CNN "The Situation Room" - Transcript: Interview with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Interview

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BLITZER: Yeah, and as I said, he clearly underscored, he clearly demonstrated that he still has it, and he reminded a lot of folks, I'm sure, in the course of those minutes why he was twice elected president of the United States by the American people.

Everybody, stand by.

I want to bring in the chairman of the House Democratic caucus, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries right now.

Congressman, thanks so much for joining us.

From almost the minute, President Obama got up on that stage in Philadelphia. He went after President Trump big-time, even knocking as I said his TV ratings, and we know all of that.

What stood out to you as you were listening to the former president?

REP. HAKEEM JEFFRIES (D-NY): Well, it was great to see Barack Obama back out in the public square making the case as only he can, with intellect and charisma and a personality that reminded us all as to why the country fell in love with his candidacy and why he was such a tremendous president of the United States.

I thought that the line that for me summed it all up was that Donald Trump wants all the credit for an economy that he inherited, of course, from Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and zero blame for the fallout connected to a pandemic that he ignored. And that's the reality of the situation.

It's on Donald Trump's watch that more than 215,000 Americans have died. Over 100,000 small businesses have permanently closed. Approximately 8 million Americans have been infected by the coronavirus. And tens of millions have been unemployed with hunger and joblessness and homelessness on the rise.

That's the reality of Donald Trump's record. And Barack Obama delivered that message sharply in a way that I believe it will be felt.

BLITZER: You think it will have an impact in terms of making sure that folks who simply stayed at home four years ago didn't vote, they voted eight years ago for President Obama to be re-elected and they didn't bother voting four years ago.

Are they going to get out there and vote over these next 13 days?

JEFFRIES: Without question, this is an all hands on deck moment for the country. And we've seen record turnout and excitement in many parts of America already. I think that's an indication of what's to come. But we can't let our foot off the gas pedal.

And so I agree with all of your distinguished panelists who indicate this timing seems perfect to ratchet up the intensity and the energy over these final two days. There's really only two ways to run, run hard or run unopposed.

Of course, Joe Biden is going to run hard. And all of us recognize the need for everyone to do their part. It was great to see the president back out on the campaign trail.

BLITZER: What's your biggest fear, Congressman, right now as you await these next few days?

JEFFRIES: Well, complacency I think is the biggest concern because at a similar point in 2016, it was assumed that Hillary Clinton was going to prevail and there was no way that someone so clearly unqualified for office who was peddling hatred in a variety of different ways could be elected.

Well, he's been elected and we've been living a nightmare ever since. And so, I think the concern of all of us is that people feel comfortable based on the public polling that they've seen that Joe Biden is going to win and Donald Trump is going to lose. We've seen that movie play out before, and it didn't end well.

And so, I think President Obama also spoke to that reality in a way that was compelling and all of us need to continue to drive home that point.

BLITZER: Very quickly, Congressman, before I let you go, is there going to be another economic stimulus package that the White House, the House of Representatives, and the Senate can agree on?

There are so many millions of Americans who simply are suffering right now. They can't pay their rent, can't pay their bills, are even having trouble putting food on the table.

Do you believe there will be a deal?

JEFFRIES: Certainly, we're working toward one. Speaker Pelosi is working around the clock. She's demonstrated extraordinary leadership. We know there's no better negotiator than her.

The caucus fully supports the approach that has been taken, which is any agreement has to be meaningful. It has to crush the virus. It has to provide direct relief to the American people.

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It has to revive the economy.

And we think that we're closer now than we've ever been. I think Speaker Pelosi has publicly articulated that.

Hopefully, we can get this done over the next few days, if the Republicans are serious about providing relief to the American people.

BLITZER: Well, let's hope -- let's hope it happens, because as you know, in your district and all over the country, people are suffering right now. They need that help from the federal government.

Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, thanks so much for joining us.

JEFFRIES: Thank you, Wolf.

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