A House Democratic lawmaker went on Twitter to criticize people for leaking a conference call to reporters at several news outlets, which appeared to include more moderate Democrats' criticism of socialism and left-wing policies.
Huffman, in response to a critical comment, wrote that "with a smaller majority" in the House after Republicans flipped several seats, Democrats "also need a caucus that is cohesive, functional and at least somewhat unified."
In the leaked call to numerous news outlets, House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) admitted that socialist messaging won't net Democrats any victories.
"My comments on today’s private Caucus call are the same sentiments I have expressed for years and publicly reiterated earlier this year," he said. "Sloganeering, 'Burn baby burn,' highjacked the movement John Lewis and I helped lead in the 1960s, and slogans like 'Defund the police' could do the same to today's efforts, socially and politically." He was referring to the late Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), a former representative who was in office for decades who died earlier this year.
President Donald Trump and other GOP candidates centered their campaigns on accusing Democrats of pandering to the far-left wing of the party, citing the "defund the police" movement that arose earlier this year following George Floyd's death in Minneapolis.
It comes as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) also said in a letter that she would be seeking reelection as House speaker.
But with her party's majority becoming increasingly narrow, Pelosi will have to find a way to compromise on proposed bills as Republicans will likely vote in lockstep against anything deemed too far left.