As preachers, Memphis area clergy were probably expected to be hopeful and optimistic at a recent New Year’s Day prayer breakfast.
As a U.S. Congressman embroiled in the impeachment of President Donald Trump, Rep. Steve Cohen is saving his optimism for another year.
Cohen was the keynote speaker at the annual event hosted by City Clerk Myron Lowery and his son, County Commissioner Mickell Lowery.
Hundreds filled the Holiday Inn Airport banquet hall New Year’s morning for prayer and encouragement.
Cohen was not encouraging.
“I’m sorry that I can’t say I’m quite as positive as these pastors about the New Year 2020,” Cohen said. “One of the greatest years to start will be January 21, 2021.
“Until then, we’ve just got to suck it up and look to bringing this country back.”
Cohen, who has repeatedly filed articles of impeachment against Trump, also made headlines last year during Congressional hearings when he munched on Kentucky Fried Chicken to illustrate Attorney General William Barr being “too chicken” to testify before Congress.
Cohen has never constrained his disdain for Trump, and he stuck to his script for the breakfast.
“Russia, if you’re listening, we’ve got a favor to ask of you,” Cohen said, mocking Trump’s 2016 campaign remark inviting Russia to interfere. “American elections are for U.S. citizens. It is for us to decide who the United States president is going to be.”
Cohen weighed in on Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s delay in sending impeachment articles to the Senate.
“We will see what (she) decides to do,” he said, towing the party line demanding witnesses. “Without documents, without witnesses, you can’t get to a fair trial.”
Cohen had a final message for supporters, detractors, and those who may be eyeing his office in the future.
“I’m going to continue to be a strong voice for the rule of law, for democracy, for the Constitution,” he said. “As I mentioned last year, I’ll be running for re-election in 2020 and 2022. And ain’t nothing changed.”
Deborah Manning Thomas, a 29-year participant in Lowery’s breakfast, rendered an acappela rendition of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” after Cohen’s address. The Tennessee Mass Choir, also a long-time fixture, gave a mini-concert for the occasion.
Ministers offering prayer were: Rev. Wade Bryant of Monumental Baptist Church; Bishop Linwood Dillard, Citadel of Deliverance COGIC; Bishop Ed Stephens of Golden Gate Cathedral, and Rev. Willie Boyd Jr. of Martin Memorial Temple CME.
In his opening remarks before Cohen’s speech, Myron Lowery thanked guests at the event.
“You brought me back out of retirement, and I want to thank you for that,” he said. “I appreciate your support and your prayers through the years. Thank you so much.”
Lee Eric Smith contributed to this report.
