The Point: House tries again on removing Confederate statues

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June 29, 2021 | by Lauren Dezenski and Sonnet Swire

House tries again on removing Confederate statues

Congress is trying again Tuesday on removing Confederate statues from the US Capitol.

The House is expected to vote on a resolution to expel Confederate statues and replace the Capitol's bust of Roger B. Taney, the chief justice who wrote the Dred Scott decision, with one honoring Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court justice.

While there is bipartisan support for the measure, debate ahead of the vote wasn't exactly harmonious.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy said he supports removing the statues, though he noted, "All of the statues being removed by this bill are statues of Democrats." Rep. Steny Hoyer later responded to GOP criticism of the Democratic Party's history: "My party was the segregationist party," the Maryland Democrat said. "And my party decided that we did not want to be that party. … That is a decision we made consciously."

The House legislation would not only replace Taney's bust in the old Supreme Court chamber and remove statues of those who voluntarily served the Confederacy against the United States in the Civil War, but also would oust statues of three elected officials who defended slavery, segregation and White supremacy: John C. Calhoun, Charles Aycock and James P. Clarke.

The House approved a similar measure last summer, as the nation began a racial reckoning in the wake of George Floyd's death. Around the country, a number of Confederate statues were removed. One tally from the Southern Poverty Law Center found more than 160 Confederate symbols came down in 2020.

A June 2020 Quinnipiac University poll found 52% of Americans supported removing Confederate statues from public spaces around the country, while 44% were opposed -- the first time a majority of Americans supported removal.

Next, the real development will happen in the Senate. The GOP-controlled chamber in 2020 didn't take up the bill, effectively killing it. Now, under the narrow Democratic Senate majority, its chances of reaching President Joe Biden's desk and becoming law are much greater.

The Point: Thanks to bipartisan support and shifting attitudes, it appears much likelier that Confederate statues will be removed from the US Capitol this time around.

-- Lauren

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"They're so damn quiet."

-- President Biden touted the benefits of hybrid buses compared with those powered by diesel fuel while stumping for the bipartisan infrastructure package in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, on Tuesday. Biden said the new buses are "going to change the way we get around."

MEANWHILE, IN BUFFALO

The four-term mayor of Buffalo, New York, is not giving up his seat so easily. After his stunning loss in the Democratic primary to political newcomer India Walton last week, Mayor Byron Brown announced this week that he will launch a write-in campaign for a fifth term.

CNN projected that Walton, a self-professed socialist, defeated Brown in the Democratic primary for mayor of Buffalo.

Despite a politically inexperienced opponent, the mayor's insurgent effort already faces opposition from his local Democratic Party. The county chairman made it clear the organization will back Walton.

"Mayor Brown is well within his rights to pursue a write-in candidacy, and we are grateful for his many years of service to this community," the Erie County Democratic Committee chairman said Monday. "But the Democratic Party listens to the will of Democratic voters, and today India Walton is our candidate for mayor of the city of Buffalo."

Walton wasted no time in capitalizing on Brown's announcement, releasing a statement Monday that said in part, "We urge Brown to accept the will of the voters, end this futile campaign, and help us work towards a seamless transition." She is also fundraising on social media referring to the "right wing write-in effort."

The general election is on November 2.

-- Sonnet

LAUREN'S GOOD READS

In Politico, House Republicans are bristling ahead of Speaker Nancy Pelosi's January 6 investigation effort.

An amazing read in The New York Times about the last-ditch efforts to secure the Kabul airport as US troops withdraw from Afghanistan.

Roads in Oregon are buckling in the extreme heat, reports The Washington Post.

12 comedians reflect on Conan O'Brien's legacy to New York Magazine.

How deadlines shape our lives, from The New Yorker.

This story somehow got even more wild. The spectator who caused a massive crash at Tour de France is now missing after fleeing the country, via CBS News.

TOP TWEETS OF THE DAY

1. "I love you, but ... "

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3. Yes, let's definitely look into this Krispy Kreme situation!

4. Fat Bear Week approaches!!!!!!!

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

Lauren is digging this new Chvrches single "How Not to Drown" feat. Robert Smith.

TRUMP'S NEW PUBLIC ENEMY NO. 1

Former President Donald Trump is campaigning against Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who is up for reelection. But will Trump's backing of Murkowski's challenger have any real weight with Alaska's voters?

Chris explains how Murkowski's Senate race is a proxy fight for the war between the Republican establishment and Trump's Republican Party.

Stick with The Point on YouTube and subscribe.

ONE BIG VOGUE COVER

First lady Jill Biden is on the cover of the upcoming August issue of Vogue, ending a four-year hiatus of first ladies gracing the cover of the fashion magazine.

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