Is Nancy Pelosi so out of touch that she doesn't see
that her "Time" is up...? Goodbye Nancy we love
you but it's time to go.
2
"“It’s hard to recall when there’s been a moment where both parties have done so much head-scratching and soul-searching about what their respective futures should be,” said Doug Heye ...
And that, of course, is the problem. A little more churn, please.
Black women voted overwhelmingly for Hilary Clinton. More than white women voters by far. Black women are the most loyal to the Democratic party (along with Black men) yet what does that loyalty beget?
Pelosi and Schumer both put Rep. Waters down and do not protect her when she challenges this administration and receives death threats.
yes democrats-that is who you want to wave your banner-pelosi-if there was ever a recipe for utter failure-thats it. you wish to win back flyover country? send her packing.
1
dem leadership need to fight back against Trump/GOP. Attacking Maxine Waters plays to Trump. Fight daily and fight hard. Avenatti is right. Re Tread politicians get eaten alive by Trumpism; they fight diry. Fight back.
Jim Jordan needs to resign. Many of the accusers who say Jordan knew about molestation were Jordan allies. Jim Jordan must resign. Ray Sipe
As if their unhinged lunacy wasn’t bad enough, the Democrats are coming apart at the seams. There is an all-out civil war between the radical far left wing and the fanatical far left wing. Obama will be remembered as the last Democrat president ever
Nancy Pelosi has failed as Democratic Whip, leader of the Democratic Party, in the House. She needs to resign as soon as posible.
She is stupid. She couldn't wait to criticize another Democrat, Maxine Waters, but let's Trump off with his horrible treatment of refugee families.
She's overseen three losing elections. She's tone deaf. She's too old. She's a terrible speaker (lower case s as well as upper case S Speaker).
New Democratic talent has been discouraged by the outdated, destructive seniority above all else Nancy has hammered in. Time for Nancy to go - she needs to resign from Congress, not just the leader of the Democrat in the House.
For Democrats, salvation lies in selecting a new generation of leaders to champion the radically progressive economic justice agenda that is poised to take not only America, but the world by storm, very soon. The energy in the Democratic Party is with the liberal activists who are advocating living wages and a universal basic income to reverse the effects of trickle-down economics, close America’s gross wealth and income inequality gap and finally bring economic justice to long-suffering Americans in the middle and lower classes left behind by Reaganomics and now Trumponomics.
1
Many comments cite Ms. Pelosi’s fund raising skills. These skills reflect her closeness to big money, which is one of my main complaints about the Democrats, too close to big money.
So glad to see members of Congress back from yet another recess with their batteries recharged for even more gridlock. Hyperpartisanship must be exhausting. Imagine how tired these people would be if they actually accomplished something in the national interest.
1
Does Nancy Pelosi care more about becoming Speaker again, or Dems taking back the House? Because she could, and in my opinion should, announce before the midterms that she will not serve as Speaker, and put her formidable fund-raising talents into taking back the House. She could mentor and even help select her (possible) successor. Her stepping aside would remove the anti-Pelosi Republican attacks from having any weight (as overwrought and misogynistic as they are). It is time for some new leadership anyway.
I"m sorry, Ms. Pelosi. Anyone who is 78 years old and refuses to discuss retirement should be shown the door. Pronto.
I say this a lifelong Democrat.
Pelosi and Schumer have lost my support. When the two of them advised us Dems to avoid confronting the scandalous republican liars like Sarah Sanders was confronted in a restaurant last month, that was the last straw.
Get someone younger than 50 to lead our party in Congress. They are apparently senile as well as servile.
What "leadership struggles"? Neither party has any. A "leader" should be remarkable on attributes other than being the best at "extracting money from donors" ... phone solicitors can do that. How about demanding a "leadership" where the "leader" can deliver actual solutions to problems all sides face.
Pelosi is the classic politician who has overstayed her welcome. She did a lot of good work, but we are tired of seeing her around, we want, new fresh leadership. But like many old politicians, her ego has grown so large she can barely get her head through the door, and she refuses to recognize the Party would be better served with a new leader.
This was Clinton's problem, many Dems were just plain tired of seeing her around. Look what happened. Without new blood in the D.P. we might see Trump reelected. Nancy, please save us from that.
1
PELOSI I think is OK. She calls people out. But her style of fighting is not of the guerrilla type. Who knows what would be needed to restore the Democrats to power and to break the stranglehold of the GOPpers who are killing the US.
1
Then Democrats desperately need new leadership! They have no clear message (when so many are apparent), and have been ineffective both as opposition and in majority leadership. And always on the defensive too!
How about a platform of anti-corruption, protecting heath-care, Social Security, and Medicare, and protecting the non-.01% of US workers, just for starters. Something other than "not Trump"!
I've got to hand it to the Republicans (very grudgingly). When they took a beating in the polls some years ago, they got new leadership. Gingrich promised an agenda for what they'd do within 90 days of taking over Congress, and he did that.
Dems need assertive, aggressive leadership to define core issues and promise action on them, if elected.
--Life-long Democrat
3
The GOP does not have a leadership problem. Trump leads the party and can ruin a Republican's political career with a single tweet.
The problem with Pelosi & Schumer et al. isn't that they're old, or tired, or even that they're cowardly, but that they still believe that governing is about making a deal with the opposition political party. This is a deadly fantasy. Republicans don't believe in governing (or government) so they will only deal in bad faith. That is who they are (Merrick Garland, anyone?).
Democrats need to adopt the attitude of the Israeli regime toward the Palestinians. "We have no partner for peace, so there is no point in talking to you." Whatever anyone may think of this attitude, it has kept Israeli Jews in total control for more than two generations.
The point is not to bargain with Republicans; the point is to fight them, and, eventually, dominate them so crushingly that they squeal in pain. Republicans are not partners in governing; they are enemies. Until Democrats understand this, they are doomed to impotence.
Nancy Pelosi has done nothing but lose for the working class Democrats the past 15 years and move the party away from working for families and the working class to supporting plutocrats and bankers.
She needs to step down and let someone that will actually get something done take the reigns. I believe she is part of the problem, not part of the solution.
I am a lifelong liberal Democrat.
Mrs. Pelosi is past it. I don't really care that she's old - after all, Sam Ervin was 76 when Nixon resigned - but I do care that she is one of those "corporate-centrist", "look-for-consensus" Democrats who helped turn the Democratic Party away from its traditional constituency of regular working people and organized labor. I will never forgive Mrs. Pelosi for that.
That turning away, followed by eight years of hollow promises by Obama, left millions of former Democrats feeling so abandoned and fed up that they turned to Trump.
Mrs. Pelosi's failure to support her colleague, Maxine Waters, is merely the rancid icing on a rotten cake. She needs to step down for the good of the Democratic Party, and take Hoyer and Clyburn with her.
I am financially supporting progressive Democratic candidates of my choice, but as long as Mrs. Pelosi's name is on mailers from the Democrats, they as a party get nothing from me.
Cromwell said it to the Rump Parliament, and I say it to Pelosi: "You have sat here to long for any good you are doing. Go. Go. In the name of God, go!"
1
Both Pelosi and Schumer need to step aside immediately. Their leadership of the minority party Democrats is a disaster. The party and its message are in shambles. The Democrats need to rebuild from the bottom up and with younger people, with fresh ideas and a willingness to fight the Republicans at every turn.
Do the right thing Pelosi....go away.
1
The Democrats have become ineffective. They need to to respond to Republican attacks in a manner consistent with the rhetoric of the far right. In all the time Ms Pelosi & Mr Schumer have been in the leadership this has not happened. I don’t believe in age discrimination, but on the other hand, the Party is doing a terrible job of helping develop the next generation of CENTRIST leaders. If Ms Pelosi is a great fundraiser, she should continue raising money. The time for a new generation of leaders is at hand. The current leaders are old and ineffective for their party.
2
To sum up: No one has a clue what will happen. But it sure is fun speculating.
Cheri Bustos appears to have a clue on this whole subject. This country has developed a cosmopolitan elite that is so enamored with themselves that they are completely delusional. While they preached fabulous lofty ideas of tolerance and inclusion they sold American jobs in the center of the nation to the highest bidders who fueled their campaign chests.
To use a midwestern saying, the rooster has come home to roost. While Nancy Pelosi and her husband ingratiated themselves to people of like mind, not to mention lucrative business deals for the old man, the rest of the country lost their sources of employment. But not to worry we have programs to address your meth addiction. Which, by the way, benefit the urban constituents of Ms. Pelosi.
Surprised that Trump won, really? Look at the electoral map, urban centers vote for Hillary, rest of the country was revolted by her calling them deplorable. Wake up folks, you have a class revolt brewing, this has nothing to do with Democrats and Republicans. Well, other than the fact you are all vulnerable. This is scary stuff regardless of your political leanings.
Happy to have escaped urban mayhem two years ago, life in an American urban center is a true lunatic fringe.
1
And the 2018 Journalism Prize for the
Most Succinct Phrase Used in a News Story
goes to Nicholas Fandos and Thomas Kaplan for:
"... in a state of remarkable uncertainty ..."
Congratulations gentlemen. Well done.
1
The conversation around our Sunday brunch table was enlightening: everyone...Democrats all... agreed that the party has abandoned moderate liberal interests in favor of the extreme far Left agenda...which none around our table will support. It’ll be interesting to see the impact of Dem voters jumping ship come November...
Both parties represent corporations and the very wealthy. The GOP always did and the Democrats gave the one finger salute to working people 30 years ago. Until Revolution simmers to a boil and money, dark money and lobbyists are removed from our political system, nothing will change for the poor, working poor and middle classes. I don't know when exactly this Revolution will begin, but the collapse of this nation has already begun.
Vanity. That's Nancy Pelosi. Does'nt she realize she's become redundant, belongs in history. Why can't she gracefully quit? Instead of paving the way for new blood with new ideas, she's hanging and pulling the Democratic down like she has been doing for so many years now. The Republicans are always putting fresh new young faces while Democrats put up the same old jaded ones. A win is a must for the Democrats and Nancy Pelosi can never deliver it.
Nancy Pelosi is intent on driving the bus off of the cliff. Frankly, her narcissism is right on par with Trump's. Unfortunately, Trump is the savvier politician. Take away Pelosi and the Republicans are left running against Obama and Hillary this fall, which is a losing strategy. The Dems should be picking up 40-50 House seats. With Pelosi hanging on to her throne, they'll be lucky to pick up 27. Yes, maybe just enough to take back the gavel and subpoena power, but not enough to panic the GOP so that the party goes into blame mode and tears itself apart going into 2020. The Dems need a big win in 2018 to win back the White House in 2020. Pelosi will keep that from happening.
I open declare for all to see that Pelosi and Schumer are the two people best suited to lead the Democratic Party in 1988.
1
If both the parties can shed their delitescent epicurean tastes, sophistic story-telling, and become altruists, maybe for a nanosecond, something might blossom into a healthy race for a winning case. Nope. Each side will be wrapping up one bum rap after the other, towards the opponents. Ably supported by Trump for the GOPers, they will try to rule the roost. Some may even turn out to be closet liberals, RINOs and DINOs.
And then will ensue a cesspool of inequity, as well as a rancid rancor between both the parties. If the GOP holds both the chambers, Trump will start blowing his own trumpet. Again. All the barrage of beseeches may well fall in deaf ears, or may be tantamount to talking to a wall. At this rate, this country might not be too dissimilar from the Cimmerian caves of yore.
Stock market and economic growths will be touted as infinitum by the GOP, and the consternation among the destitute may still not be propitiated. Ideas coming from both the parties will tend to be fuliginous, and little attempts might be made to clarify them. Ant that is one heck of an imbroglio, to deal with.
Pelosi remains viable but there's little doubt the Dems could use some fresh blood at the top. But make no mistake, among the rank and of the party that is secondary to putting the Republicans into minority status. The GOP - and its buffoonish leader - constitute a national emergency at the moment.
Why not give the leadership seat to someone like Ocasio-Cortez or Maxine Waters?
If we really are the people's party, then why do we have so many rich white liberals leading us? Speaking for us? Supposedly fighting for us?
Doesn't it make more sense over the long run for the party's leadership to best represent the people who it purports to represent? Personally, if our Democratic nominee for 2020 is a rich white liberal, I'll be staying home. Millions of other people of color and religious and gender minorities will be doing the same.
So come on white people, it's time for YOU to hand over the reins. And we should start with Nancy Pelosi. It's bad enough when Republicans give everything they can to entitled white people. Does our party have to follow suit? And Pelosi is a particularly egregious case; she was born wealthy, and married wealthy. She's a true 1 percenter. She needs to go!
