Thomas Perez, the newly-installed Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, is already saying the right things and making the right moves just minutes after his election on the second ballot in Atlanta. As for what he said, Mr. Perez vowed to lead the resistance against Donald Trump and make him a "one-term" president. He labeled Trump, who has been in the office for a little over a month, as the "worst president in the history of the United States".
The mid-term election in 2018 will be particularly challenging because 10 incumbent Democratic Senators will be fighting in states that Trump won.
On the bright side for Democrats, Hillary Clinton took nearly two dozen GOP GOP Congressional districts. With victories there, the Democrats could regain control of the U.S. House.
Thomas Perez makes the right moves reaching out to Ellison
As far as making the right moves, Mr. Perez named Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) as his chief deputy, a move unanimously endorsed by the 435 delegates attending the gathering. Another winner was Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Ind., who dropped out after the first ballot when it was obvious he could not garner the support needed to win. But he also made a name for himself as a future leader and a bright shining star of the Democrats.
Perez elected DNC chairman, then immediately moved to unify the party by naming Ellison as his deputy chairman https://t.co/qU7d4Zhe58 pic.twitter.com/bEWynMVFPO
— POLITICO (@politico) February 26, 2017
The challenge for the Democrats is to regain control of one or both house of Congress in 2018; regain control or cut into the GOP lead in 69 of the country's 99 state legislatures; win back some of the 33 governorships— which includes 25 states where the GOP controls both the governor’s office and the state chambers.
Congratulations pour in for Thomas Perez
The congratulations poured in for Thomas Perez, including former President Barack Obama, who praised him by stating in a press release, "I know that Tom Perez will unite us under that banner of opportunity, and lay the groundwork for a new generation of Democratic leadership." Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton also sent congratulatory words to the DNC Chair.
Obama congratulates Tom Perez on DNC chair victory: I know he will unite us https://t.co/7q0a2rl0ve pic.twitter.com/MiiiiaWSbB
— The Hill (@thehill) February 26, 2017
Congratulations to new DNC Chair Tom Perez, Keith Ellison, & the great field of candidates who ran. United Democrats are stronger Democrats.
— Bill Clinton (@billclinton) February 25, 2017
Congrats to @DNC chair @TomPerez & deputy @keithellison. Excited for strong, unified party standing for best of our country into the future.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 25, 2017
Meanwhile, Donald Trump got into a tweeting war with the newly-elected chairman of the DNC.
Trump fired off the first 'twitter' missive in a posting dripping with sarcasm in welcoming and congratulating Mr. Perez.
Congratulations to Thomas Perez, who has just been named Chairman of the DNC. I could not be happier for him, or for the Republican Party!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 25, 2017
Perez fires back at Trump promising to be his 'worst nightmare'
In what is now essential in a political toolbox, Mr. Perez quickly fired back at Trump, promising to be the Republican Party and Donald Trump's "worst nightmare" as the head of the DNC. Mr. Perez, dripping in his own sarcasm toward Trump, asked Trump to call him "Tom" and advised the president not to get "too happy" about his rise as DNC Chair.
He assured Trump that Democrats will be united.
A united Democratic Party is not only our best hope, it's Donald Trump's worst nightmare. #DNCChair #DNCFuture
— Tom Perez (@TomPerez) February 25, 2017
Call me Tom. And don't get too happy. @keithellison and I, and Democrats united across the country, will be your worst nightmare. https://t.co/fu7WvLofrD
— Tom Perez (@TomPerez) February 25, 2017
Trump responded by returning to earlier campaign themes in taking a shot back, claiming that Perez is "Hillary's guy" and that the system was "rigged" against Bernie Sanders.
The race for DNC Chairman was, of course, totally "rigged." Bernie's guy, like Bernie himself, never had a chance. Clinton demanded Perez!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 26, 2017
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Bernie Sanders ignored Trump, but tweeted, "The Democratic Party must make clear it will stand up to the 1% and lead in the fight for social, racial, economic and environmental justice." He encouraged Mr. Perez to bring in working people and young people in a "new way."