Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan: ‘I Do Have Some Critiques’ On My Party’s Economic Message

Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) was outspoken last year in his criticism of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

And Wednesday on S.E. Cupp: Unfiltered, the Ohio Congressman — who ran unsuccessfully to replace Pelosi in the House — offered little indication that his views on the minority leader have significantly changed.

“I spoke my piece a year ago,” Ryan said. “And I was pretty clear as to where I stood — as to where we need to go. But what we’ve seen in the last year or so is that the rank-and-file members of our caucus who ultimately make this decision have elected for the current leadership team to stay into the next election cycle. And, so, y’know, I buckle my helmet and get out there and help campaign for people who we need to win.”

Ryan might have (reluctantly) come to terms with his party’s leadership, but he’s still not on board with the way it speaks to the American people about the economy.

“I do have some critiques on our message,” Ryan said. He added that instead of focusing so much on the $15 minimum wage many in his party are fighting for across the country, Democrats need to focus more on what he called “economic aspiration” — jobs that pay $35 or $40 per hour.

“I don’t think the Democratic party as a whole has sharpened an economic message that speaks to the aspirations of most Americans. You know the people who take a shower after work? Those are the people we need to speak to.”

Watch above, via HLN.

[featured image via screengrab]

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