Joe Kennedy To Give Democratic Response To State Of The Union

NEWTON, MA — Joe Kennedy of the Kennedy family is up to bat Jan. 30, when he will deliver the Democratic response to the president’s State of the Union. And it's not likely to be a snoozer.

The grandson of Robert Kennedy and great-nephew to Edward Kennedy, who delivered the response to Ronald Reagan’s address in 1982, is known for slamming President Trump in speeches.

“Congressman Kennedy is a relentless fighter for working Americans,” said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi in making the announcement.

He's noted for championing affordable health care, vocational education, a livable minimum wage and American manufacturing. As a member of the influential House Energy & Commerce Committee, Kennedy has been taken up issues that range from mental health and addiction to medical research and rising energy costs.

Kennedy gave a sliver of an idea of what he might bring up next week on Facebook.

"From health care to economic justice to civil rights, the Democratic agenda stands in powerful contrast to President Trump’s broken promises to American families. Deeply honored to be chosen to deliver the response to the State of the Union next week," Kennedy posted to his page after the announcement.

Some pundits are calling the choice a possible appeal to Trump’s voter base, since Kennedy has a strong base among the blue-collar population in MA.

“While President Trump has consistently broken his promises to the middle class, Congressman Kennedy profoundly understands the challenges facing hard-working men and women across the country,” Pelosi said Thursday night.

Democrats are planning to wear all black or bring guests impacted by the immigration debate, according to reports.

After Kennedy's speech, Elizabeth Guzman, the first Hispanic female immigrant elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, will give a response in Spanish.

Kennedy represents the Fourth District in Massachusetts, stretching from Brookline, where he lived for several years, to Newton, where he currently lives with his wife and child, to the western suburbs of Boston down to Taunton, Fall River, and the state’s South Coast. It encompasses 34 cities and towns, and some 725,000 people.

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Photo of Congressman Joe Kennedy III via the congressman's Facebook.