'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
Inside Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce's 'wonderful' lunch date near his hometown

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Enjoy a Delightful Lunch Date Near His Hometown

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift going out near his Ohio hometown hits…
Damian Lillard 'elated' Bucks made him a free agent

Damian Lillard Thrilled to Become a Free Agent Thanks to the Bucks

Damian Lillard isn’t too bothered by his Bucks release.  The Athletic disclosed…
Jury in Diddy's sex trafficking trial to resume deliberations after reaching partial verdict

Jury to Continue Deliberations in Diddy’s Sex Trafficking Case After Partial Verdict

NEW YORK (AP) — The jury in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking…
Woman holding a photo of a younger woman with a bird.

Virginia Giuffre’s Emotional Diary Sheds Light on Epstein Victim’s Troubling Last Months

VIRGINIA Giuffre’s diary leading up to her tragic suicide has shown just…
Port Authority Bus Terminal entrance in New York City.

Port Authority Bus Accident Injures 12; Driver Freed from Wreckage, Terminal Closure Causes Delays

AT least 12 people have been hurt in a massive multi-bus crash…
The key to solving your relationship problems might come down to your emojis, new study reveals

New Study Suggests Emojis Could Be the Secret to Resolving Relationship Issues

Emojis can improve relationships, according to new research. American researchers suggest that…
California police nab 7 foreign nationals in jewelry store heist, 1 suspect still loose

California Police Arrest 7 Foreign Nationals in Jewelry Store Robbery; 1 Suspect Remains at Large

Seven men, suspected of jewelry thefts in their home countries, have reportedly…

Disney Dream Cruise Passengers Share Terrifying Incident of Girl and Father Going Overboard

PASSENGERS on a Disney Dream cruise ship recounted their shock following an…
A grieving father mourns at his son's funeral.

Trump Announces Israel’s 60-Day Ceasefire Agreement for Gaza, Urges Hamas to Accept, Warning of Escalation

DONALD Trump said that Israel has agreed in principle to a 60-day…
Water tower in Dulce, New Mexico.

Conspiracy Theorists Claim Secret Underground Base is Operated by Aliens and Was Site of Fatal Battle

A SECRET underground facility has been at the heart of one of…
FBI takes down Anti-Tren gang members in largest bust yet in violent migrant turf war

FBI Conducts Major Crackdown on Anti-Tren Gang in Migrant Turf Conflict

Federal officials have apprehended 16 individuals affiliated with the Anti-Tren gang in…
Rear view of several USPS mail trucks parked in a row.

USPS Warns: Avoid Clicking as New Scam Tricks Thousands, Steals Personal Data and Empties Bank Accounts

THE United States Postal Service has given a stark warning about a…