The Democratic Party leadership is basically ineffective. There is no clear platform except the representation of LBQTs and illegal immigrants. Those are extreme positions in relation to the demographics of this country. Don't get me wrong. I believe in equal protections for everyone but the Democratic Party doesn't represent everyone just the people Republicans hate the most (LBQTs and illegal immigrants).
The party that aligns itself with moderates is the party that can dominate all aspects of government.
Instead, our two parties have become nothing more than parties of extremes. With a weak middle, this is where America will divide itself.
1
Can I recommend one thing to the Democrats? It is to stop jumping all over Trump for every little detail and focus on the people. Focus on jobs, healthcare, and stop making it look like you are more for Illegal immigration than you are for the current citizens within your constinuency. You will lose to Trump and you will lose more voters because of your constant hate of him. I didn't vote for him nor will I ever but you've lost your audience because you've lost your message. You need to elect people who have issues close to them and stop electing the same people over and over til they are a hundred! Start electing younger, brighter and more intelligent people than Pelosi, Schumer or Waters. They are great publicity for Trump! It's time for a huge house cleaning now!
Dems need new leadership. Give Pelosi a recognition celebration and then move on or become obsolete. Democrats have already proven repeatedly that they are floundering and don't know what to do under this administration. In short, they lack...leadership. As for Maxine Waters, please keep RECLAIMING YOUR TIME! Never stop!!,
1
Democrats appear want to silence their only member who can play the dozens better and above Trump, beating him at his own game. She stands on rich tradition, knows more oral tradition defenses and insults.
Her defiant courage a classic, not heard in recent years, but pitch-perfect. "If you shot at me, you better not miss." That's bravery! That's action-hero.
All Trump can do is blame.
1
What is remarkable about uncertainty in the House?
Given that they are elected every 2 years and thus uniquely vulnerable to raising campaign funds, and that rich companies and individuals now have legally unprecedented ability to buy Congressmen, why would you expect anything other than an unsettled poorly functioning body that has lost the ability to represent the American voter?
1
The ''republican'' (debatable if it can even be called that anymore) is being run by dictate and fiat. Those that contest are being contested in primaries, or are ''retiring'' to spend more time with their families. ''cough''
The Democratic party is not necessarily in turmoil (the press loves a juicy false equivalency) because it is standing back and letting things shake out.
What that means is that there is a massive influx of new candidates (a lot of women) that have not had their primaries. In those primaries, there are decisions being made to how progressive the party overall is going to be. Once that happens, then the party platform will solidify.
Once the blue wave has occurred, then the vote will happen to see who lead going forward, Until then there is unity in the singular purpose of getting as many elected.
Whomever the leader(s) will be will follow the grass roots of the party and implement whatever has the votes to support them. it is up to us NOW to decide what the policies will be.
Get busy and vote.
2
Ryan and the Republicans are intent on cutting Medicare way back, which is political suicide . Even though elderly americans paid whatever they were asked to pay in paycheck deductions for many decades, the Republicans now call Medicare an ENTITLEMENT. Folks should get out the vote to save Medicare from the Republican ax. The Republican tax cuts were not needed since the economy was already both doing well and gaining steam, now we don't have enough money for MEDICARE.
Kevin McCarthy supports Paul Ryan to cut Medicare.
A true leader prepares new leaders to carry on the mantle. Pelosi is acting as if her elevation to the Speakership is a personal preserve rather than a public trust. Someone who has gravitas should sit down with her and ask her whether her legacy is to be remembered with HRC as one who squandered the democrats chance to take back the country, or one who passed the mantle onto to new leadership and stopped the bleeding of our democracy.
2
Does Nancy want to become the Speaker again for personal reasons or to further the cause of the Democratic Party? Even she must admit that she is a lightning rod that the GOP deploys effectively to rally it's own base to turn out at the polls. Age issues aside, why should she want to be the potential barrier to a Democratic win in November? The hatred of her in many circles is undoubtedly more powerful than the waning admiration she enjoys today.
2
20 Dec 2017 CNBC:
McCarthy also spoke about reports that House Speaker Paul Ryan will retire in 2018, which Ryan has denied.
"I'm the closest to Paul Ryan as you can get," McCarthy said, "He is not leaving."
20 Dec 2017 CNBC:
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said Wednesday that dire warnings of big Medicare cuts as a result of the GOP tax plan are scares tactic by Democrats.
Can you trust McCarthy about Medicare when he lied about Ryan?
The Democratic leadership seems to still believe in the professional congressional chumminess of the 1980's. They seem to have missed the smash mouth tactics the GOP has adopted. And, thus, they always lose. Where are the young leaders of the Democratic Party who have DIRECTLY EXPERIENCED problems that the majority of the country faces today? Unsteady employment. High college costs. High housing costs. High medical costs. The Democratic leadership is isolated from all these things. Where are the Democratic leaders that feel these things in their bones?
1
...and who brought all this to you in NorCal. Trump, really? Seems to me others have ruled California for the better part of a decade.
There's a leadership struggle because a greater part of the electorate had long-since lost confidence in the "two party system" we had for so long, with his well-known and time-worn candidates who held office forever.
Each of the two largest parties were basically stocked with career politicians, and the electorate was tired of the limited choice.
So even with the 2 big parties still in the mix, candidates from outside the "norm" - Trump, Obama, Bernie Sanders, Ross Perot, etc. -- all of those guys garnered enough attention to either win an election, or at least give the traditional candidate someone new to worry about.
That said, we now have a new mess, as we've underestimated the importance of understanding the Constitution, honoring alliances and treaties, and governing the nation as a whole, and not just for wealthy interests. Maybe that's really nothing new, and it has just come to light.
5
(A new paradigm follows a critique of the old,)
Ahh--the ultimate, blindly repeated Democratic cliché! Thinking inside the box--abandoning an outside vision! Democrats see themselves, study themselves and devour themselves over moods and meaningless differences, locked in a box of brooding and attribution until their grasp on reality slips into blind inaction.
Blind inaction, a political veil. A complicit acceptance of the status quo; no plan for change, only the bellows of policy expanding/shrinking and conceding power through fear of privilege lost.
How did Hillary miss Alexandria Casio-Cortez, a girl from the Bronx who moved to Yorktown Heights in Westchester at five, who won major votes in Jackson Heights, Corona, and East Elmhurst, a district with an international airport, pro ball park, and public riverlands, defeating a vaulted Democratic organization whose leader lived in exile, in line for House Speaker.
How did New York Hillary miss the Bronx girl Alexandria Casio-Cortez following in the footsteps of Carolyn B. Moloney and the Molinari father and daughter?
That's the box! That is blind inaction. Donna Brazile wrote and spoke about its frozen will. Jim Clyburn said the difference between polls and feet would be radio spots, too late for yard signs. Hilary maintained radio silence, The billion dollar campaign shared no funds. No crumbs.
If you take no corporate money and knock on doors, you values and message are clear.
(Part 2 below)
3
(Part 2)
Donna Brazile wrote and spoke about its frozen will. Jim Clyburn said the difference between campaign polls and voting feet would be radio spots, too late for yard signs. Charles Blow rails against its moral failures; Joy Reid counts its harm. Paul Krugman warns about self-inflicted faults. But the billion campaign shared no funds. No crumbs.
Polls are preliminary, not final. Feet win.
Ocasio-Cortez is authentic. “A fighter,” she brings deep, joyful spirit. She wants healthcare, housing and education from public money; not “free,” but shared. The difference between her and traditional Democrats? She beat a vaulted machine boss: in line for House Speaker in a waterfront district that bounds both sides of a river, a different borough on each side; a purged 2016 voter in a district with an international airport, a pro ball park, the US Tennis Open, and lots of public riverlands, she motivated the least motivated voters. If you take no corporate money and knock on doors, your values and message are clear.
Every American can find pain in Trump's stupidity.
Pramila Jayapal, Kamala Harris, Stacey Abrams, Alexandra Ocasio Cortez; London Breed, Keisha Lance Buttoms, Lovely Warren, Annise Parker are not extreme but mainstream—as were the 1000s at 800 rallies nationwide. They are the middle! What others ridicule as “free,” they see as shared.
4
Too much of a big deal is made about Crowley losing the primary by a young progressive. Its no more important than a transgender person unseating a hard line conservative, or the first black woman winning the primary for Governor in GA.
Regarding Pelosi, today if a vote came before the House, the Democrats would likely vote in unison against any dumb Republican legislation. And that's thanks to Pelosi's "management". She's been a helluva Manager, and still is. Ryan on the other hand is the leaderless leader, and failed as Speaker, and will retire from politics at the ripe old age of 48.
No comparison between the parties. Democrats coalesce around Pelosi. Republicans are a fractured mess.
2
This is New York. He was a party boss who ruled from exile. He took corporate money. She did not. That's the missing point that politicians can't bear to say! She won without corporate money--the real threat! The entire structure would unravel, if no one takes cooperate money!
If you take no corporate money and knock on doors, your values and message are clear.
8
cherrylog754
Then why do the Republicans control all three branches of government including both Houses of Congress
The Democrats have never been beaten so badly as they have this past decade. It is time for the Democrats to choose some leadership with guts and the willingness to fight AND WIN!
Not backing Maxine Waters against the racist bully in the White House was deplorable.
11
Maxine Waters’ call for harassment and violence against Trump administration officials was vile, despicable and should have landed her in prison. Her words represent a new low for the Democrats
There is no comparison as to the disarray of both parties. The democrats are bereft of any platform to present to the voters.
And this latest Jim Jordan smear is real gutter politics at its worst. The democrats have nothing but hate going for them. Abndyou cannot win on hate.
4
Nihilistic US voters who will cut off their own noses to spite other people's faces are the worst judges of character on Earth.
4
The Republican Party literally seems to be a “cult” that inexplicably are supporting Trump’s bizarre reign as POTUS. Paul and Mitch apparently have their heads stuck in the sand. The GOP members of Congress seem deathly afraid to challenge Trump about anything.
The Democrats in Congress seem unable to get much traction. Since Trump apparently prides himself on fighting dirty and only listening to his base the Democrats need to find an effective approach.
Unfortunately our country seems to be headed for.a “Perfect storm” of threats to our country’s government. The Russians led by Putin have intererfered in our elections making the results untrustworthy. The situation in North Korea is looking very ominous. Nobody knows what Trump is discussing with Putin in one on one conversations. The POTUS and his family are brazenly profiting from their positions in government. Our country led by the POTUS seems dead set on breaking away from our allies and embracing our former enemies. Separating kids including babies from their parents is way beyond acceptable behavior.
We need the leaders of all political parties to step up and do the right thing ASAP.
3
The democrats would trounce the republicans if they gave up their attachments to illegal immigration and identity politics and actually focused on: (1) wages; (2) employment (real jobs, not gigs or minimum wage work); (3) cost of healthcare; (4) cost of education.
No one trusts the businessmen's party to actually lift a finger for the American working and middle classes to help them with any of these things. This should be a walk in the park for the democrats.
But they aren't going to do it. Instead they're going to run on open borders. Because that's what the rich professionals want to hear. That and that Trump is a big old meanie.
Sigh.
20
Old leaders, old ideas. They have their jobs because they are well connected to rich people, who favor the status quo. That's no way to appeal to a public that wants change.
10
The USA has essentially become a gerontocracy. The average age of a Representative is 57 and the average age of a Senator is 61. Presently, there are eight Senators and eleven House members who are in their 80s. The Democratic leadership especially is far too old, over 70 on average. For example, Dianne Feinstein is 85 years old and is running for another term. That is just nonsense; you are not going to convince me that she is the best the Democratic party in California can come up with. These are people clinging to their seats for whatever reason, probably thinking that they cannot be missed and are still more capable than younger people. This is simply not representative government. The US really has to get rid of these old people in Congress. And just for the record, I am 71 and I now that it is wrong for me to try to represent an electorate that is on average at least 30 years younger.
BTW, the average age of the members of the Dutch parliament is 46; the oldest member is 74.
18
Headline should read both parties--and the executive branch--struggle with leadership issues.
Makes you wonder what became of representative government, supposedly the foundation of our democratic society.
Has it been replaced by unilateral dictatorship? Is this how once great civilizations finally die?
2
After the DNC cheated Bernie out of the nomination, Trump co-opted many of Bernie's messages, lying through his teeth of course, and thus many people who were interested in Bernie voted for Trump because they found Hillary distasteful. The Democratic party never learns, and thus we end up with power-hungry charlatans with more interest in generating money from their donors than doing what is right for the American people.
11
I had high hopes that the democrats would take control of the House in the 2018 mid-term elections, but the leadership of Schumer and Pelosi has been uninspiring and insensitive to the needs of the electorate, not to mention cowering to Trump and his toadying republicans.
