US Progressive Caucus Retracts Ukraine Letter

Facts

• On Tuesday, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) — the leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus — withdrew a letter released the day before that urged Biden to diplomatically engage with Putin to end the war in Ukraine. News of the letter sparked backlash from fellow Democrats as the midterms loom just weeks away.
• The letter, signed by 30 members, indicated that progressive elements in the Democratic party were advocating softening Washington's stance towards Russia. Jayapal apologized for the "distraction," saying that the letter was drafted "several months ago."
• She claimed that the letter "unfortunately was released by staff without vetting" — an allegation that has been refuted by an unidentified former Congressional staffer, who said that Jayapal closely monitors media releases.
• It's speculated that such attempts at diplomacy could result in Russia acquiring territory in Ukraine. Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) issued a clarifying statement stating, "only Ukrainians have a right to determine the terms by which this war ends.”
• With the midterm elections — scheduled for Nov. 8 — on the horizon, a reportedly tense 24-hour period of discussion by the Democrats hints at what could be a tenuous relationship between Biden and the progressive segment of the party.
• This comes amidst House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy's (R-Calif.) recent comments that what she termed a US "blank check" for Ukraine aid could come to an end if the GOP takes control of Congress.

Sources: CNN, Axios, Business Insider, Intercept, Associated Press, and FT.

Narratives

• Republican narrative, as provided by Daily Wire. That was quick. Less than 24 hours after the Progressive Caucaus floated the idea of negotiating with Putin, establishment Democrats threw a conniption and closed party ranks. Here's an instance where the "anti-war" progressives could work with the GOP on some common ground to seek a peaceful resolution and provide guardrails on billions sent to Ukraine already. As the midterms approach, however, they've decided that it's better to support this war than seek bipartisan partnerships.
• Democratic narrative, as provided by Huffington Post. Yes, this letter was a genuine gaffe, but it's out of context. It was drafted and signed months ago and disseminated this week by mistake. Many Democrats are clarifying that they wouldn't have signed the letter under the war's conditions today. Progressives fully support Biden's current foreign policy and have bold ideas about bolstering US national security strategies. Besides, the letter squarely blamed Putin for the atrocities in Ukraine and never discussed ending aid.

Predictions