FLASHBACK: That Time in 2021 When Hakeem Jeffries Called the Filibuster a Racist Artifact of the Jim Crow Era (VIDEO) |

In an elaborate display of political theatrics, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries embarked on a lengthy filibuster today in a bid to thwart the passage of what is being dubbed the Big Beautiful Bill.

The liberal media was abuzz, reveling in what they termed Jeffries’ ‘historic’ oration throughout the day.

Here’s how CBS News presented the event:

Hakeem Jeffries sets record for the longest House speech before the vote on Trump’s “big, beautiful bill”

While the House lacks an official filibuster mechanism, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries effectively conducted one as the debate unfolded over President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” which ultimately passed on Thursday.

Jeffries commandeered the House floor for over eight hours, indulging in a marathon speech that not only delayed the Republicans’ expansive tax and spending cuts legislation but also provided his party with an extended opportunity to denounce the bill as “immoral.”

As the Democratic leader, Jeffries enjoyed the privilege of speaking for an unlimited duration during legislative discussions—often referred to on Capitol Hill as the “magic minute,” which lasts as long as leaders continue their addresses.

He commenced his address at 4:53 a.m. ET and concluded at 1:37 p.m. ET, lasting a total of 8 hours and 44 minutes—surpassing the previous record held by then-Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California, who spoke for 8 hours and 32 minutes in 2021, criticizing Democrats’ “Build Back Better” plan. That record itself had eclipsed Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s 8-hour and 7-minute speech on immigration in 2018.

Truly a remarkable feat. However, there’s a slight hitch.

Back in 2021, during a segment on MSNBC with Al Sharpton, Jeffries condemned the filibuster as a remnant of the Jim Crow era, arguing that it obstructed progress. Take a look:

Hey Hakeem, remember this?

2021. Hakeem Jeffries explains that the filibuster is racist and is standing in the way of progress. pic.twitter.com/glqWAb67Wr

— MAZE (@mazemoore) July 3, 2025

Oops.

This episode serves as a poignant reminder that for Democrats, the lens through which they view political strategy often hinges on partisan advantage. Ultimately, it appears that the underlying motivation is not the principles they profess but rather the pursuit of political gain.