Unfortunately, I envision another election where democrats "snatch defeat from the jaws of victory". Once again!
9
Did Speaker Pelosi criticize Congresswoman Waters by name? If not I really can't understand getting riled up at her. For a member of Congress to call for public harassment of cabinet members is insane.
8
Why Speaker Ryan made his retirement plans public months ago is beyond me. Doing so has thrown the Republican caucus, a motley crew under the best of circumstances, into chaos. Ryan should have kept his plans private longer. That would have afforded him more leverage politically.
As for the Democrats, Leader Pelosi's pull date has passed. From a liberal perspective, she has done well, engineering the passage of ACA being her greatest political feat. But at 78 and with many calling for new blood to lead the party, Pelosi's time has come. Nancy, go home and hang out with your grandchildren. Look at your "frenemy", John Boehner. Since his departure from the House, he has become happier, based on interviews I have seen, willing to opine about whatever he wants. Enjoy your retirement.
3
As I see it, the problem is that everyone is playing by the old rule book and haven't realized the game has changed. Trump threw a wrench into the old machinery. It has been upended, which many consider a positive change. Politicians are clinging to their old power structure (ex., Pelosi's resistance) and falling back on old behaviors (ex., defending Waters' inappropriate comments). Media is reporting everything as sport. Few realize just how sick Americans are of these old behaviors.
6
The Democrats need new, younger leadership. They have no strategy for 2018, or 2020, and Nancy and Chuck are tired and idea-challenged, , and the country is tired of them.
5
Very, very tired of Pelosi, Feinstein.... time for new blood in the Democratic Party. As long as they continue, I am disengaged...
6
Pelosi should retire. There is no shame in it. She's a tactician from the Bush era. Her fundraising is basically going hat in hand to billionaires and Democrat supporting special interests. The 2016 election debacle, despite winning the popular vote, was crushing. Certainly all the 800 super delegates who supported H. Clinton's avoidance of prosecution so she could be the presidential have been discredited. The attempt to create an anti-Russia hysteria shows lowest common denominator thinking. Just say that a vote for Trump is a vote Putin. That is lame thinking. Clinton's weak campaign is a direct result of decisions by the party leadership to go with a damaged unexciting candidate that was cozy with party establishment.
7
What other position of authority in the United States finds it appropriate and effective to have people in their 70's and 80's running the organization? I am almost 70 myself, and I know full well that human productivity goes downhill around age 55. Please, let's encourage the old members to go home and consult from the sidelines, and let middle-aged members take the reins. Perhaps that would spark a modicum of activity in the Congress.
6
A message to the old timers from an old timer. I had a very exciting job in Technology that I learned at age 45, 5 years after I graduated from college and I received words of praise from my clients for having successful projects. . However, when I retired I decided that the best way to transition was to leave my ego at the door. There is so much to do in retirement that you can take advantage of and you will never be bored. Retire gracefully and give a younger person a chance to move up the ladder and we will all benefit in the end.
9
Going back 100 years the Democratic Party has always been in disarray, because that is what democracy looks like and works like.
To repeat the often quoted Will Rogers, "I am not a member of any organized political party. I am a Democrat."
The Democratic Party has always struggled to keep policy and actions congruent with their constituents.
There will be leadership changes but in my opinion Democrats need to rally behind current leaders while working to support each other, during this election cycle.
Because Democrats are the more inclusive part with different peoples and agendas, Republicans will use every dirty trick in the book in an effort to drive a wedge between Democrats.
At least through this election Democrats have to stand together.
After this election it is up to current Democratic leaders or new Democratic leaders to *lead*.
3
We’re watching White House hires exit in disgrace one by one counting down to when their dear leader is the last man standing. When he goes, he’s taking the Other House with him into history. I’m looking at Nunes, counting the days, and mailing my support to his opposition. Sending money directly to the Democratic Party would only be viable if they post a plan to reign in their campaign spending and reject donations from corporate interests. Hello?
3
For nearly the last half century we haven't expected much more from our representatives in Congress than campaign speeches in which they will tell us we can have it all and someone else will pay for it. They were not even expected to be especially honest, merely to have a veneer of plausible deniability and be able to mingle in polite company. Man, those were the days.
Some Democrats have snapped up the republican bait and attack Nancy Pelosi because of her age. That's where the problem lies. I venture to guess that most of her critics are Sanders supporters, and they probably believe Ocasio-Cortez's win is a sign of what the future will look like when Pelosi retires, forgetting, of course, Conor Lamb's win in Pennsylvania. Yes, the Democrats need new blood badly, but give me Pelosi's steady hand at the helm until we get back the power. Her response to the Democratic candidates running against her? "Just win!"
2
The DNC should be calling us out into the streets over Trump’s latest line crossing move: Meeting Putin alone without adult supervision.
4
No one ever wants to pass the baton? Nancy Pelosi has done a good job in keeping her Caucaus unified. I'm 68 years old so when I say it time for New young blood, you can't tell me i'm discriminating based on age. Steny Hoyer, and Jim Blackburn are also both closer to 80 than 70. There is nothing wrong with bringing in Younger blood. Pelosi did her job and did it well. The Democrats in the last election had No message other than Trump is bad. I'm a life long democrat and i ask what is the message Today? Times have changed we are in a 24 hour News Cycle. As I tell young people I meet when I was young I was the Remote Control. Remember SenatorStrom Thurmond the guy hung around to the age of 100 yet he was unable to travel back and forth to his home State of South Carolina.
5
Nancy thinks Republicans are afraid of her. Could any conclusion be more bizarre? Power does some strange things to people. Put it all aside for now and get people registered, especially the kids.
6
Ms. Pelosi needs to recognize it's time for her to allow the next generation to lead. Time to put the ego aside and do what's right for the country and her party.
5
What both parties face is the need is to sell themselves to the swing voters in the Heartland -- Columbus to Omaha, Minneapolis to Kansas City. Right now the Republicans are way ahead on that scoreboard. Hence they control both houses of Congress, The White House and the greatest number of state legislatures. They speak the language and address the issues that those folks understand. They may not follow through on their promises, but no need. The Democrats speak mainly only to their already committed core, making for happy war dances in Boston and Berkeley -- but not winning more new votes where they need them.
6
Compounding the problem is that democrats' leftwing insists all those voters don't even count by insisting Clinton actually won. Calling the president "illegitimate" is, in effect, telling them their votes don't matter and someone else knows better. Complaining about Trump's insulting behavior by insulting a big part of the country is a fool's errand.
8
It's ironoc, no, hypocrtical, that liberals who usually harp against age discrimination feel free to openly call for Nancy Pelosi to step down to make room for someone younger.
4
Trump has a knack for exposing liberal hypocrisy. It's so common an occurrence, it might be considered "entrapment" at this point.
3
I'm trying to remember the last time I heard any partisan harping about age discrimination. Nothing comes to mind. It must be obscured by the steady stream of "I know you are, but what am I?" coming from the new right.
2
@DRS -
You might have a point, if she helped win 1000+ seats over the last 4 elections instead of helping to lose them.
The big problem for both parties is that there are no easy solutions to the problems we face, and the leaders know it. The loud-mouthed activists on both sides think otherwise, but they are wrong.
Suppose we went for 'Medicare for all' - how would we raise the $2 trillion in additional revenue needed to fund it? That's 25% of all salaries. The Dem leadership knows this, and that's why they won't touch the idea.
Immigration reform? Nobody can agree on anything. Abolish ICE? Build a wall? Give preference to high-skilled immigrants? The GOP can't pass their own bill, and the Dems would be just the same.
2
How would we "find 2 trillion?." Try looking at our incredibly bloated, unnecessary military budget for starters. Also, if you look at all of the many other countries that provide healthcare to their people as a right, not a privilege, you will find that they manage to do so more efficiently and more effectively than our system is currently run. And the care is many time better and more up to date than we receive here.
7
Total military budget is $650 billion. That is smaller even than the existing $1 trillion the government already spends on medical care. If the government spent $3 trillion on medical care, covering all existing costs, that would be about 5 times the current military budget.
Look at the gridlock under Obama. Reid and Obama were quite successful at blaming Republicans, but they were 100% complicit. If anything, Congress is getting back to work under Trump. It's messy but it beats doing nothing but parroting the party line, which is all they did for too many years.
2
The real crisis in leadership is that no one trusts their senators, representatives, governors, mayors, etc., to work on their behalf. We've become accustomed to seeing huge corporations beg for and receive tax relief. We're used to seeing nothing being accomplished in DC and in state houses across the country. Stalemates have become normal. We're used to deteriorating roads, poor services from utilities, a lack of innovation, poor quality goods, and ignorance from people who should know better.
We keep hearing how rich America is, how tolerant it is, what a wonderful country it is. But who is saying these things? Not the average working American or the unemployed American trying to find a job. It's the rich American in need of nothing, the rich ones who are getting unneeded tax breaks while the budget is balanced on our backs. 99% of us are paying the difference in higher user fees, bad roads, discontinued social programs that help.
And what do we get in return for our tax dollars? Leaders in both parties who are living in a country that doesn't exist for us. If the average American over the age of 50 is considered too old to hire why should we have politicians in DC and across the country in office who are older than 50? Why hasn't Pelosi stepped down? Why did both parties choose presidential candidates who were nearly 70? And why, since a great many in Congress are over 50, hasn't there been a move to help unemployed Americans over the same age?
10
Bravo!
4
I applaud Ms. Pelosi on her incredible strength and fortitude. But we need to have younger leaders in the House and the Senate.
Ms. Pelosi is not getting a strong Democratic message out to the public and neither is Mr. Schumer.
To win the midterms, Democrats need to talk about bread and butter issues, not lofty ideals. We need better roads, more doctors in rural areas, better access to healthcare in general, food for all children, decent shelter for all, clean water and environment and so much more that falls under the rubric of basic needs.
Rather than being the antithesis of everything Republican, Democrats need to focus on their own message.
10
The 2016 election centered on new ways to approach old problems. The Democrats lost because they offered more of the same, and they haven't changed that approach yet. Opposing Trump without offering a viable alternative is a losing strategy for 2018 and 2020.
7
Really, I can't even believe we're having this discussion about Pelosi and her hackneyed Victorian crew that perpetuate the worst stereotypes of politicians.
There is a burgeoning undercurrent of discontent she and her rheumatic colleagues on the right have sailed right over in their steam ships, and they are unaware of the "Bermuda Triangle" they are headed for due to their hubris and their entitlement to what they believe is their right to political power.
Seeing them get pulled under by this undercurrent will bring me no joy, but they will have no one to blame for their demise but themselves.
7
As a registered Democrat, I can only get behind about one third of their platform. I want a Canadian/Australian immigration system. I don't support labor unions because of rampant nepotism and pubic pensions that are bankrupting cities and states. I want universal Medicare but I'm realistic enough to know that people aren't going to like it. I support a $15 minimum wage but I also realize that most Americans are too poorly educated to cope with the global economy. I would triple the budget of the EPA, and halve the Pentagons budget. I support the cut to corporate taxes but would go after wealthy families. Nobody speaks for me.
9
There are many potential candidates out there who could win landslides with their message. Unfortunately, none of them are millionaires and they all have to work this week.
7
What is it with wrestling coaches and sexual assaults upon minors? Dennis Hastert, who would go on to reach legislative heights in the House. Now James Jordan—not accused—but outed for “knowing”—and looking the other way.
These accusations aren’t the result of would-be novelists at 2:00 a.m.
I’m rather tired of Nancy Pelosi and her lightning-rod personality. The House needs new people—on both sides of the aisle—but, more importantly, new ideas.
On another note, I saw an item in the Boston Globe yesterday; ex-governor Deval Patrick said a 2020 presidential run “is definitely on my radar.”
One can only hope for a Democrat with something—something—will emerge from the party’s current junior varsity lineup— at every level.
3
Maybe it really is an equation. Maybe the far right takeover of the Republican party is not far removed from the cowardly & apologetic 'be careful-not-to-offend-anybody' Democratic party. One throws rocks the other pretends to have their feelings hurt. Neither seems interested in the truth as the "losers" on both sides see it and live it. A friend of mine believes there is only one party in this country; maybe he's right. Too much splendid red wine and smart bots on the one side, too much mud wrestling and semi-literacy on the other. At least the Democrats are not trying to round up and jail the poor, even if many of them are comfortable being hustled by heartless billionaires. One thing is certain, courageous intelligent straight talk is nowhere to be heard outside of Maxine Waters who is not afraid to be a Democrat. Trump's disgusting attack on her was certainly no worse than the Schumer/Pelosi whimpering retreat.
