'We are being governed by morons'
Share this @internewscast.com

Nearly 2,000 residents filled a town hall on Long Island with Democrat Maryland Representative Jamie Raskin — an uncommon occurrence for an in-person political forum in a predominantly Republican county where GOP members have been steering clear of such gatherings.

The turnout was so large that an additional space was required alongside the main venue, the Patchogue Theater. This event underscored the mounting frustration among Suffolk County residents, who feel neglected by their Republican representatives.

“My friends, we are being governed by morons,” Raskin, a constitutional lawyer, addressed the audience. “Yet, the more challenging the struggle, the more triumphant the victory.”

“I know I’m not your first choice — it would have been better to have your own representatives here,” Raskin added, referring to local GOP Reps. Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino.

Republican pols have been dodging local public town halls in favor of tightly controlled teleconferences or private events after several heated meetings in recent months.

Raskin, who sits on key House committees, told the attendees that if Republican lawmakers won’t host in-person events, he’ll gladly travel to their districts and speak further with their constituents himself.

The congressman spoke and took questions on a slew of issues affecting the region — from proposed cuts to Medicaid and Medicare to the SALT cap, tariffs, taxes and inflation.

Addressing the crowd in the Republican stronghold, Raskin said that while he primarily identifies as a “progressive liberal,” he also considers himself a “conservative” in the sense that he wants to conserve the Constitution, the environment, Social Security, individual rights and religious freedom.

He acknowledged that Democrats haven’t done enough to earn the vote of the working class.

Trump won Suffolk County with about 55% of the vote in 2024 — a 10-point lead over Kamala Harris, according to data from the Suffolk County Board of Elections.

Some residents said they left the event feeling inspired and hopeful, while others simply felt angry that their own congressmen won’t hold similar events.

“Where I live out east, Congressman LaLota doesn’t have town halls,” said Jim Casey, a senior citizen who attended the rally. “He held one phone town hall in March, and he only took eight questions.”

Casey and others told The Post they believe lawmakers who back the current economic agenda may be dodging accountability as prices rise because of tariffs.

Garbarino held a virtual town hall in early April that drew more than 10,000 people, according to his office, though it is not clear how many constituents had the chance to speak.

“I wish our representatives had the balls to face us in person and say the things they had to say to our faces like this guy did — and he’s not even from here,” said a resident who asked not to be identified, referring to Raskin.

Raskin’s Patchogue appearance follows a nationwide tour he and other Dem progressives — including New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Texas Rep. Jasmine Crocket and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz — have launched in recent months, targeting Republican strongholds in a bid to win over working-class voters.

Still, not everyone welcomed the visit. Protesters circled the venue in trucks draped with Trump flags, blasting the song, “Sweet Victory.”

“The Patchogue Theater should have never allowed that communist to speak there,” said a resident who did not attend the event and asked not to be identified.

Before the forum, LaLota released a statement calling Raskin a “hyper-partisan” liberal who is “completely out of touch with Suffolk County.”

Raskin fired back by saying that if drawing nearly 2,000 people in LaLota’s own district is considered “out of touch,” then Republicans may be in for a rude awakening come November.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Lefty senate candidate Graham Platner argues that US should be 'far more cooperative' with China on climate change issues

Left-Wing Senate Hopeful Graham Platner Advocates for Enhanced US-China Climate Collaboration

Maine Democrat Graham Platner has pledged to enhance relations with China should…
Activists erupt as rescued ducks are sold off like cheap chicken

Activists Rally Against Sale of Rescued Ducks, Equating Treatment to Low-Grade Poultry

A mass surrender of ducks in Southern California has sparked controversy after…
Former North Carolina police officer arrested for allegedly planning mass shooting at New Orleans festival

Ex-North Carolina Police Officer Detained for Suspected Plot to Stage Mass Shooting at New Orleans Festival

A former police officer from North Carolina has been apprehended in Florida…
Connecticut school system lets students hide trans status from parents, complaint claims: 'Turns the statute on its head'

Connecticut Schools Allegedly Allow Students to Conceal Gender Identity from Parents, Sparking Controversy

WASHINGTON — On Friday, a prestigious school district in Connecticut faced a…
Pete Hegseth warns Iran laying mines violates cease-fire, won't deny report it could take six months to clear the Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Mine Threat: Pete Hegseth on Potential Six-Month Strait of Hormuz Crisis

On Friday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addressed concerns about Iran potentially…
NTSB report details how controller decision and tech failures led to deadly runway collision

NTSB Report Reveals Controller Decisions and Technical Failures Contributed to Fatal Runway Collision

A recent federal investigation has uncovered a series of safety lapses that…
Teen killed in Mall of Louisiana mass shooting identified, 1 suspect arrested

Tragic Mall of Louisiana Shooting: Teen Victim Identified as Authorities Arrest Suspect

A 17-year-old girl tragically lost her life in a shooting at the…
Wild photos show firefighters battling massive 5-alarm fire at historic NYC church

Stunning Photos Capture Heroic Firefighters Tackling Devastating 5-Alarm Blaze at Iconic NYC Church

Striking images have emerged of firefighters valiantly combating an intense 5-alarm blaze…
Archaeologists make 'remarkable' discovery from bloodiest battle in Scottish history after nearly 280 years

Unveiling History: Stunning Archaeological Find from Scotland’s Bloodiest Battle After 280 Years

In a remarkable discovery, archaeologists have unearthed an unexploded mortar shell from…
Trump calls for 2020 presidential election to be 'permanently wiped from the books' if Southern Poverty Law Center convicted of fraud

Trump Urges Erasure of 2020 Election Results Amid Controversy Involving Southern Poverty Law Center

On Friday, former President Trump suggested that the 2020 election should be…
Rare moment caught on camera as three tornadoes touch down in California

Unprecedented Capture: Trio of Tornadoes Simultaneously Touch Down in California

On Tuesday, California’s Central Valley experienced a rare surge of tornado activity,…
Mexican Mafia turned American neighborhoods into ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ with murders, kidnappings, drugs: feds

Federal Authorities Report Mexican Mafia’s Role in Transforming U.S. Neighborhoods with Crime and Drugs

In a significant crackdown on organized crime, federal authorities announced Thursday the…