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Longtime Democratic strategist Mo Elleithee has urged his party to refrain from closely aligning with Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The Trump administration recently deported Garcia, labeling him an MS-13 gang member and a perpetrator of domestic violence against his wife. Elleithee shared his insights during an appearance on CNN’s “The Arena with Kasie Hunt” on Friday.
In his remarks, Elleithee cautioned Democrats that they lack comprehensive details about Garcia’s case and warned against elevating him to the status of a martyr. He emphasized the importance of focusing on broader issues at stake.
Instead of centering the party’s narrative around Garcia, Elleithee advocated for highlighting what he perceives as a systematic erosion of civil rights by the Trump administration. He stated, “Let’s not make him a martyr. Let’s make this about the fact that Donald Trump and his administration are chipping away at our rights on a daily basis.”
In a related discussion, Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland detailed his recent encounter with Abrego Garcia in El Salvador. During a press conference, he expressed his determination to advocate for Garcia’s release from what he described as a mega-prison.
Elleithee challenged Van Hollen’s approach, questioning whether such messaging would resonate with a national audience. He reflected on the current political climate, suggesting a divide between supporters of both Garcia and Trump.
Elleithee stated, “Look, I think everyone in the White House are giving each other high-fives, and everyone who supports the guy in El Salvador are giving each other high-fives, right? Both sides have kind of gone to their corners and are saying this is the fight we want to have. Whereas I don’t necessarily know it’s the conversation that would actually resonate with the rest of the country.”
The Democratic strategist argued that the party’s emphasis should shift from Garcia’s situation to the broader implications it has on society. He noted, “It’s less about him, as it is about all of us. And if he [Van Hollen] were to have focused on that — he did it a little bit, he did it a little bit there about a third of the way through, right? Where he said, ‘Taking away his constitutional rights takes away all of our constitutional rights.’ That’s the place to take this.”
As the Democratic Party navigates these complex issues, it faces the challenge of presenting a united front. The party’s strategy will require careful consideration to ensure that it effectively communicates its message to voters nationwide.
In conclusion, the advice from Elleithee serves as a crucial warning to Democratic leaders. Engaging in a divisive narrative centered around individuals like Kilmar Abrego Garcia could overshadow the larger fight for civil rights and equality. The party must strive to focus on the broader implications of government actions that impact the lives of countless individuals across the nation.
