As he prepares to leave office, Biden urges incoming Democratic lawmakers to reach across the aisle

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Sunday called on incoming Democratic lawmakers who will govern in the minority to always be mindful of other people’s perspectives — even if they might be wrong.

At a reception designed to welcome new Democratic lawmakers, mostly younger Democrats, to Washington, the nation’s oldest outgoing Democratic president shared some war stories from his past and pointed to challenges ahead. offered reflection, urging a new generation of lawmakers to listen and work hard across the aisle.

“We’re not doing this anymore,” he said in the White House State Room.

The new slate of about 30 Democratic lawmakers is poised to become a minority in the executive and legislative branches. The Democratic Party suffered a crushing defeat in the 2024 election after Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris failed to run for president. Republicans also retained control of the House of Representatives in November’s elections and won a slim majority in the Senate.

Incoming lawmakers on Sunday expressed hope they can make a difference.

California Rep. Sam Liccardo, the former mayor of San Jose, told The Associated Press that while he expects to have limitations as a new Democratic congressman, he believes there will be opportunities by focusing on common areas of agreement Make changes.

“I don’t expect as a first-term member that I’ll be the one to get a deal done at the border,” he said. “On the other hand, there are other issues like housing costs, low-income housing tax credits, things that have been created A relative consensus can be achieved and can serve as the basis for the majority.

At the reception, Biden recalled his experience entering Washington more than 50 years ago. He was first elected to Congress in 1972 at age 29, defeating longtime Republican Caleb Boggs. Biden did not meet the Senate’s minimum age requirement when he was elected, but turned 30 just weeks after winning the race.

He talked about the importance of building relationships with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. “You don’t have to give up principles to build relationships,” Biden said.

He also talked about the challenges the United States faces internationally and domestically. “We are in a new era, everything has changed. Our security depends on who our partners and allies are.

New Democratic Rep. Yassamin Ansari of Arizona said on CNN on Sunday that she wants to work on issues such as housing affordability, climate issues and reproductive freedoms. “Young people have made it loud and clear that these issues are important to them.” “I think some of these issues we can address in a bipartisan way as well.”

Although freshman Rep. Adam Gray, D-Calif., was elected, his district also voted for Trump by five percentage points, while Harris lost by five points.

“I think what the American people want to see is border security,” Gray told CNN. “Obviously, the last Congress wasn’t serious enough, and that’s why the American people sent me here and sent a strong message that they want change. Maintain. The status quo cannot do this.

Liccardo said Biden’s past experience shows “he recognizes the importance of the torch relay.” Sunday’s event “is an opportunity for him to bless and share a moment with the next generation of leaders in this country.”