Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey is not a progressive firebrand. While he’s usually been a reliable Democratic vote, there’s no question he hails from the quieter, more moderate wing of the party. And seeing as he’s up for re-election next year—in a state that Trump carried—you might expect Casey to shy away from public fights and distance himself from the white-hot resistance movement that’s sprung up on the left.
The exact opposite has happened. Over the weekend, as spontaneous protests unfurled at airports nationwide, Casey charged off to lend his support at Philadelphia International Airport—ditching a formal event and showing up, remarkably, in white tie and tails. (That’s him on the left in this amazing picture taken by photographer Bastiaan Slabbers.) Casey’s also been coming out against key Trump nominees early and articulately. You wouldn’t have expected it from him, but he just seems to get the resistance.
And check out this little video clip below:
Calls have been flooding into senators’ offices to oppose Trump’s cabinet picks, and staff are overwhelmed. (That’s a good thing!) So what does Casey do? He sits down and answers the phones right alongside his aides. (And he’s really taking calls, too.) Sure, Casey’s team is using this as a bit of a photo op, but think about it: They’re taking the time to make sure people like us see that Casey’s on our side. That’s a huge statement.
So if Bob Casey—who will, in all likelihood, face a difficult battle for a third term in 2018—can stand up to Trump and is eager to let the world know he is, then the rest of the Democratic caucus can do the same. And besides, it’s fun!