9
And Bernie who keeps the real issues forefront.
2
The 115th Congress may go down as the greatest "do nothing" Congress in American history. The leadership in both parties is inept and out of touch with their constituents.
As many are alluding to here, their constituents are the American people, not just the large donors.
9
I read all the political news I can find, and have done so for many years. Despite that, at the present moment I don't know the agenda of the Democratic Party. Whoever is responsible for me not knowing something as fundamental as that needs to retire. If that's Pelosi, Schumer, the DNC leadership, whoever, they are failing at their job and need to go.
28
The Democrats have no coherent understanding of the role of a public sector in a mixed economy either. And they are obviously not scouting for talent to articulate a comprehensive vision for the party.
5
I am sick to death of this nonsense. The majority of the voters chose Hillary. A good percentage of democrats did not vote because they assumed she was winning. The Russians corrupted our election and this article claims that the Democrats are equal to the Republicans in disarray. The media, newspapers and radio are the problems for the way they are covering politics. Hillary was vilified and the media magnified it. The media gave 45 free publicity 24/7 and very little coverage of the real issues that Hillary wanted to talk about. Corruption abounds in the Republican Party. Why not focus on that and do some real investigative reporting instead of this dribble.
6
Nancy Pelosi will be the leader of the Democratic caucus if, and only if, the Democrats take control of the House after the election. If the Dems fail to gain the majority, it is likely that Pelosi will not remain minority leader. The young Dems are right that it is time for new leadership in the House. But Pelosi has an iron grip on the caucus due to her incessant fund raising for so many House members. But, if the Dems remain in the minority, enough new young Dems get elected, and the Black caucus turns against her, she very well may be out. This would remove Pelosi as a major target for Republican operatives and give the House Democrats a new look.
6
Not a single word from any of them about what is best for the nation as a whole. I only see chatter about winning elections.
I am a mostly liberal, sixty year old white woman. The old white people need to go. They have had their run and the country has nothing to show for it except a clown in the highest office in the world.
Youth. Now.
18
The Dems should back someone who has the plan to pick up the middle and lower classes of people. That's where the problem lies, with stagnant wages and cutting the helpful programs like SNAP, etc.
9
So, as I understand it, Dems have to choose between keeping or dumping loss leaders like the Schumer-Pelosi duet, and Republicans have to choose between a Calfornia senator who does not represent the political leanings of his state and a Trumpist congressman who covered up sexual abuse when he was a wrestling coachat Ohio State. Maybe it's time for a third party?
8
Nancy Pelosi should have graciously announced she will not run again. She had a good tenure, served as first female speaker but her recent track record is miserable. Win or lose Democrats need a new face leading the party in the House. A new team would not be constrained by the failed tactics of recent years.
17
Schumer, Pelosi and Feinstein's performance in this time of severe turmoil has been nothing better than pathetic. Trump trounces the constitution and these 3 do almost nothing. He cedes control of the F-35 to Turkey which is likely to hand off our $1.7 trillion investment and these 3 do nothing. Trump advocates for ZTE which could embed hooks into software used by many US corporations and these 3 do nothing.
By any metric I can think of Trump is the worst US president in history who is trampling the middle class and abandoning long term relationships with allies forged in two world wars and these 3 do nothing.
I recall Schumer's recent campaign where he held up a cardboard sign saying A BETTER WAY. It was so lackluster and pathetic I almost cried.
PLEASE remove these 3 underperformers from D leadership. Save the country I served 5 years in the USMC before Trump totally sells us out and while you're at it, save the Planet from Trump's environment destroyers too.
29
Exactly. Thank You.
1
Please, please let Nancy Pelosi remain as House minority leader. The only more polarizing figure in the Democratic party is thankfully out to pasture.
4
Jim Jordan needs to resign. At least 7 men have come forward to state that Jim Jordan had to know about sexual abuse committed by the team doctor; Strauss. Jim Jordan needs to resign; continuing to serve as an elected official is no longer possible. Jim Jordan needs to resign; now. Ray Sipe
4
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss---only worse. The retinue of backward-looking clowns on the Right sucking up to be the next 'leader' should give pause to anyone left with a handful of brain cells.
5
The defeat of Joseph Crowley by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the perfect example of how our Democratic politicians have lost touch with the ordinary Americans. She defeated Crowley by getting out into the streets and listening to the people in her community. She learned about their problems and about their hopes for the future. She then reflected those ideas in her speeches and campaign ads.
Crowley on the other hand was more in tune with the Washington crowd and the wishes of his big money contributors. He was trying very hard to succeed Nancy Pelosi than he was trying to support his constituents.
In 2016 the Democrats nominated another candidate who was more in tune with political insiders and big money contributors. If not for the intervention of the DNC, she would have lost the nomination to an individual who wasn't even a member of her party! Someone who listened to the people he was hoping to lead.
It is time for the Democratic leadership to retire and pass the torch to the next generation. Stay on to mentor and support the new leaders but let them lead the party into the 21st century before Trump and the Republicans drag the country back to the 18th.
9
Democrats following the Republican playbook of blaming your own, here's a good quote to get you back on your toes. It's describing Wisconsin's Walker.
They don't care. Do U?
"a moderate former Republican state senator, once described to me a Republican caucus meeting he attended a few years back with a prominent conservative lobbyist, which in his view illuminated his party’s current approach. “All we need is fifty per cent of the vote plus one,” the lobbyist told Schultz and his colleagues. “If we get any more than that one vote, then we didn’t push the state far enough in the direction we want to push it, because we had votes to spare. And if we lose an election we’ll win it back, and then we’ll start up where we left off.” https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/the-fall-of-wisconsin-and-the-r...
1
More, from the infamous (and unelected) Grover Norquist:
"“Donald Trump’s unexpected victory in 2016 did not lay the groundwork for Republican political dominance,” the anti-tax crusader Grover Norquist wrote after Trump’s victory. “But the March 2011 signing of Act 10, a dramatic reform of public-sector labor laws, by Wisconsin’s Scott Walker certainly did.” Since Walker signed Act 10, Republicans in many other states have passed measures restricting collective bargaining. An extreme version of Act 10 was passed in Iowa in early 2017, after Republicans seized the governorship and both houses of the state legislature for the first time since 1998. The bill, supported by Americans for Prosperity-Iowa—a non-profit group funded by the Koch brothers—eviscerated collective-bargaining rights for Iowa’s hundred and eighty thousand public workers, and it went further than Act 10 by placing some restrictions on even police and fire-department unions."
[same source]
2
When I check my email, I think of establishment Democrats: There Are No New Messages.
10
Never fear, Good People, progressive/liberal democrats and independents are electing/hiring new leaders right now. They are younger and smarter and they love the United States of America the vast majority of Americans want.
Socially Conscious Women and men are stepping up to take one-half the power to preserve/restore true democracy in OUR United States of America.
WE THE PEOPLE got complacent and didn't pay attention while the Koch brothers and their Robber Baron brethren used their inherited/stolen wealth to try to destroy OUR governments at every level with their Heritage Foundation and hard-right legal/christian organizations. WE know their game now and that The Con Don lurking around OUR white house and their other democracy-destroying operatives in OUR governments and courts are the culmination of their traitorous40+ year attempts.
WE THE PEOPLE will not stand for it. Not now. Not ever.
2
One keeps hoping that the Ds at the national level will get their act together. I'm no longer sure that's possible. 3 months out and one would think they could at least agree on a clear message with maybe 6-8 talking points. Hasn't happened.
Our best hope appears to be state and local elections and doing what several successful candidates have done - ignore the Washington folks and run your own race.
Hopefully we can recover the House IN SPITE OF the silly fools in DC
1
Jim Jordan, needs to ponder carefully his comments regarding statements of those he formerly coached when at Ohio State. My question to him: why would his former athletes lie about the abuse they say prevailed at the time? And why does he insist he knew nothing about it? He needs to read about the fiasco that occurred at Penn State several years ago. While his hero, Trump, knows and cares little about history, Jordan would be wise to reconsider his current position about what happened at Ohio State. The Republican position continues to be 'see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil.'
4
Please find a white, tall, male, who served in the armed forces and has a vocabulary of at least 120 words. I need two of them - one for this house and the other for the White house.
2
Why do the persons sought for Speaker of the House in the next Congress and President of the United States in 2020 have to be WHITE MEN?
Why not 2 persons (man or white/non-white woman), African American, Latino, Asian, Native American) "who served in the armed forces and [have] a vocabulary of at least 120 words?" Plus, it wouldn't hurt if the person is well versed in history, literature, the arts and sciences, speaks at least 1 foreign language, is witty, funny, and compassionate.
3
WOW....
So, the "House of Representatives" is back in session. Big Deal. They have done NOTHING of substance for some time.
When the 112th Congress ended last year, it was easily the least productive on record; they managed to pass just 561 out of the 6,845 bills that were introduced. The running average of bills passed each session is at 758 per year....and they couldn't even match that low standard.
5
Most of the "bills" are notices naming post offices after themselves!
4
What leadership?
If the Democrats had real leadership they would be out there in front of the cameras each and every day providing inspiration and direction to millions of Americans who are frustrated by the direction the country is headed.
They would be out there supporting the new young voices in the party rather than throwing more money at the old guard.
They would be active in 50 states, all the time, using their so-called fundraising prowess to run ads 24-7 about what's at stake with the Supreme Court nomination and Trump administration policies that are undermining the health and well being of the American people.
And let's face it, they would never have allowed Debbie Wasserman Schultz and her supporters to undermine the primary process, discouraging others from entering the 2016 election and keeping Sanders and his supporters at a continual disadvantage. Not even allowing for fair debates.
They totally have missed what is going on in the states outside NY and California. They have not a clue. Trump is as much their president as he is of the 39%.
Let's get some actual leaders who know how to get out in front of the midterms and 2020 before it's too late.
21
Democrats appear unable to effectively challenge the narrative that the Republicans are selling to the American people. They allow myths to be sold as truth and unpopular ideas to be sold as trends. Whatever version of failure this is -- whether it's a problem with communication, leadership, management, economic strategizing, etc. -- it's failure by somebody, and those somebodies ought to be replaced!
4
If Democrats don't retake the House in November, Pelosi's toast. Say what you will about her legislative record, her tenure as Speaker, then minority leader, has not done the Democrats any favor. If she doesn't resign, she'll be forced out. Count on it.
11
After 8 years of of their hateful disrespect of President Obama for being President while Black, the GOP put an unveted hateful misogynist racist liar wannabe tryant into the White House. Trump
has busted all the myths of who we thought we were, and has pushed race to the top of the conversation. We are desperate for new, younger leaders who have grown up in the world as it is who celebrate difference and can work
together to solve the real problems that face us, and not for the special interests that thwart us.
2
One of the worst fact about our Congressmen is- none, absolutely none of them represent the 2nd largest (non) religious group (only after Christianity as a whole) of American people- the Atheists and agnostic people, who constitute about 25 percent of Americans now. That percentage is even higher among millennials (about 40 percent). It would the largest groups if we consider different clans/sects/tribes of Christianity. Trump's core vote bank and the largest Christian sect of evangelicals constitute about 23 percent.
The systematic rigging of American economy and growing socioeconomic inequality was and still is deeply linked to similar attack on public education infusing more religious superstitions that inherently promote ignorance and feudal society with unquestionable or blind trust on 'higher power/authority' (God or otherwise).
All these qualities are essential to promote and sustain such unequal society and political system that is totally self-destructive to vast majority of working class voters and future generations. That's why late 1970s and early 1980s (mainly Reagan era) is so important and indicate the start of the current rot in American economy and political system that ultimately led to the rise of a person like Trump.
8
The party of Joe McCarthy has come a long way. Six republican senators in Russia doing what!? And a party leader president meeting with Putin in private who is Putin-want-to-be and sees him as a friend. Republican leadership is doing everything in its power to empower a president who doesn’t believe in our constitution and would rewrite it in his own image. Yes, it’s time for leadership change in both houses of congress. We must end dominance of the party of Putin in November. Congress must reassert itself and reign in a would be dictator.
7
Given the fractious nature of our politics on the national level, the leadership struggles among the Republicans and Democrats does not surprise me. Over the past 18 months, with both Houses of Congress controlled by the Republicans, they have clearly shown a contempt and disdain for most Americans by trying (several times) to strip them of health care through their attempts to repeal the ACA (which, while not perfect, goes a long way towards providing the type of comprehensive health care most needed among Americans) and passing an egregious tax law last December whose benefits will redound significantly to the corporate elite at the expense of the poor and working class .
