Ro Khanna’s Vision for the Democratic Party
California Congressman Ro Khanna is clearly a man on a mission. Recently, he played a pivotal role in voting to release the Epstein files. I spotted him on my way to the Cannon Building and took the opportunity to ask if I could walk with him as I had a few errands to run.
“Absolutely,” he said, and so we began our conversation.
While I wasn’t there to discuss Epstein, I was curious about Khanna’s future within the Democratic Party. I started by asking him if the party’s approach to the social safety net had shifted from direct aid to broader distribution.
“That’s not my vision,” he replied. “I envision something akin to FDR, where we need to generate wealth across the country. Production, manufacturing—these are what we need to focus on.”
He referenced President Roosevelt, who didn’t just provide relief but also fostered America’s industrial growth.
Then I brought up the idea of giving every American $10 a day for childcare. I wondered if that, combined with his Medicare for All initiative, constituted a substantial amount of benefits from the government. Again, he circled back to FDR.
“That’s the New Deal,” he stated. “I advocate for a national healthcare economic bill of rights, which holds true to what FDR believed. Universal childcare is crucial; even during the war, there was daycare to support the ‘Rosie the Riveters’ building planes and tanks.”
FDR and the New Deal certainly seem to inform Khanna’s economic ideology, and one might speculate that even traditional conservatives might prefer FDR over more radical influences, given the current leanings in the party.
As I shifted the conversation toward immigration, we reached the elevator, where a staff member reminded us that “the stairs are quicker.” This was my chance to step into the corridors of power in D.C., a place I tend to visit somewhat reluctantly.
“People often tell me, ‘Democrats allowed 20 million illegal immigrants into the country without much process, and now they insist everyone must go through due process.’ What’s your response?”
Khanna emphasized that if 20 million people had a one-hour hearing, it would require more than 2,000 years total. Then, he shared a personal story about his immigrant parents, noting that his mother prioritized learning English and the values of the country. He suggested individuals should focus on responsibilities over rights.
Despite sidestepping a direct answer, it seemed telling that his pride in America contrasted with some of the rhetoric from the more socialist wing of his party.
Before heading into a meeting, Khanna gestured for me to join, but a courteous security guard informed me that my outfit—a simple sweater and Adidas shoes—wasn’t suitable. I thought the sweater was nice, but alas.
Once he returned, I revisited the topic of the undocumented immigrants. “You’re referring to people already here. If a person has committed a violent crime, I believe they should face due process for deportation. But many others, working in essential roles like childcare and construction, should be offered a path to legalization.”
At that moment, it was clear: these workers might be allowed to stay.
I told Khanna, as the elevator doors opened to a bustling underpass, that folks on the street might argue, “The Democrats put in $20 million last time; why wouldn’t they do the same again?”
His response seemed to resonate: “That’s a fair point, and certainly a valid question. We don’t want to jeopardize our electoral success,” he said, linking open borders to recent Republican gains.
Two key points arose: First, Khanna and the Democrats seem to believe most of Biden’s 20 million undocumented immigrants will remain. Second, there might be plans to support, at least in name, President Trump’s border security strategies.
As we made our way back to his office, I raised the topic of Israel. Khanna acknowledged that a decade ago, his party had a friendlier stance toward the Jewish nation.
“What’s changed?” I inquired.
Notably, he didn’t mention “Netanyahu” directly. Initially supportive of Bibi’s actions against Hamas post-October 7, Khanna later felt things had gone too far.
For supporters of Israel, there’s a slight silver lining: unlike the incoming New York City mayor, Zoran Mamdani, Khanna does recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.
We both agreed that if President Trump’s peace initiatives continue, the Israeli issue could eventually take a backseat.
Back in Khanna’s office for just a couple of moments, I asked about Senator John Fetterman. He has boldly stated that the party has veered too far left.
“I like John,” Khanna said, almost hesitantly. “We have a good rapport, but as a progressive Democrat, I have a different stance.”
This was the third or fourth time he had identified himself as a “progressive Democrat,” and it struck me that this designation seemed to imply “not a socialist.”
It’s an interesting and significant distinction that could play a crucial role in the ongoing struggle for the party’s identity. Historically, “Progressive Democrats” included figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, with their far-left agendas. Now, it’s beginning to hint at something slightly more moderate, or at least a bit removed from outright socialism.
As midterm elections draw near, this transformation of the Democratic Party will surely make it more competitive. Ro Khanna, quick and motivated, seems to be running toward the forefront of this ideological battleground.
