Nancy Pelosi is not my favorite Democrat. I think she and Harry Reid missed a golden opportunity in 2009 to reach across the aisle and pick off a few moderate Republicans for some early bipartisan wins when Democrats briefly controlled everything. (Yes, moderate Republicans did once exist.) The pair could have made Obama’s life a whole lot easier. But, no. They decided to play the same ultra-partisan hardball games that Republicans play when they’re in charge. It was an understandable response; it just wasn’t a particularly smart response.
That said, it is way beyond stupid for any Democrat to challege Nancy Pelosi in her current bid for Speaker on the floor of the House.
Pelosi just won the Democratic Caucus nomination 203-32. That’s a pretty solid super majority. Note that the 32 dissenting votes weren’t cast in favor of any alternative candidate. They were simply “No” votes for Pelosi. Seriously? These folks have no plan; they just want to obstruct. Dandy. Perhaps they should hold their breath and slam a few doors while they’re at it.
But fine. They’ve established their anti-Pelosi street cred for whatever reason they deemed was in their best interests. I won’t make a judgement on an internal caucus vote. See above.
But now it’s time to close ranks and support the candidate favored by the vast majority of the party.
The new Democratic House majority is pretty strong, but it’s not quite strong enough to survive 32 “No” votes for Pelosi on the floor of the House. @#$%. Have we learned nothing? The very last thing Democrats need is their own version of the Republican Freedom Caucus that got rid of John Boehner. The Democrats cannot start their majority rule in the House with the acknowledgement that a very small group can obstruct everything if all of their demands aren’t met. And let’s be crystal clear: Their demands suck.
- No, Pelosi can’t agree to massive rules changes that would enable Republican obstruction in the House. I’d be disappointed if she didn’t learn from previous mistakes and open things up a bit. However, there’s no reason on Earth that she should formally tie her own hands. If the rules changes are the “right” thing to do, Republicans could change the rules RIGHT NOW. The GOP is still in charge until January. But no. They’re pushing through crap while they still have the gavel.
- No, Pelosi can’t declare that she won’t run again in two years. That would make her a useless lame duck Speaker and that’s just idiotic. She’s done everything short of taking out a full page ad in the New York Times to telegraph her intention to step down in 2020 if she’s an issue. She’s not stupid. She won’t give Republicans that ammunition. Back the hell off.
- No, Pelosi can’t guarantee everyone the committee assignment they want. Frankly, I think she’s gone further than she’s needed to in this regard. Blackmail seldom results in a long-term gain.
Oh, and by the way, here’s a friendly warning to the anti-Pelosi gang: You’re playing way above your skill level.
Say what you will about Nancy Pelosi, but she knows how to play the political game better than almost anyone. With Donald Trump in the White House and Mitch McConnell in the Senate, House Democrats absolutely need someone with experience and, well, balls. There’s a good reason Republicans tried to paint Pelosi as a boogeyman in the 2018 mid-terms. They know she’s tough. If you’re a Democrat campaigning against her now, I’d advise you to watch your back and check your bed for the head of a horse.
A few of you can vote “Present” if you must (to reduce the number of votes needed for a floor majority). I personally think that’s a chickenshit decision, but fine. The fact is that Nancy Pelosi is going to be the next Speaker of the House. Period. The very best you can do is weaken both her and the Democratic party right out of the gate. If you do so, you will incur the wrath of both Pelosi and those of us that are already looking forward to 2020.
Tread very carefully.