Frankly, I don't care about the Republicans because they don't care a whit about everyday people in this country who work hard, try to lead a balanced life, and abide by the rules consistent with living in a democratic society.
As for the Democrats in the House, while I'm heartened by the victory of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the recent NY primary, I feel that Nancy Pelosi should step aside from pursuing again the House Speakership should the Democrats win control of the House in November. She could put her considerable experience to better use in the background. I'm not adverse to having Steny Hoyer as an interim House Speaker. BUT -- following the first budgetary season in the new Congress -- the Democrats would be wise to choose a new (younger) Speaker.
4
I'm from Ohio, and still have Family and friends there. Jim Jordan is a well known Weasel. There is absolutely NO doubt in my mind that he knew all about the sexual abuse occurring for YEARS, in his very own small section.
Penn State, anyone ??? Sure, make HIM the new GOP House Leader. A perfect representative for the " family Values " Party. That's if those values include covering up abuse then lying about it, when caught. SAD.
12
Voters have no say in who the leader of the House is. I have yet to hear of any member of congress who makes keeping Nancy Pelosi as leader a central point of his or her campaign for (re)election. Ms. Pelosi should step down. She is less popular with the Democratic voting populace than she is with House members, and inertia, as much as any other factor, is at work there.
The argument about geographical distribution of the leadership of the Democratic caucus is one that deserves attention and action. A Democrat from Texas? you ask? Or Iowa, maybe? Absolutely. Regional representation in leadership as well as the body should be part of the plan, not a serendipitous accident.
3
Here's some reading for you (the comment section). Seems you missed the news that she gets the votes because she does the job: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/16/opinion/nancy-pelosi-conor-lamb.html
I'd agree it's time for her to step down, but the fact-free insults are thick on the ground about her.
4
@Glen,
Might I remind you, sir that YOUR party has a dearth of leadership at the moment. The republican "Leader" (Paul Ryan) is beyond lame duck status; which is amazing, considering they have complete control of the US Government.
Perhaps your focus on Ms. Pelosi is a bit short sighted.
3
The best thing for the Democratic party and country would be for Nancy Pelosi to step down, but mentor the new leader for the next two years. No one can argue that she is a strong leader and her years of experience are invaluable. Democrats are ready for new leadership, as was seen in Ocasio-Cortez's recent victory over Crowley. This young cadre of Democrat Congressional hopefuls has formed a coalition called Brand New Congress. Visit their website. Look at the MSDHS students who are traveling around the country mobilizing and registering voters. They have a huge following on social media and the turnout to their rallies has been substantial. A majority of Americans want change. The Democratic demographic favors youth and new ideas. It's time for the older party leaders to accept that and pass the mantle on to a new generation.
16
Let's keep it simple. It's too easy to blame Democrats for being in the minority, which is a form of victim blaming. Sure, we'd all love to win, but the Republicans are responsible, not Democrats. They have been unified in assuming they are a one-party government and bear no responsibility to the majority of Americans, who did not vote for them. Cheating and bullying, just like Trump.
I'm all for fresh blood, but the assumptions that the outcome would have been different are a success for opposition work that wants you to ignore reality. Obama had a Republican-proof majority (60 in the senate) for almost 5 months, between the seating of Al Franken and Kennedy's illness and death. With a unified opposition, circular firing squads are self-defeating.
So here's the simple part:
They don't care. Do U?
5
Jeff Beals, a progressive Democrat, decided to run for Congress in New York in the recent primaries. This American Life, an excellent public radio program, documented his experience and how the party's entrenched "gatekeepers" fought against him and his campaign.
It's worth hearing.
https://www.thisamericanlife.org/649/its-my-party-and-ill-try-if-i-want-to
A relatively small group of Democratic Party elite are anything but democratic in their attempts to control who runs and who wins. It's certainly not the way to build a new generation of leadership that can deal effectively with this country's serious problems.
This a a potentially-fatal flaw that may have cost them the Presidency in 2016, and may cost them the House and Senate in November.
7
Perhaps the primary reason I might note cast my ballot this fall, as one who has long tended Democratic, is Mrs. Pelosi.
2
Shrewd
Beneath the photograph of Nancy Pelosi the caption reads, "Representative Nancy Pelosi has made clear that she wants to be speaker again and has dismissed talk of a replacement." That speaks volumes. What Ms. Pelosi does not understand is it is NOT about what SHE wants - it is about what THE PEOPLE want. Her career ambitions mean nothing. The Democratic Party needs new leadership, younger people with fresh ideas and a clear, concise message about where the party needs to go. We do not have a message - we have Ms. Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, and a host of career politicians who are way past the retirement age and are VERY out of touch with their base and with the country. They all need to step aside and let new people step up and lead the party and the country to prosperity.
9
..., the challenge at hand for the Democratic Leadership is aptly described by Machiavelli (with few current day adjustments):
“The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler/leader is to look at the men/women he/she has around him/her.”
The Democratic Leadership is no longer representative of the voters, whom they seek to sway.
Whether the Democratic Leadership dares to make the changes needed, remains to be seen ...
4
The Republican Party is in disarray because it sold its soul to one Donald J Trump. The Democrats are in disarray because the Party is in a no-holds-barred search for its soul.
13
The best thing Nancy Pelosi could do right now for the sake of all the Democratic House candidates standing for election in 2018 is to announce today that under no circumstance will she accept another term as House leader after the 2018 election. She has been a good leader, but voters in both parties still want change and Nancy is tainted by being a 20th Century Democrat in the 21st Century.
3
I see a need for some new blood to lead the Democrats. When Tom Perez was elected chair I was disappointed as Mr. Perez didn't, in my view, bring anything new to the table. It was a continuation of the same ole, same ole. While Mary Beth Cahill was elected CEO I have yet to see anything dynamic come out of the DNC. The game has changed dramatically in the last year and one half and, to put it in a sports phrase, the Democrats need to up their game. A change in the Dem House minority speaker would be a good place to start. As Trump needs to put the constitution above his plundering of democracy, the Dems need to put party above power struggles.
3
"...the Dems need to put party above power struggles..."
They need to put the people above their party. Somehow i can't see that happening, save for a handful of the newer crop.
Take the big money out of politics and give the government back to the people. As long as you have special interests and the millions of dollars in contributions supporting special interests through politicians (thanks to the SCOTUS) neither party will change. While we’re at it, get rid of the Electoral College and address Gerrymandering to make voting fair and representative of all districts, counties and states.
Unfortunately, many politicians in congress including the President have sold their souls to greed and corruption for self enrichment at the expense of the country. A never ending cycle and nothing new, has been happening for decades.
7
The leadership of both parties have issues, but the stakes for America are wildly different.
The current democratic leadership rose to power through a steady grasp of how to work the long-standing institutions of both the Democratic Party and the government. They are not boat-rockers; they are committed to a status quo which no longer exists.
Centrism, moderation, civility, avoiding fights they couldn't win... Pelosi and Schumer ceded ground time after time to the point where the Democrats have become irrelevant. They've become a party of reaction to Republican moves.
Neither Pelosi nor Schumer have anything compelling to offer as a vision for America and where it should be going. They need to move left - because they've been drifting right for decades chasing a GOP sinking into far right extremism. It's time to be Democrats again and push back hard.
Without Trump as a focus, they'd still be facing a Republican Party united by one goal: maintaining its grasp on power by any means necessary. Democrats spent 8 years under Obama trying to seek common ground with a party out to destroy them, even if it means taking America down too - as is happening.
The Republican leadership dilemma is simpler. Are they going to go all the way to full fascism if that's the only way to hang onto power? GOP Senators going to Moscow to cozy up to a Russia that the Senate Intelligence Committee confirmed attacked our elections to put Trump in power signals what choice they have made.
6
Nothing but hypocrites, liars, and deniers to choose from in the GOP side of the aisle, apparently. A morally and ethically bankrupt party continuing its destruction of America. Wake up voters. Any Democrat is morally, mentally, and ethically superior to Every Republican Trump apologist.
7
Both Party's leadership is rancid and stale. Our entire Congress is, generally, a rubber stamp for the groups that support them financially. Congress must reassert themselves as a independent and EQUAL body of governance.
Our need as a nation is first: severely restrictive campaign finance reform laws that are enforced.A recall provision in the senate. A third political party of substance, if for no other reason other than to keep the two we have honest and focused on their constituency.
Our system of checks and balances have failed under Trump. Along with a politicized SC, this failure is an open invitation to a would be tyrant.
5
Nancy Pelosi has done a good job as leader, but now it is time for a new generation of younger Democrats to choose a new leader unburdened by the past. Nancy is too tied with 20th Century politics, as was Hillary. Maybe Bernie Sanders would be POTUS today if the Democratic leadership would have given him a fighting chance. Too many voters wanted change and we got the same old same old. Don't make the same mistake again. Even though she is not really to blame, Nancy is a lightening rod for all the malice the Republicans are spewing. And with Trump as their leader they are spewing a lot of malice.
4
There is no doubt we do not need Russia in the mix.
1
If Nancy Pelosi wants to be remembered as a leader, as a champion of Liberal values (real Liberal, not fake American 'we used to be Republican' Liberal), she will choose a successor, groom him or her within an inch of their life, get out of the way and set them free in plenty of time to impact the coming election.
And then back whatever moves may come with the whole force of her political being.
Tall order, granted, but a real leader could pull it off.
6
Look, Pelosi wants her chairmanship back, and I want a pony. For the sake of my neighbors, I will not get a pony. And Pelosi is not doing the anemic Democrats any favors by "making it clear she wants to be speaker again".
18
Before Trump and Putin stole the election, Hillary stole the Democratic primary. With the aid of the rest of her entrenched cronies. By rigging the way votes are generated and counted, and reported. This and other national papers tacitly colluded with the national Democrat machine, to suppress a true “people’s champion”. Imagine how history might have been different if the people who thought they knew better just depended on the popular vote, instead of bizarre undemocratic rigging. The reality is, the national media and the two major national parties have only delayed generational shift by four years, to the great cost of the nation. And Trump. Nobody gives up their power willingly, the game is cooked, by people who ought to be well retired at this point. Constant change avoids cataclysmic change. Get out of the way and let it happen.
5
I realize I'm being trolled here, but once again (for the 100th time)...
1) The DNC scheduled the SAME NUMBER of debates in 2016 as were scheduled in the previous election cycle, and then added MORE when the Sanders campaign asked for them. These debates were the highest-viewed Dem debates in TV history. Bernie Sanders DROPPED in the polls after EVERY debate. There was no "rigging" here.
2) The state primaries are controlled by the STATES, and not a single one was changed from the way they were held in the previous election cycle. The DNC refusing to pressure the states to change their primaries at the last second, solely to benefit Bernie Sanders is NOT "rigging" the primaries. It is actually the exact opposite of that.
3) The Superdelegate system has been in place for DECADES, and the Sanders campaign had as a designer one of the people who DESIGNED that system. Sanders KNEW that the SD's would always back the nominee who had the most state delegates. Always. This is why he concentrated his efforts on trying to win the early caucuses rather than attempting to woo any of the SD's to back him... his strategy was to build up early momentum and rack up state wins knowing that the SD's would fall in line and back the winning nominee. This strategy fell apart when his "revolution" never showed up, he lost Iowa, and he never once in the entire primary led in state delegate counts. The SD's refusing to back a nominee who refused to ask for their support is NOT "rigging".
Hmmm -- have to say I agree with Pelosi regarding the lack of class involved with shouting down the other party in public. That's one cultural divide I cannot cross. Let's all hold hands and sing kumbaya, but if certain folks think it's cool to act like five year olds and scream in shrill voices, so be it. But it gives the left a bad name just as racism gives the right a bad name. Let's don't add fuel to the right's fire. When minorities act according to ancient stereotype, it doesn't help anyone. And shrieking and acting like an uneducated child, I hope, is a long ago stereotype. Could we please act like mature classy adults, not screeching, face-slapping hooligans? And if we agree that leadership should be reshaped, that's ok too, But please don't insult people.
3
Meanwhile Trump, installed by Putin, is tearing apart American institutions and the Western alliance. He'll further degrade this in the upcoming NATO meetings and then go and meet privately with the guy who handed him the Presidency (Putin) and get his latest marching orders. At the same time he'll be insulating himself from criminal prosecution by loading up the Supreme Court which may be called on as the final arbiter in the Trump saga. What a fast decline to banana republic status! Lunacy!
3
Enough with the Russia remarks they are unproven. Stick with the real issues. Clinton lost because of her very own hubris. Lunacy indeed.
