Clyburn Encourages Johnson to Seek ‘Common Ground’ with Democrats

South Carolina Democrat Rep. Jim Clyburn expressed hope on Sunday that newly reelected House Speaker Mike Johnson will extend the same patience he showed within his own party to working across the aisle with Democrats in the upcoming legislative term.

Speaking to MSNBC’s Jen Psaki on Inside with Jen Psaki, Clyburn encouraged Johnson to approach his role as Speaker with a spirit of cooperation, noting how Johnson secured his position by negotiating within his party to secure the votes needed. “I would think that the speaker ought to put into practice, as he presides over the full Congress, the same approach he used to get elected on the first ballot,” Clyburn said. “He kept the vote open for a little while to negotiate and secure the votes he needed.”

Clyburn, a senior Democratic leader, called for a similar effort to build bipartisan support. "Give us time to sit down with him, to sit down with the leadership on the Democratic side, with Hakeem Jeffries, and find common ground," Clyburn added, referring to the House Democratic leader.

Johnson, who secured the Speaker's gavel on the first ballot Friday, has an ambitious agenda that includes pushing through a massive reconciliation package by April. The plan, which combines key Trump-era priorities such as border security, energy permitting, tax reform, and action on the debt ceiling, will require broad support in Congress.

Clyburn, a key ally of President Joe Biden who played a pivotal role in helping Biden’s 2020 campaign gain momentum, also reflected on the upcoming certification of the 2024 election. "You’re going to see a great contrast tomorrow," he said. “I hope the American people take time to watch and have their faith in this great country renewed."

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