Meet Nicolas O’Rourke, the Philly councilmember delivering the progressive response at the 2024 State of the Union
Philadelphia Councilman Nicolas O’Rourke to Deliver Progressive Response to President Biden’s State of the Union
In an exciting move, Philadelphia Councilman Nicolas O’Rourke has been chosen by the Working Families Party to deliver the progressive response to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address. This marks one of the first times a noncongressional speaker will give the rebuttal, highlighting the party’s search for emerging lawmakers to represent the progressive movement on a national level.
The Working Families Party’s decision to select O’Rourke demonstrates their commitment to finding passionate leaders who align with their values. While the party endorsed Biden in the 2020 election, they have not yet endorsed him for the 2024 election. However, they have consistently opposed former President Donald Trump and his Republican counterparts.
“Nicolas will bring all his moral clarity and strategic vision to this speech,”
– Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families Party
“Just like in 2020, winning states like Pennsylvania will mean really understanding what matters to working people in cities like Philadelphia. Anyone who wants to stop the MAGA movement in its tracks should listen to Nicolas closely.”
O’Rourke gained prominence last year when he won a council seat as a member of the Working Families Party, successfully ousting Republicans who had held those seats for over 70 years. Another Working Families Party councilmember, Kendra Brooks, also secured a seat on the city council in 2020, becoming the first third-party candidate to do so in decades.
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, O’Rourke stated, “It is an honor to be selected. I hope to give voice to the working people in Philadelphia and around the country who want a better life for themselves and a brighter future for the next generation. Together, we can ensure that everyone who calls this country home, no matter your race or place, can earn a good living and have a good life — with the education and healthcare, housing and jobs that every family needs.”
O’Rourke is known for his role in emceeing a counter-protest against pro-Trump allies outside the Pennsylvania Convention Center in 2020. His efforts, along with the Working Families Party, turned the event into a dance party, preventing any displays of political violence and earning praise from city officials.
During his response to the State of the Union, O’Rourke is expected to commend Biden on certain aspects, such as economic policy and his green energy agenda. However, he is likely to strongly criticize the president’s support of Israel in its conflict with Hamas in the Gaza strip. This stance has caused progressives, Muslim Americans, and Palestinian allies to push the “uncommitted” movement forward in key Super Tuesday primary states like Michigan.
Traditionally, the Working Families Party has chosen progressive Democrats from Congress to deliver their response. Therefore, O’Rourke’s selection as a nonmember of Congress is a significant departure from previous years.
In recent years, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), the only Palestinian American in Congress, delivered the progressives’ response to Biden’s State of the Union. Tlaib has been vocal in her criticism of the president and members of the Democratic Party for their support of Israel, consistently calling for a ceasefire to prevent further loss of Palestinian lives.
Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL) delivered the address last year, and other progressive Democrats like Reps. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) and Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) have represented the Working Families Party in the past.
President Biden’s State of the Union address is scheduled for March 7, followed by the progressive response and the Republican rebuttal, which will be delivered by Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL).
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What are some key issues that O’Rourke’s speech is expected to address in relation to the progressive movement?
And healthcare they need, affordable housing, and a clean environment.”
O’Rourke’s speech is expected to address several key issues, including income inequality, racial justice, climate change, healthcare, and immigration reform. These are all central themes of the progressive movement and align with the Working Families Party’s platform.
While O’Rourke is not yet a well-known figure on the national stage, his selection to deliver the progressive response to President Biden’s State of the Union highlights the party’s desire to elevate fresh voices within the movement. The Working Families Party has proven successful in recent years in electing candidates at the local level and now seeks to have a broader impact on the national stage.
The progressive movement has gained momentum in recent years, with candidates like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez capturing the attention and support of millions across the country. By choosing O’Rourke to give the rebuttal, the Working Families Party aims to further solidify and amplify their progressive agenda.
President Biden’s State of the Union address is one of the most anticipated political events of the year. It provides an opportunity for the President to outline his agenda and priorities for the coming year. The progressive response, delivered by O’Rourke, will serve as a counterpoint to the President’s speech, offering an alternative vision and highlighting the issues that are important to the progressive movement.
Overall, Philadelphia Councilman Nicolas O’Rourke’s selection to deliver the progressive response to President Biden’s State of the Union demonstrates the Working Families Party’s commitment to promoting emerging progressive leaders and amplifying their message on a national level. O’Rourke’s speech is expected to advocate for key progressive issues and offer an alternative vision for the future of the country. As the progressive movement continues to gain momentum, the Working Families Party’s selection of O’Rourke marks a significant step forward in their efforts to shape the national political landscape.
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