7
A very informative article, thank you NYT. It boils down to fair elections, people actually willing to get off their butts and go vote and EVERYONE having an EQUAL vote, which we don't. In a presidential election there is no way to reconcile the current fact that a persons vote from Montana should count three times more than someone from NY or Calif, after all there is no one holding a gun to their heads saying they have to live in Montana. One person one vote.
1
The Democrats had not have a vision in the 25 to 30 years. She did not do a good job when she was speaker. Step down and think about the party and not yourself.
9
The problem for the Dems is identity politics and all of the different factions needs. Not all minorities, LGBT, or women think alike. I for one got sick of Black ministers railing against homosexuals then have liberal Democrat candidates come around to those very pulpits and rally for votes and not say a word about their homophobia.
3
Dear Democrats, I thought that by now you should have understood that what your party as well as your country needs is “new blood”, new ideas, new energy - and not “more of the same”! You need to dare and to inspire, to challenge and to be bold to invigorate politics. How on earth would you expect these to come from a group of “around 80s” ??
11
At this time the Democrats have no leadership and the Republicans are trying for an oligarchy form of government.
So it is super important that we get involved with our government and get out and vote.
5
It's not about giving more money to politicians. If the citizens of this country are not motivated enough to get off the couch, grab friends and a few strangers, to vote in these midterms and 2020 elections...then they deserve whatever comes to them with a Trump presidency, his administration and the Republican-led congress.
Our country is clearly a mess. It won't be fixed by Barack Obama, by re-litigating the 2016 election or waiting for Bob Mueller to release his report and hope that it opens the process for impeachment.
It all comes down to what we, as citizens of our country, value and want from our government and our elected representation. For years, decades in fact...our country has been asleep at the wheel allowing our representatives to game the system for the financial elite and their own political survival.
It's time to make your voice heard loud and clear...on the streets this summer/fall and at the ballot box in November!
6
It's easy to say negative things about the current administration and the Republicans; they do a lot of negative things. But the Democrats have to start doing the hard work of showing they can be positive. Don't just tear Trump down -- build yourselves up. Positive campaigning is much more difficult than negative narrative about "the other guy." Don't tell us what they're going to do TO us -- tell us what you're going to do FOR us.
I've never been a fan of straight ticket voting; it strikes me as the lazy way out. I will admit, though, that this year I'm probably going to vote straight Democrat. I hope I'll be voting FOR a progressive, reasonable platform, instead of having to vote AGAINST a bunch of reactionary twits.
10
Yes folks both party's, and their leadership, are completely broken. They have been for a very long time. The pinnacle of broken came with the nomination of Clinton and Trump.
The signs were there fro decades of two political parties, with very wealthy benefactors, pushing their own selfish agendas. The doors were open wide when the Supreme Court found fro Citien's United. This, allowing near unlimited flow of money to buy elections. Both parties went on a spree to get money, and get elected, and not do their jobs. his, at mostly all levels of government.
ow, we the people, are watching government corruption at its dirtiest. If Watergate is a measuring stick, it now does not show up on the radar.
What we have are politicians completely disconnected from those who serve, a lying and corrupt president/administration, and GOP/Democratic leaders who survive by dividing the electorate on so called "wedge" issues. And, a suppose full time Congress, working less than 5 months out of the year, doing nothing but obstruct and fight among themselves.
The so called "swam", that Trump called it, is now a tar pit full of self centered, greedy, inept politicians. That has even tainted the court system.
If you wondered why Greek Democracy and Roman Republic failed, and turned to autocracy, your are getting a live lesson in history: Greed and power.
19
Maybe these Misrepresentatives could think a little more clearly about America is they passed a new law limiting campaign contributions to $1000 OR by passing single-payer, publicly financed campaign financing AND outlawing 0.1% campaign poison.
But alas, they all 'struggle" with their 'representation while dangling from the 0.1% teat.
Crowley was not "a popular lawmaker"; he was a corporate financed lawmaker; his opponent rejected corporate corruption and deferred to the support of the voters.
Congress has to start representing regular people, not just rich people.
"the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die." - Ted Kennedy
96
The turnout was 12% of the eligible voters in the primary that took down Crowley.
Machine politicians get lazy about keeping up their rosters of reliable voters when they don't ever get primaried.
3
Hillary outspent Trump 2 to 1 and still lost.
Even with the backing of 98 percent of the media.
So money is not the problem. Obviously.
You quote Ted Kennedy? Seriously? His thirst and greed for power were so great he died in office rather than resign.
11
George Orwell....if Hillary had paid attention to voters instead of donors, then she would have won the Electoral College as well as the popular vote (which she did win)...so money is in fact the problem.
Way to miss the point.
The Democrats desperately need fresh leadership. I'm 78--the same age as Nancy Pelosi and her two equally geriatric colleagues, Steny Hoyer and James Clyburn. If they want to ensure a blue wave in November, they should announce their retirement as the leadership in the House. The energy is all coming from young, progressive, largely female candidates. Pelosi-Hoyer-Clyborn troika represent the antiquated, status quo establishment that led to the debacle of 2016. For the good of the Democratic Party, and for the good, maybe even the very survival, of our democracy, they must step aside. It's a "Profile in Courage" moment for the Democrats-in the House as well as the Senate--as the fate of the nation rests in their hands.
53
Well stated. Those "careerists" that spend the majority of their lives in a position that quite possibly was not intended to be a lifetime career become entrenched, stale, lack new ideas and will attempt to tell us that seniority counts. It may at this present time.
That is why we need to not just rinse and repeat, but throw the well worn laundry out and start fresh. That goes for both parties.
6
I agree with you. Time to retire.
1
I agree. Well stated. I'm the same age. This comment is not a bumper sticker that passes for deep analysis with the trolls, it is insightful and worth passing on.
1
Can we all just agree:
The system is broken.
18
Even the English language seems to have been broken.
1
Yes it is and the definition of insanity would be to try to fix it by doing the same thing again. We desperately need more than two parties. This is what the country is screaming for, which explains Bernie and Trump - outsiders both. Nobody loves the Democrats; nobody loves the GOP. Start over. Start fresh. And for goodness' sake, please give us more than two choices so we don't have to keep choosing "the evil of two lessers" (which is how most people felt about Hillary and Trump).
1
The United States Army moves leaders to new positions on a two or three year interval. Each leader gets maximum experience in as many fields as possible. It also serves as a deterrent to unhealthy personal relationships that might make a leader promote one soldier over another because of friendship instead of that person’s evaluation report. By the time a general reaches Pelosi’s age he has been retired for twenty years or so. The Democrats need revitalized leadership. The idea that after years in the wilderness the only one who can lead them is the one that sent them to the wilderness is ludicrous.
34
Insecure leaders always develop weak benches.
10
Of course SHE wants to be Speaker again, please Nancy you've been looking like a deer in headlights for quite some time now, step aside and give someone else a shot. Your way of doing things has come and gone. Or simply just don't run again. For anything.
22
Eve Harrington agrees with you, Margo.
1
Instead of worrying for the leadership question or attempting the respective party performance in the current House, which otherwise was not much inspiring, it's better to wait for the new surprises to be sprung by the November midterms, and reserve judgments for the future.
That is just too logical for us.
3
Rand Paul is looking increasingly normal and more than viable as both major parties drift further and further from the center. This is much bigger than party leadership in my view. I think there are a growing number of Americans who are closer to center on many issues but they don't have a choice unless they leave their democrat or republican tribe.
3
Pelosi, Schumer, Ryan and McConnell. The do nothing brigade.
16
What ever do you people think is going on. Why are we talking about Democratic short comings. Our country has been the victim of a fascist coup. The Republicans are no more, they are Trumpists and aim for a one party system in perpetuity.
Our Constitution is ignored by the administration and the president, who lost the popular vote and he shall soon have a Supreme Court which effectively amends that Constitution with every decision. If you don’t realize that our liberty and the very rule of law is on the line you soon will.
Right now we have the fascist Trumpists in power and we have a choice. We can vote for thieving, greedy traitors to our Constitution or we can vote for an imperfect Democratic party. The perfect should not become the enemy of the good. I am a very old man and when I was a kid I asked my father what was the difference between the parties. He told me that sometimes the Democrats throw the people a bone with some meat on it, the Republicans - never. This fascist regime is trying to claw back what ever benefits we got from government, liquidate it into tax cuts for the rich and is telling us to die faster because our labor is no longer required.
At least the Democrats listen to the voters, the Republicans listen only to money and winning for themselves. If American voters fail to act and take back control of the legislative branch we risk being being sucked into a moral and political black hole from which we shall not emerge in this century if ever.
38
I haven't seen the US do the right thing on a timely basis in my lifetime. It is certain to be overwhelmed by the quickening pace of events on this shrinking planet.
10
Nicholas Fandos and Thomas Kaplan give us an update on the jockeying for leadership positions by Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill. Without criticizing the good reporting, it must be said that, for most voters, none of this may matter.
What should matter and what definitely matters to those of us Democrats who make fairly hefty donations directly and through the Democratic Party to Democrats running for office is success on November 6th.
We want to avoid having the Party hamper those candidates.
We want a strong performance by Democrats willing to take on the outrageous actions of Donald Trump and the cowardly, unprincipled obedience to him of Republican politicians.
If a good Democratic candidate has party funds withheld because he or she dares to call for Nancy Pelosi or Charles Schumer to relinquish leadership positions in the House or Senate, then the leadership of the Democratic Party needs to be changed immediately.
10
On the subject of money, I spent more than 40 years in the advertising/marketing/media business. The past generational model of big media spends on very costly ads is over, having been abused by the consultants, politicians and media itself. The billions of dollars spent have not galvanized any political movement as much as the "editorial" spew of Limbaugh, Hannity and company, which is basically without merit or loyalty, witnessed by Bush 1 and 2, who've been trashed by the same once-supportive crew. Grassroots is again the vehicle, unfortunately few of the current crop of either party are goods at it, since the "mentors" have all died literally or figuratively, and the consultants are out-to-lunch.
8
Pelosi and Schumer are both lacking in vision and message. As result, Trump is able to fill the vacuum with his divisive message.
22 senators from red states with a combined population less than that of CA will determine the direction of the supreme court for decades. These senators from rural communities use their office to impose their culture and values on the vast majority of american citizens in urban communities whose values and culture they do not share.
CA, NY, MA and NJ represent 27.3% of US economy and are all donor states while MT, WY, ND and SD are all recipient states that represent 1% of US economy.
Leadership needs to make it crystal clear that if they want the "blue" states to continue to fund their welfare program they need to stop their attacks on the very hands that feed them.
Leadership needs to state that a price will be paid for this continued abuse of the majority of american citizens by this minority.
The nation is waiting---will the democrats answer the call.
22
What a farce it is to have the entire court system packed with people who can't even honestly discuss what an "establishment of religion" is.
10
No, DB, I doubt the Dems will take notice I don't see any viable candidates waiting in the wings.
East Coast / West Coast vs. the south and the heartland.
Ridiculous !!
Get over your differences and just vote.
Really we all bleed and excrete wastes daily , we all have good / bad days and all experience loss of loved ones.
We all age out of existence too.
Block out the political banter and nationalistic diatribes encouraged by trump the treasonous
And vote.
In a few short months ,as I knew before trump was voted into office by the electoral college;
He has been aided and abetted ;and the whole group of his supporters and followers ,have taken our fragile democratic framework down.
Every co equal branch of government has been taken over by Russia thru their water boy Donald the yellow king and pence the gay guy ..... who wont admit it. Man crush on donnie.
Maxine Waters has my undying allegiance along with any brave souls that publicly call out the autocrats.
And nothing about our collective sin of children still in cages here. .?
All focus on the Thailand boys stuck in a cave. .?
They walked in with their coach ..... right??
Why ?
10
"Maxine Waters has my undying allegiance along with any brave souls that publicly call out the autocrats."
I was with you until this statement. I ask you - what exactly has Ms. Waters outsmarted since she's been in Congress? How many lives have been improved because of her? Even most African Americans can't answer that question when asked.
3
You certainly have Pence nailed. The villains of these fools are what they hate about themselves.
2
The Democratic Party's leadership is rancid, rigid and out of touch, like the Supreme Soviet circa 1982. They care more about ideas than people. Members are judged more on how good a fundraiser they are rather than how well they actually engage with and fight for their constituents.
Under Pelosi's leadership the GOP has wrestled away all three major branches of government in addition to controlling the majority of governorships and state legislatures.
Mrs. Clinton lost to an upstart politician promising change...8 years earlier. It's beyond arrogance that the Democratic Leadership would think she would still be relevant in 2016.
47
Republican money backs the weakest Democratic candidates in primaries.
