GOP's Rep. Allen West Draws Black Caucus Spotlight

[Casino67]

NPR.org:

The ceremonial swearing-in of the Congressional Black Caucus Wednesday morning delivered another sign of the changing times in Capitol Hill: House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s appearance was less electric to that of freshman black Republican Rep. Allen West.

Indeed, Pelosi (D-Calif.), the keynote speaker, drew warm applause as she saluted the caucus’ incoming chairman, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), and sought to rouse her troops for the forthcoming battles against the new Republican majority in the House.

“We extend the hand of friendship to our [Republican] colleagues to create jobs, grow the economy and lower the deficit,” Pelosi said. “But where we cannot find common ground, we must stand our ground on the pledge that we took of liberty and justice for all…and that includes economic justice.”

As she concluded, Pelosi placed her hands on her hips and vowed, “Two years from now when we come together, things will be different.”


While the rest of the black caucus enthusiastically applauded, the group’s newest member—and the lone Republican—sat stoically among them. West, a retired Army officer and decorated combat veteran, kept his squared jaw tight and soldiered through with a blank expression on his face.


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Could be interesting to see if he caves or really sticks it to them. Would prefer to see them kick him out for his 'radical' views.

[Rheo]

I don't really see him caving, do you? This is going to be interesting to watch.

[Geee]

I remember J.C. Watts 'growing' as they said. the longer he was in Washington

[pollyannaish]

I remember J.C. Watts 'growing' as they said. the longer he was in Washington

 

I personally believe that was a backhanded way of keeping him down. I am still a JC fan and think he was a man before his time. I really, really wanted a Largent/Watts presidential ticket. But alas...it was not to be.