Democrats had two options last December: They could promote the young, rising star in their party — one of its most beloved figures, appealing to both the Bernie Sanders wing and anyone who just wants to see more fight from the opposition — into the role of investigating the Trump administration or they could give the job to an elderly man no one had ever heard of because that’s just the way things have always been done.
Monday’s announcement that Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., is “stepping back” from his role as the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee confirms what was apparent four months ago: Democrats made the wrong decision. Connolly, 75, had already been diagnosed with esophageal cancer when he laid claim to the position of ranking member on the panel, asserting his right to the position by way of his time spent in Congress. Dems believed his seniority trumped the 34-year-old Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and her claim to be the more gifted communicator.
