Feinstein’s Dem challenger: ‘It’s time that we stop biding our time and biting our tongue’

Sen. Dianne Feinstein‘s (D-Calif.) progressive challenger, California state Sen. Kevin de León (D), on Wednesday called on Democrats to “stop biding our time and biting our tongue,” saying the party needs to stand up to President Trump.

“We are engaged in a battle for America’s soul against a president without one,’’ de León said while sitting alongside Feinstein for a discussion in San Francisco, according to Politico. 

{mosads}The state senator also said during the event that Democrats in Washington often “lack the courage of their convictions.”

“We need someone in Washington who reflects the values,” he said, according to Politico. “Leadership that will step up and speak out.”

“I wish Democrats in Washington would fight like hell for Dreamers the way Donald J. Trump and Republicans fight like hell for his stupid wall,” de León added, referring to young immigrants protected by the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Feinstein noted, however, that in recent years Democrats have not held majorities in the House or Senate, making it difficult for them to pass legislation without Republican support.

“Right now, you’ve got a situation where you really don’t have the opportunity because you don’t control the agenda,’’ she said. “Sure, you can protest. You can march, you can filibuster, you can talk all night. It doesn’t change anything. What changes things are elections.”

Feinstein and de León advanced to the general election after finishing in the top two spots in California’s jungle primary.

Feinstein, 85, is seeking reelection to the Senate, but the California Democratic Party endorsed de León in July in a move seen as a rebuke of Feinstein.