressive Democrat,” and for the first time in decades, this phrase took on a new connotation. It implied, “not socialist.”
This is an incredibly important distinction and will likely define the major battleground for the party’s identity. “Progressive Democrat,” until recently, denoted those positioned furthest to the left, including figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, a Democrat from New York, along with her “squad.” Now, it is beginning to signify “slightly to the right of the socialists.”
As the midterm elections draw nearer, this maneuvering within what was once the party of Jefferson and Jackson will intensify. A driven and ambitious Ro Khanna is vying to be at the forefront of this ideological clash.
