Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) dismissed Elon Musk's proposal to fund moderate candidates in Democratic-leaning districts, emphasizing that his party would overcome any financial influence through hard work.

In addition to his remarks on Musk, Clyburn also discussed his role in urging President Biden to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, despite initial hesitation from the president, as Fox News reports.

In an interview with CNN’s Victor Blackwell on Saturday, Clyburn responded to Musk’s plan to support moderate candidates in Democrat-leaning districts.

Musk had posted on X (formerly Twitter) about his intention to back candidates in heavily Democratic districts who, he believes, represent the people’s interests more effectively. Despite the potential influence of Musk’s wealth, Clyburn was confident that Democrats would outwork those receiving Musk's financial backing.

“Democrats are not afraid of Musk’s money,” Clyburn said. He explained that Democrats stay close to their constituents and work tirelessly on their behalf. Reflecting on his own history in the 1960s, when he worked alongside civil rights leader John Lewis, Clyburn pointed out that power and money were often stacked against them, yet they still succeeded through hard work and perseverance.

“When I worked for John Lewis back in the 60s, a lot of the money and power was against us. We did what we had to do. And I don’t know of a single Democrat who is afraid of Elon Musk’s money because we stay close to our constituents and we will outwork him,” Clyburn added.

Clyburn Stands Ground

Clyburn’s message was clear: while Musk’s financial involvement may be a challenge, it is not an insurmountable one. Democrats, he said, have faced significant political and financial pressures before and have always been able to rise above them through hard work. The key to their success, according to Clyburn, is staying grounded in their communities and maintaining a strong connection with voters.

As Musk’s financial influence continues to stir debate, CNN’s Scott Jennings weighed in, criticizing Democrats for their stance on billionaires.

He argued that the left’s criticism of Musk was hypocritical, pointing to other billionaires, such as George Soros, who have been involved in funding Democratic campaigns.

“Un-elected people have been running the government for the last four years. I hear Democrats criticizing the influence of billionaires on our politics when you've got this Soros punk running around collecting Democrat politicians like my kids collect Pokémon cards,” Jennings remarked. He labeled the criticism of Musk as “totally hypocritical” and “totally over the top.”

Clyburn Talks Hunter Biden Pardon

In addition to addressing the financial challenges posed by figures like Musk, Clyburn discussed his involvement in advocating for a presidential pardon for Hunter Biden.

Despite President Biden’s initial hesitation, Clyburn played a crucial role in urging the president to issue the pardon, which ultimately happened.

“I am absolutely okay with it. I don’t know how many people urged him to do so, but I did,” Clyburn said. He explained that his encouragement to President Biden was driven by a sense of duty as a father, emphasizing the importance of family in difficult decisions.

According to Clyburn, President Biden was initially reluctant to grant the pardon, but after Clyburn made the case, Biden came around. “He seemed to be a bit reticent about it, but I emphasized the fact that we as fathers have obligations to our children,” Clyburn shared.

Reflections on Power, Money, and Politics

Clyburn’s comments on both Musk’s financial involvement and his role in pushing for Hunter Biden’s pardon reveal a broader perspective on the role of power and influence in politics.

Throughout his long career, Clyburn has seen how money and political influence shape outcomes. However, he believes that hard work, dedication, and staying true to one’s principles are what ultimately win elections and shape policy.

“Politics is about connecting with people,” Clyburn stated. “You don’t let money or influence intimidate you. You stay grounded and do the work.”

While Musk’s financial influence in politics may continue to be a divisive issue, Clyburn’s message remains clear: Democrats should not be deterred by outside money. Instead, they should focus on staying close to their voters and working hard to earn their support.