2
Either the Democrats stupidly expect to convince voters that they are right and good by treating the voters like obstreperous children, nagging at them to vote for luke warm policies and hated candidates. Or the Democratic machine is so captured by big money that the politicians take the megadough, and agree to play the role of loser in the fake elections we go through every other year.
3
It's time for a complete overhaul Pelosi, Schumer etc. they are beholden to their donors just as much as the republicans, and it's time for them to go.
2
The media continues to do a wonderful job of keeping The Fake of Fake's name front and center and presenting his words, whatever the lie of the day is, at the top of the news lead. You have promoted him and his lies from day 1, without context or perspective. You treat "tweets" as if they are actual policy rather than insults and the lies that they are. You started this from the time he rode down on his escalator to the applause of his paid crowd of actors. You were late to America's funeral preparations and continue to be late for the on-going funeral. R.I.P. to the America I remember.
18
if the media could just ignore him for a week, he would implode.
3
This very paper hasn't stopped since 2016. And yes I wish the press would leave him alone for just one day. Just to see what happens.
Leadership, now that is a word which does not come to mind when thinking of Democrats or Republicans. The words I think of would not get any ink.
17
For 78 yr old Nancy Pelosi to have successfully shut down plans for succession while we are seeing no decent thoughtful campaign or platform to turn out Democrats in the history-making 2018 midterms is selfishness of the highest order.
But no one is behaving more selfishly than Maxine Waters.
10
Agreed with you until Waters remark. She's just doing her part in the kabuki theatre.
1
The public is in a codependent relationship with the conservative Republican movement. The signs are there: anxiety about the future, lack of trust, extreme need, to name a few. Just ask a therapist. While Trump is codependent on public adulation, conservative Republicans sneak through their nefarious plans for a suffering middle class. The public is codependent with current Democratic leadership, too. We need their inaction to feed our anger. Dems, a dysfunctional family, are consistent in their ability to disappoint. There are lots of promises, but little action. No wonder the public is angry! We are still angry about 11/16. Even one small measure like congestion pricing, in a local area like Manhattan, could show the public that Dems are actually capable of being the leaders of our national family. We wait, like children waiting for an neglectful parent to change.
8
Nancy Pelosi's boasts that she is an expert fundraiser makes about as much sense as if I were to brag about the $5,000 Prada suit I wore to my last 10 job interviews - but was sitting here unemployed.
Honestly, what possible good is it to spend ungodly amounts of other people's money if that cash is not turned into electoral victories?
Pelosi oversaw Democrats losing the House in a "shellacking" in 2010, largely due to her letting the GOP dictate the narrative about Obamacare. Since then, it has been one very expensive election defeat after another. And absolutely no change in strategy from her part.
I am absolutely terrified about November's midterms. We have a completely unhinged, aspiring dictator in the White House, a spineless "Country Over Party" GOP, a Supreme Court shortlist culled from the fringes of the far right - need I go on? But what is the most terrifying is that the Democratic leadership has done precisely NOTHING to clarify their party's position on issues, expand their voter base, and fight strategically in the age of Trump. Every day I am less convinced of a "Blue Wave" of any magnitude, because the Democratic leadership has learned nothing from November 2016. And all of Pelosi's money will not change that.
45
In life we all reach a point when we realize that we need to pass the torch. It is best to do it while you are still on the top of your game, whatever that may be. Sadly, particularly with Ms. Pelosi, she is so deaf to the world outside the beltway, she can’t/won’t recognize that she is an albatross around the neck of Dem candidates, and a lighting rod for the Trumpers. In the classic words that Leopold Amery spoke in 1940, imploring Prime Minister Chamberlain to step down “'You have sat too long here for any good you have been doing. In the name of God, go!''
23
Throwing Maxine Waters under the trump train was unacceptable. I may not agree with how she said it, but her statements showed passion and strenghth and standing up for morality. That is what Democrats should have said. If caged children don't make you passionate and angry, nothing will. I used to support Pelosi as a powerful and successful woman. Now I see that she and Schumer need to go from leadership. Make room for younger people who see that the key is unity. Don't disparage one of your own because her rhetoric got a little heated. Now is not the time to stay "civil". Our country is under attack from without and within. Passion is needed to carry the day.
21
One of the problems with past Democratic leadership in NC is the lack of mentoring the younger generation to step in and take over. This is very evident at the national level. Currently, senior (ity) seems to be the only criteria for leadership in the Democratic party. This is not a wise course of action as the echo boomers are swelling the voter ranks.
7
A big part of the problem is the state party chairpersons who have put their out-of-date ideas on who will be most likely to win over who has the best character.
1
It appears we start the week with a false equivalency article asserting both Democrats and Republicans are in disarray over their House leadership. The reality isn’t remotely comparable.
The House GOP is gripped by numerous retirements and the resignation of their ineffective leader Ryan. Facing a backlash at the polls for their supine and chaotic inability to legislate all but one bill (tax cuts for the rich and large corporations), the House GOP is being torn apart by a vicious leadership contest between the far right “Freedom Caucus Leader Rep. Jordan, who is credibly accused to ignoring sexual abuse when coaching college wrestling, and other far right members like Rep. Scalise.
The House Democrats, under the competent leadership of Rep. Pelosi, mostly approve of her leadership but seek to prepare for the leadership of the caucus in the near future. Widely respected for her ability to hold together her House colleagues, Pelosi is secure in her job over the short run.
The two aren’t alike, folks.
8
Republicans are happy to lose the House by a seat or two to the Democrats - this will keep Pelosi around as the Speaker and allow Trump to run for reelection against Pelosi and "obstructionist" Democrats. Being in the minority will also allow the House Republicans to shelve their internecine battles.
4
As I look back on memories I have collected over the years, what strikes me hardest is the unchanging aspect of the political class. Once in power their faces seldom change and the intermittent flickers of hope brought by new ideas are soon snuffed out. The party machines are vested in their own perpetuation, financed by moneyed interests who remain hidden and protected. To go about one's daily life, while our government of, by and for the people continues in this manner, becomes harder and harder for many who are not highly adapted to the winner take all mindset.
As a lifelong Democrat, I have no interest or respect for superannuated shills who offer the same watered-down policies while they wring their hands over marginal issues with no relevance to a majority of people who want what was once the bread and butter of progressives. The Republicans have their rallying cries that are repeated ad-nauseum. Why can't the Democrats push hard on a simple slogan like Medicare for All? At least it would be a start. If all the Democratic politicians are interested in is having their lily-white marble statues on display in their imaginary places in posterity, they deserve to lose. The eventual collapse of Republican Party will bring about the needed changes in any case.
19
The Wall Street-backed corporate wing of the party is ancient and clinging to power by it's purse strings. Clinton and Trump were the two worst choices ever! But the fact that Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump both drew crowds of 10 to 30,000 on a regular basis, while Clinton averaged crowds of 300 people tells me that we can thank the Wall Street Democrats, who favor foreign manufacturing and US war machine investments and pay-to-play politics as usual, for the mess we are stuck with now. And if the Democratic Party does not clean house and present a real platform that addresses family issues like Health Care, Education, Mass Incarceration, and Extreme Poverty that is due to low wages and legislation that has created the worst income inequality in the world, well then, we may be looking at these near fascists winning in the future. It's as much about a corrupt Democratic Party that does not represent the people.
25
The Dems are playing the same games that Hill played i 2016. Putting the rights of illegal immigrants over those of their own citizens. It's partially what lost her the election and they will lose again if they continue along these lines. Give us a decent candidate and soon.
2
As I understand it, the purpose of fund raising is to sell your product. If not enough people are buying your product, then it really doesn't matter how much money you have raised. When one is living life at the edge, with the constant fear that a health or financial disaster is just an eyeblink away, while realizing that there is no social safety net to protect you, is it any wonder that the underwhelming, incremental vision of the Wall Street Democrats is not a must-buy product?
19
I have a very modest proposal for resolving the Republican and Democratic Party leadership disputes. Put Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer, Chuck Schumer, Dick Durbin, Paul Ryan, Kevin McCarthy Mitch McConnell and John Cornyn on the first manned space ship landing on the surface of the Sun. Since the landing will take place at night they need not worry about their safety.
8
I want to join the chorus of Democrats calling for both Schumer and Pelosi to resign there leadership positions.
The sooner the better for we need new ideas and a new outlook for the country.
Pelosi certainly has to go if the Democratic Party takes control. Ask yourself what did she do during Obama presidency and what is she doing now?
Please get out of the way, you have had your run.
20
Listening to both of them speak is painful.
Neither has the fire in the belly that is needed.
8
That fire burned out long ago.
Pelosi would do the party well by stepping aside for a less controversial, entrenched member of congress. In her time she may have lead the house to accomplish some good legislation, but it is time for her to back down. Assist in finding some she can help become a competent leader. First the democrats have to take over the house.
I can hope.
17
Ahhh, Mr. Jordan is back, ready to do his cult leader and master's bidding. Holier than thou, I call it lies when he claims he knew nothing about the sexual crimes occurring under his nose. Then his cult leader comes out to say...I believe him 100%. This is what a morally corrupt government looks like, a cult leader who himself has been accused by numerous women of sexual abuse and a follower who says...I know nothing, all these people are lying. No, it is YOU who are lying, it is your master that has lied, not the victims.
26
Pelosi has "a reputation as a masterful legislator and fund-raiser?"
Fundraising, sure. That is how the Speakership has been secured and exercised since Gingrich and his GOPAC.
What legislation? She is Ms. "Embrace-The-Suck." She delivered the bad news to Obama for 8 years about what she could not do, and before that rolled over for Dubya.
If Democrats want to be anything more than fundraisers for their own next run for office, they'll need to move on a different leadership.
78
"What legislation? "
1) Obama was about to give up on the affordable care act===the master legislator Pelosi figured out how to get it passed
2) Pelosi advised Obama to make the initial stimulus package bigger, with a bigger set of direct investments rather than tax breaks. He ignored her, thus the unemployment numbers did not fall as far as they would have before the 2010 election, resulting in the GOP sweep and, taking control of the Speakership away from Pelosi.
Another common term here asked whether I work for Pelosi. I do not, but I have been following what happens in Congress much as people follow their sports teams because I believe it is my role in a democracy. Pelosi is an effective speaker. Republicans understand that. which is why they demonize her. Democrats should not reject her because she, what, looks old? Is not much for sound bites?
She certainly has put together an important agenda. EG for infrastructure:
https://www.c-span.org/video/?440922-1/house-democrats-unveil-infrastruc...
https://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/425315/nancy_pelosi%3A_the...
https://www.democraticleader.gov/110th/
https://www.democraticleader.gov/111th/
What good is being a prolific fundraiser if that money hasn't given us any more congressional seats? The money certainly hasn't improved the lives of working class Americans, otherwise they would have voted for democrats. If Pelosi is a masterful legislator, please tell me what masterful legislation we can celebrate, because I see everything being torn apart.
150
" If Pelosi is a masterful legislator, please tell me what masterful legislation we can celebrate, because I see everything being torn apart."
How about ACA? Does that count?
7
That’s the Being torn apart thing.
1
Of course it counts, I used ACA between jobs. But ACA is almost history now, dismantled one component at a time. Why? Because the prolific fundraiser couldn't help elect enough democrats to secure a majority to fight it.
17
The ageism oozing out of this piece is regrettable. Chronological age is merely a number; the important evaluative factor is effectiveness.
In the interest of common sense why not stop the bickering, win the election, and then let Ms. Pelosi and her team serve another session with a firm agreement to relinquish power in 2020 and to bring two or three of the new winners onto the leadership team as potential successors. Let the cream rise to the top and get on with the mission of restoring what this miserable administration and Congress have done to the national common interest.
12
Oh yeah, because 2 more years without coherent plans and ideas will get the Dems into power.
23
Pelosi looks lost, she stammers when asked questions looks confused and has been this way for quite some time. Do you remember the whole insider trading thing attached to her? What a mess, and she has not been a good leader by any stretch. Time for new blood and energy. She and so many others like her have become lost and far too insulated within the confines of DC and have lost touch with their constituents needs.
1
There's plenty of room for improvement. The Gallup poll on honesty and ethics in professions puts members of Congress third from the bottom. https://news.gallup.com/poll/1654/honesty-ethics-professions.aspx
9
A pox on both their houses. Congressional approval 19%. It's been in this range for
y e a r s! Why do we do this to ourselves?
43
Ladies and gentleman, our country is in deep trouble and as long as He and his Republican posse of 'see, hear and speak no evil' holds the majority of both house and senate it's only going to get worse, expotentially.
Come on.......Knock it off Democratic party and unite. Focus solely on 11-6-2018 elections with the united goal of taking back the majority of house and/or senate. If the universe were to smile upon us, both.
