United States Representative Jim Clyburn sat down for an interview with ETHS journalism students to talk about his past experiences, impactful congressional actions and forward-looking mindset.
Clyburn was born in South Carolina in the 1940s. He was first introduced to public service by his father.
“Every morning, my dad asked us to share a bible verse, and every evening, for us to share a current event,” said Clyburn.
After college, Clyburn became a history teacher. He was popular among his students and hoped to inspire them to care about current events.
“Every day, whatever was really taking place in the news dictated the chapter in the textbook we would read,” said Clyburn.
His experience teaching and his upbringing influenced him to pursue a career in politics.
Clyburn has served in the House of Representatives since 1992, consistently winning reelection by an overwhelming majority. Clyburn attributes his success in office to his ability to understand and connect with everyone. His wife, Emily England Clyburn, taught him this lesson.
“If we were going to make our marriage work, I needed to learn to respect her experiences,” said Clyburn. “She taught me to respect other people’s views.”
His wife’s rural upbringing also sparked Clyburn’s passion for rural development, a primary component of his campaign.
“I never would have been as successful as I have been if I hadn’t internalized my experiences with my wife,” said Clyburn. “It taught me to recognize rural communities more.”
In interviews, Clyburn has emphasized the power of a single vote. He frequently references the 1876 presidential election, where Rutherford B. Hayes won by only 1 vote with an electoral vote count of 185 to 184. Hayes took office, ended Reconstruction and allowed the implementation of Jim Crow laws.
“We are in a position in our country today where one vote could be the vote that changes the outcome,” said Clyburn.
Clyburn urges young people to vote thoughtfully, reminding them that their one vote could be the difference. He left the audience with a final message: Americans must help one another and use their voices to advocate for what is right.
