Clyburn Warns Redistricting Fight Risks Making a ‘Mockery of Democracy’

WASHINGTON — Rep. James Clyburn Sounds Alarm Over Redistricting Battles

Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) warned on NBC News’ Meet the Press that the nationwide fight over redistricting risks repeating a dark chapter of U.S. history. In the interview, Clyburn likened today's partisan mapmaking to the post-Reconstruction era that produced Jim Crow laws and court rulings such as Plessy v. Ferguson, which he said “made a mockery of democracy.”

Asked whether he agreed with Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), who cautioned that “if you fight fire with fire long enough, all you’re going to have left is ashes,” Clyburn replied, “I agree with him entirely.” He stressed that aggressive partisan redistricting could undermine public faith in democratic institutions and the idea of pursuing a more perfect union.

“That is what we are approaching today. Are we going to continue our pursuit of a more perfect union, or are we going to make a mockery out of this democracy?”

Clyburn’s comments followed a recent Supreme Court decision allowing Texas to implement a new congressional map that could help Republicans pick up as many as five House seats in next year’s midterm elections. That ruling has intensified redistricting fights across the country, with state legislators on both sides drawing maps to favor their parties.

On Women in the White House

Clyburn also responded to former first lady Michelle Obama’s recent remark that the United States may not yet be ready for a woman president. He said he agreed with her assessment but urged continued effort and encouragement for women to run for the nation’s highest office.

“These are incredible women who have run: Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris, and I think that we are getting there. That’s why we can’t afford to turn the clock back,” he said.

Recalling advice from his father, Clyburn added, “The darkest part of the night is that moment just before dawn,” suggesting the country may be on the cusp of electing a woman — if more women step forward to run.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com.