Rep. Jim Himes has spent over a decade serving Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District, bringing a thoughtful and steady voice to the chaos of Washington. Born abroad and educated at Harvard and Oxford, Himes understands the weight of America’s role on the world stage.
In a conversation with Lincoln Square Executive Editor Susan J. Demas, he unpacks the grim reality behind the headlines — from the ongoing war in Ukraine to the dangerous symbolism of Putin’s visit to U.S. soil. “Putin is not going to stop until he has a very clear incentive to do so,” Himes warns, laying bare the chilling truth that genuine negotiation remains out of reach while global stability hangs in the hands of Trump.
The challenges facing our country aren’t just happening overseas or in distant halls of power; they are shaking the very foundations of our democracy here at home. Himes warns that Congress has all but abdicated its responsibility as a check on the executive branch. “Congress has absolutely collapsed as a credible check and balance to the president,” he says bluntly, highlighting how a single man’s influence now dominates an entire party, threatening the very core of our constitutional system.
But beyond the doom and gloom, Himes is passionate about the road ahead — a road that demands Democrats reconnect with everyday voters on the issues that matter most: the economy, healthcare, and justice as we head into the 2026 midterms. His words are a wake-up call to a country at a crossroads, one that needs courage and clarity more than it ever has before.
Susan and Rep. Himes also dive into battles that, like it or not, affect us all — from the fight for transparency on Epstein files to the high-stakes war over redistricting and voter representation. Plus, as the nation’s Capitol braces itself with militarized forces, Himes’ reflection is stark: “In the Capitol and the global capital for democracy, we’re going to have armored personnel carriers.” But this isn’t just a crisis; it’s a call to action. Protecting democracy is not optional — it’s urgent, necessary, and a fight we cannot afford to lose.
Real American Presidents vs. Trump
As Ukraine bleeds under Russia’s bombs, as children die in hospitals and schools targeted by Kremlin missiles, and as Europe wonders whether Putin’s tanks will someday roll farther west, leaders of Europe raced to Washington to try to prevent Donald Trump from selling Ukraine on the cheap and emboldening Vladimir Putin.
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