You are the only hope we have and yes, your not perfect either. Just get out there support your fellow Dems who are up for reelection or just entering the arena. Shout from your roof tops VOTE. Be the stop gap before He brings us so far down the rabbit hole there's no coming back.
This is not about power and who is leader. It's about doing the right thing we sent you there to do.
73
Yes, vote and watch the Dems shoot themselves in the foot, right? It’s happened so many times, just like a broken record.
10
It certainly is about who the Democratic Leader is in the House. Leader Pelosi has been a great leader. But she is no more. Her name is used effectively by Republicans and Independents as a cudgel to counter get out the vote efforts for Democrats. Representative Pelosi needs to remove the the word Leader from her title, and failing to do so bear the responsibility for keeping Democrats in the Minority during the Trump presidency. She has become as egocentric and narcissistic as Trump worrying only about herself.
8
That attitude is how we came to have Trump and a majority supporting him in House and Senate.
Hold your nose and vote for the only alternative to Him was not a winner, nationwide.
Individual district special elections and primaries that have been remarkable have all adopted the opposite attitude, that it matters what Democrats would do, not just that they are not Trump.
5
The press continues to deify Trump supporters. They think they are being "balanced" but more stories about gun-toting Confederate-flag waving Trumpsters only amplifies his vile message--straight from Fox News. I have yet to see even one reasoned press profile piece on Trump and Republican opponents in the Midwest.
The Democratic leadership is anemic. Republicans get talking points daily spouting Trump's lies. They are a unified front while Democrats squabble over trivial garbage. and never stand up to the lies--except perhaps for Elizabeth Warren and Maxine Waters, whom Trump demonizes with a tweet.
This coming election is crucial for the nation, but I am increasingly furious that Democrats are not countering Trump's lies and failures at administration. His cabinet is a den of thieves, and his court appointments will ruin our nation for the rest of our lives.
I am contributing all I can, but I have the sinking feeling that I an throwing my money down a rat-hole.
182
The press continues to demonize Trump supporters, but it hasn't been enough, not to win the last election, and not to get the momentum that should be possible for the next. That is not the route to a win.
9
When you wrestle with pigs it only makes you dirty and the pigs happy. Better to outsmart the pigs than attack them.
Please dont bring pigs into this mess. They are intelligent, somewhat cute, and when push comes to shove delicious.
Polarization of ideals is not the answer. The democrats need to hear the concerns of those that have mysteriously aligned themselves to this person that is the US president and, in some way, try to speak to them. Give those people a reasons to reconsider their alliance. If Trump's allowed to continue for many years, we should all fear the consequences for Western democracy. The Democrats are our only hope and right now, they are not making us feel confident they can pull this off.
30
"Polarization of ideals is not the answer". Of course it's not. But that's what a two-party system does: polarizes a country. You're either on this side or the other. There's either right or left, good and bad and everything is black and white, no middle. It becomes a big game of football with one team against the other. Ridiculous and stupid. We need many more parties than two to stop this nonsense. See how it is in Europe, for example.
1
Stop! Here you go again with the false equivalency template you seem to feel is necessary when discussing the two major U.S. parties in an article. This frames the positions of the two parties as balanced and equivalent, as if they are coming from the same motives and same values to reach a common goal, when they are not! One party would rather have their country die for them, the other is trying to hold on to the values and principles that undegird the U.S.Constitution.
244
We are not fighting the Civil War here November 2018 is coming.
Ft Sumpter has not been fired on and last I checked nobody bombed Pearl Harbor.
I am a progressive and more in tune with the democrats than the republicans but if you start to paint the Republicans as evil and Democrats as sent from God, you are asking for trouble.
The only person that should be condemned is the ego maniac demagogue Trump and even here you have to been careful if you want to get moderate republicans and independents on your side. Point out where he is hurting America where they can agree with you. Examples of this are trying to kill ACA, an all out trade war. Don't put front and center that trans gendered gays should be giving reparations or that 50% of all CEOs should be women.
Hillary went in that direction and was relegated to the political dust bin of history.
3
Absolutely correct. The Times endless bend over backwards until your forehead hits the floor insistence on false balance, phony impartiality and deliberate false equivalency is another reason this country is rapidly losing any resemblance to a democracy. And it's a disgrace for what used to be the newspaper of record. Democrats jaywalk, Republicans commit murder: to the Times it's all two sides of the same coin. Sad. Pathetic. And despicable.
Yes, November, and Socially Conscious people across America are electing/hiring Socially Conscious democrats and independents - especially qualified, smart women - to represent them in OUR U.S. Senate and House to preserve/restore true democracy.
VOTE. Take your friends/neighbors to the polls - or help them with mail-in ballots - and vote only for Socially Conscious Women and men who are out meeting and talking with people in their area. Find out where their money/support is coming from and do not vote for any candidate who is beholden to BIG democracy-destroying money.
1
The Corporate Democrats will lie , smear and swindle to keep the billions in donor money going into the right hands namely theirs and the five major Consulting groups.
36
You meant the Republicans, right? No? I guess you haven’t been around lately, mr. Citizens United.
12
Both parties politicians want to keep what they personally have. It seems the oligarchs pay Dems to lose. Nothing else explains such lackluster campaigning by smart people.
3
@Name This is a conclusion I'm forced to reach as well. Nothing else can explain the Democratic leadership's utter fecklessness in the face of the Trump-led GOP's running roughshod over our democracy.
Pelosi and her pro-corporate cartel must go.
The press, television and social media are responsible for the struggles in both parties. The current president received too much coverage throughout the primaries and has received even more since his election. Do not use this man's name in print. the pretender would lose what ever marbles he has left if he doesn't see or hear his name resonating on in or in print.
67
I've said this repeatedly. But media driven by profits and ratings.Unlike boys in the cave there's no way out.
7
Trump is president. What he does and says should be covered. The press isn’t there to mete out discipline for bad behavior. That is the job of Congress and the voters. Fully revealing his bad policy decisions shows us what to oppose. Besides, Trump has Twitter at three in the am to communicate whatever it is he is selling. Ignoring Trump isn’t going to make him any less toxic.
2
You propose that newspapers not mention the president? That I would like to see....
The democrats want their establishment to win, not Bernie or Alex...
27
The democratic leaders are too old and too out of touch with the country to remain in their positions. While republicans are also sclerotic, their willingness to subvert the country in favor of political power attracts men like Jordan. Yes, republicans should be voted out of every office, but so long as the democratic party remains as inept as it is, that won't happen.
The democratic party needs to connect with the majority of the people who vote and specifically with the people who felt sufficiently marginalized that they voted for Trump. It's a matter of math.
Additionally, actually more than ever, our country needs term limits on its Congressional representatives. Make that both Congress and the Supreme Court as well. Tenure is not needed and should not be welcome in our country.
We have multitudes of well qualified people capable of leadership. Yet our system delivers to us people like we have in Washington. Perhaps we get just what we deserve, but that thought is really depressing.
142
I agree, a ten year term on SCOTUS would make America a lot less sclerotic.
1
Schumer is very sharp and articulate. Sorry, I want to keep him.
I love Nancy Pelosi. She has been an icon representing the power, intelligence, determination and effectiveness that has gone unrecognized nationally towards women for decades. However, I would hope that she passes the baton to the next generation and also remains around to mentor the neophytes as they learn the steps to effectively and honorably serve their country. I also carry this sentiment to the other "dinosaurs" in government. Forget about the personal power and instead work toward shoring up the crumbling walls of our government lest the American Dream come to resemble the rubble of Aleppo.
210
Nancy Pelosi needs to go. Period. She is way too insular, irrelevant and ineffective. Dems need a 'REAL' leader who will challenge GOP right-wing dogma. Nancy won't. I vote for Barbara Lee for Dem House Speaker.
1
The Democrats' failure to present cogent arguments supporting their goals is not Nancy's fault or Chuck's. It's a party-wide failure. They have to rectify this, remembering that they have greater access to the center than before. I was pro-Bernie, and the appearance of candidates who agreed with him is only to our good, but we need to bring his ideas ahead gradually. Trying to win back the center of the country is consistent with that approach. We can expect the Republicans to move farther right, and that is not going to help them broaden their support. As far as the White House is concerned, remarks coming from there aren't going to help either. Turnout is going to be crucial for both parties come November.
71
Leaders must take responsibility for a party-wide failure. That is what leaders are supposed to do, lead the party away from party-wide failure.
44
The Democrats have become sluggish and have definitely failed to articulate any message which should be loud and clear. If there are no New Young faces and Vgorous Voices, we will see the same old lackluster canned talk.
Be prepared to lose if you can't run faster and smarter with the energy of youth. There will not be another opportunity as ripe as this one.
John: How do you expect the Democrats to gain access to the political center when they are moving so swiftly to the left? Democratic socialism, condoning the harassment of Trump officials, abolishing ICE, weakening border security and favoring illegal immigrants over American citizens. These are not the kind of policies that attract votes from the political center.
1
What is most depressing about the Democrats is their abject failure to counter Trump's lies and excesses with solid, workable and understandable ideas, communicated in a clear, crisp, no nonsense manner.
For example, most Americans agree with Democrats that Trump's policy of deterring illegal immigration by tearing little kids from their parents' arms is deplorable. Unfortunately the Democrats, with a few exceptions (I'd say Bernie Sanders but then of course he's not a Democrat) when asked what they would do differently, immediately revert to attacking Trump. In doing so Democrats leave themselves open to Trump Twitter attacks accusing them of wanting open boarders and handing over every town in America to MS13.
This country is hungry for adult leadership. Like we used to say in the sixties if you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem, so please, Nancy and Chuck and what's his name, that guy who's the chairman of the DNC, start using your vaunted political skills to give us something to rally behind or if you are unwilling or unable to do so, please get out of the way and let those who have the will and the passion lead.
182
I'm a Democrat and I think that most of them are pathetic. The chairman of the DMC was the first indication that the party learned nothing from the last election. "Caspar Milktoast" is totally ineffective as a leader of anything.
"What is most depressing about the Democrats is their abject failure to counter Trump's lies and excesses with solid, workable and understandable ideas, communicated in a clear, crisp, no nonsense manner."
Which begs the question: Are the Democrats are really this inept or is this just another way of giving their tacit consent? After all, left, right or middle, it's "the establishment" and life changes little for them and their corporate constituents regardless of who is in power.
1
It should be EASY to beat these people just on their policies and ineptitude, right? Where and who are the DNC and the PR machine? Hiding in a bar off K Street?
Jim Jordan is no better than Joe Paterno, who knew of the pattern of sexual abuse at Penn State, yet had an assistant’s back and kept quiet about it. Like a good Republican, Jordan looked the other way at the sexual abuse accusations the way he looks the other way at the president’s misconduct. Republicans are all alike. When the glare of sexual misconduct shines on them, they cry foul and say they are victims of a smear campaign. At the Congressional Hearings investigating Secretary Clinton’s handling of the Benghazi affair, Jordan was front and center about her crimes and misconduct and all but accused her of treason. Democrats may have leadership issues going forward but Republicans are ethically challenged. Look no further than their standard bearer.
113
There is absolutely no evidence Jordan knew of these allegations. The Clinton law firm conveniently got his email address wrong and then tried to claim it "notified" him. This from the dossier law firm is just not believable. In fact, it stinks to high heavens of dirty politics.
The big crisis with both parties is that the leaders are allowing policy to be shaped by their donors and not by their constituents. In 2008 Obama ran on ideas of hope and change; in 2016 the country showed enthusiasm for those candidates who either appeared to be wealthy enough not to need the corporate donations, or who openly called out the hypocrisy of our system under the Citizens United ruling and accepted only small donations from individuals. Today, a majority of Americans believe we need sensible reform of healthcare, gun regulations, and immigration yet neither party is championing these issues. I would suggest that we need campaign finance reform before any of the other issues can be addressed.
136
I think fewer than 10% of native-born Americans could pass the citizenship test immigrants take during the naturalization process without having to study up for it.
3
And yet, they can't be deported, and they vote, so time to set aside 10 point policy lists and talk to people.
You say we need "sensible reform of healthcare" and that neither party is championing this. Huh? Ever heard of Obamacare? To me it was the very incarnation of "sensible reform." You may disagree with that judgement but you give no indication what you consider not sensible about it. Do you want a single-payer system? Right now many Democratic politicians are calling for just that.
This seems to me to be the usual smug false equivalence nonsense. The Republicans have shown us exactly what they're about but rather than closing ranks with all decent Americans you try to sow dissension in the anti-Trump ranks. Perhaps you are actually a pro-Trump troll.