Hopefully Democrats act better than they did in 2016.
In a recent interview, Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois signaled a potential willingness to work with President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees, but only if they are open to cooperation. Duckworth, who has been a vocal critic of many aspects of the Trump administration, told CBS’s Face the Nation that she could “absolutely” work with the incoming administration’s appointees—provided they are willing to engage in constructive dialogue and focus on serving the American people.
During her appearance on Face the Nation, host Margaret Brennan asked Duckworth about the possibility of reaching across party lines as the second Trump administration began to form. While Duckworth acknowledged the challenges posed by some of Trump’s controversial picks, she emphasized the importance of open communication and a willingness to listen to different perspectives. “I know what I need to do is have a chance to sit down and talk with each one of these nominees,” she said, “and hear what they have to say.”
While Duckworth’s statement suggests a potential for bipartisanship, the Trump administration’s Cabinet choices have faced intense scrutiny. For example, former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, initially nominated for Attorney General, withdrew from consideration after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. Meanwhile, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, tapped for Secretary of Defense, has also faced controversy over accusations of sexual assault.
Despite the controversies surrounding these nominations, Duckworth maintained that she would evaluate each nominee on their qualifications and commitment to serving the nation. “I’m going to evaluate each one of these candidates based on their ability to do the job and their willingness to put the needs of the American people first,” Duckworth said, adding that personal vendettas or political retribution would not be tolerated.
This cautious optimism for collaboration offers a glimmer of hope for those hoping for a more cooperative atmosphere between parties in the upcoming administration. However, with numerous contentious nominations already in the spotlight, it remains to be seen whether true bipartisan cooperation will be possible.