What AOC's Oversight decision means for Dems

Plus, a right-wing outlet takes over Voice of America |

VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news Thursday, May. 08, 2025 THE LATEST Congressional Democrats are clinging to the past instead of fighting Trump By Hayes Brown Congressional Democrats are clinging to the past instead of fighting Trump By Hayes Brown When Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia defeated Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez for the ranking member position on the House Oversight Committee last year, I lamented it as a missed opportunity for congressional Democrats. Connolly, 75, announced last week that he'll be stepping away from the role for health reasons, offering the caucus a fresh shot at promoting a younger voice to helm the investigative panel. Unfortunately, it's already looking like it will be another win for the old guard, as the party clings to a seniority system that no longer serves them.   It is to Connolly's credit that he won the role fair and square in a vote among House Democrats in December, defeating Ocasio-Cortez in a secret ballot vote of 131-84. The caucus's powerful Steering Committee had thrown its support behind Connolly, as had former Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California. But as Politico reported at the time, the decision for many members was based less on who would be the most effective political messenger atop the most overtly political committee than on time served.   In stepping aside, Connolly has renewed the debate among Democrats of age and experience versus youth and energy in countering President Donald Trump's agenda.   This is a preview of Hayes Brown's latest column. Read the full column here. TOP STORIES RYAN TEAGUE BECKWITH Trump's latest idea is just to pay off everybody to do what he wants He wants to pay people to have babies, deport themselves or give up their sovereignty. Read more.  PATRICK G. EDDINGTON The terrible idea that led to REAL ID Among other problems, a REAL ID requirement potentially creates an end-run around direct regulation of the right to travel. Read more.  CLARISSA-JAN LIM Ahead of World Cup, U.S. offers menacing words of welcome to soccer fans Vance said the U.S. wants fans to attend the event but warned they'll "have to talk to Secretary Noem" if they overstay their welcome. Read more. HELAINE OLEN Rite Aid's bankruptcy is going to leave health care hurting This is more than a story of a less-than-current business model failing to keep up with customers. Read more.   TOP VIDEOS THE BEAT WITH ARI Trump admin taps right-wing outlet OAN for taxpayer-funded news network WATCH NOW THE BRIEFING WITH JEN PSAKI Walz on Trump's tariff disaster: I wish he could have been obsessed with pickleball instead WATCH NOW ALL IN Rep. Crockett: GOP 'running late and running scared' over Trump budget bill WATCH NOW CHRIS JANSING REPORTS 'How can that continually happen?': United CEO calls out FAA amid Newark chaos WATCH NOW MORE FROM MSNBC Sunday, MSNBC Films presents the third episode of "David Frost Vs." The six-part documentary series explores the legacy of legendary host David Frost through his iconic interviews with guests from President Richard Nixon to Elton John, examining key political and cultural moments of the 20th century that still resonate today. The next episode of "David Frost Vs," featuring Jane Fonda, airs Sunday at 9pm Eastern on MSNBC. In a new episode of "Main Justice," MSNBC Legal Analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord discuss how the courts have grown increasingly frustrated with the Trump administration's tactics, from its use of the Alien Enemies Act to attempts to threaten law firms. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.   MSNBC INSIGHTS Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community.   Download the MSNBC App: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE