A group of Democratic lawmakers chose to attend a Joni Mitchell concert instead of President Biden’s speech at the House Democratic Caucus Issues Conference in Baltimore.
While the president was speaking about his accomplishments, more than a dozen Democrats were watching Mitchell receive the Library of Congress’ Gershwin Prize at D.A.R. Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.
The lawmakers who skipped the speech included Democratic Reps. Maxwell Frost of Florida, Earl Blumenauer of Oregon, Steve Cohen of Tennessee, Dan Kildee of Michigan, Mark Takano of California, Andy Kim of New Jersey, Katie Porter of California, Pramila Jayapal of Washington, Lloyd Doggett of Texas, Hillary Scholten of Michigan, and Greg Casar of Texas, as well as Democratic Sens. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Patty Murray of Washington, and Jack Reed of Rhode Island.
They were joined by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.; Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine; and Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis.
While some of the lawmakers reportedly surrounded Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden before she presented the award to Mitchell, Biden gave his speech in Baltimore, where he declared his commitment to banning assault weapons and high capacity magazines.
Unfortunately, the Democrats who chose to attend the concert missed out on this important message.
It is disappointing that these elected officials chose to prioritize their personal interests over their responsibilities to the American people. This behavior is unacceptable and should not be tolerated.
