CBS "Face the Nation" - Transcript: Midterm Elections

Interview

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BRENNAN: We want the take a closer look now at politics at home and the Democrats.

New York Congressman Joe Crowley lost his primary race in a stunning upset to a political newcomer last month. He is here with us today to talk about it.

Congressman, it's good to have you on the show.

REP. JOSEPH CROWLEY (D), NEW YORK: Thank you, Margaret. Great to be with you.

BRENNAN: You were the first House Democrat to lose a primary in 2018. It can't be good to hear that. But can you say, do you think your district was an anomaly or is there a bigger message to Democrats?

CROWLEY: I think there are a number of factors that went into this loss. And, first and foremost, let me say, it's been a great honor, one of the greatest honors of my life to serve the people of the 14th Congressional District. And -- and this is on me. This loss is on me. I had wonderful volunteers, hundreds of them, and a -- and a great campaign effort. And just sometimes you come up short.

I do think, and I want to congratulate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on this effective win. Her campaign was a very effective campaign and she deserves this win.

But I think there were a number of factors. I think the year of the woman. I think that's a fact that's playing into this. And I like that for November. I think that's really good for us as a party.

I think the timing of the primary itself, not being the normal September back into June and really was, you know, an isolated primary in many respects.

But, as I said before, I don't want the take anything away from her win. This was a big win for her and for the future of our country as well. And, you know, this is -- the loss, I have to take the responsibility for that. I did not do as I preach. You know, I talk about all politics being local. I -- I didn't remind folks of my accomplishments. I didn't talk about what I had done to help people in my district. How I helped provide the votes to overturn gay marriage into -- have gay marriage in New York state that went from 2-5 in the senate in New York state to 7-0. That was something that I worked with Governor Cuomo on making happen. I didn't talk about helping people in my district and reminding people of where I stood. I just took that for granted, I think.

BRENNAN: You talk about some of the bigger sort of themes or takeaways from this. But just about 12 percent of registered Democrats turned out to vote in this primary. That's pretty low.

CROWLEY: I think that gets --

BRENNAN: So are we over reading it?

CROWLEY: Well, I think it goes back to, again, the timing of the primary itself. And I think some people may have taken for granted that I've been around for a while and, you know, decided they'll get me in November, so to speak. But, you know, I don't think we really go back and relegate that aspect of it. We all play by the same rules. And Ms. Ocasio-Cortez and I played by the same rules.

I do think that the turnout was low. I think it's more reflective, again, of some of the arcane nature -- some of the arcane nature of New York state election law itself that may be contributing to this factor.

BRENNAN: The winner here, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as you said, 28 years old, political newcomer here. She's accused the Democratic Party writ large of not taking the interests of people of color seriously, not paying much attention to working-class communities.

Do you think there is fair criticism of that?

CROWLEY: I think it's always open the criticism in terms of policy. I think what we -- we need to really steer away from is character assassination. And I think it's a -- what we really do is take that energy that's been focused in terms of internal bouts and focus that on Republicans and win seats that Republicans hold today if we really want to make a difference.

I think the Democratic caucus is a big tent party. It's reflected. Just look at our party. Take a picture of our -- the people who represent the Democrats in the House and Republicans in the House. It's night and day literally in terms of the number of minorities that are represented in the Democratic caucus. It's there. And so I do think we need to focus now on winning seats in November and ensuring the Democrats are in control, for the sake of our country, quite frankly. I think the greatest threat to us is -- is this president in the White House.

BRENNAN: If Democrats do take control, should Nancy Pelosi stay as leader?

CROWLEY: I think that Nancy -- when history looks back at Nancy Pelosi, they will look at one of the smartest and hardest working speakers and leaders in the history of our country. She's a --

BRENNAN: But your loss made some Democrats question that.

CROWLEY: Well, look, you know, I do think that that will be up to the new Congress to decide who the next leader or speaker will help (ph) will be. If we win the House back, Nancy will have a very strong case for holding on to the speakership. If not, there maybe be other issues that come to the fore at that point. But it's up to the next Congress Democratic caucus to decide that fate.

BRENNAN: Congressman, it's good to have you on the show.

CROWLEY: Thank you. Can I say just one thing? I love this country. I love it so much and I'm so proud to have represented my constituents. But I am very, very worried about the direction of this country. And I have a lot to be grateful for. And it's given me a tremendous experience in life. But we need to win back the House to bring -- to recognize this country once again.

BRENNAN: And I can imagine you'll be working on that --

CROWLEY: Thank you, I will be.

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