The usual reason I read for keeping Nancy Pelosi is that she’s a great fundraiser, but its the money that’s killing the party. They are being paid to come in second. With all that money look at what the Neo Libral or Third Way Democrats have lost - everything. I agree, time to move on.
2
Democrats need to get one thing straight; and they better get it before November. Nancy Pelosi is not the enemy; Donald Trump and the G.O.P. are. Anyone who despises the criminal cabal now in power; and is not willing to work their hearts out to elect every Democrat humanly possible is a Trump stooge; period. You can sort out this progressive vs. moderate wing debate later. Your house is on fire; and you are debating who gets to hold the hose. For now Pelosi is the Democratic House leader; and until that changes get over it. The fact that the screwballs on the right are constantly demonizing her should tell you that they fear her. Now get on with bringing the insane ALT-RIGHT down in November; or learn to live in a semi-permanent fascist state for years to come. The whole world is watching; DO NOT screw it up AGAIN!
5
The Democratic old guard doesn't seem to get that we are sick to death of them, their ineffectiveness in advancing progressive objectives, their abandonment of labor, and their corporate entanglements. Their handling of the financial crisis was proof of where their objectives lay: triangulating their way into corporate favor and expecting the base has no where else to go. I have been voting green in California for a while, a relatively safe protest vote, but I am now considering voting Republican for the first time in three decades if it will help to pop loose Democrats like her. We are now way beyond considerations of the Nader effect, other than as a weapon against the party leadership. The Democratic Party core needs a purge. Good luck with your shallow metaphors, Nancy.
2
Check out the record of Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii for some inspirational, new blood, leadership!
So Ms Pelosi is building bridges to new leaders, is she? Well, well... That statement is self-defining: new leaders replace old leaders. Time for her and her ilk to go. I haven't forgotten her anachronistic antipathy to universal health care. She ought to have departed 15 years ago. Actually, her kind ought to have departed 40 years ago.
So 78 year old Jim Clyburn is going to take over from 78 year old Pelosi?
What's wrong with these people?
In any event, as a tactical move, Pelosi must step down before the November election as she is clearly a negative factor for many democratic hopefuls.
1
I am Nancy's age and when I retired I left my ego at the door and found out that there is much that one can do in this world for themselves to enjoy an active life. . Since she is a great fund raiser but a lightening rod who perhaps has been in her position too long I suggest that she steps down for a new generation (please not a Democratic Socialist who would be more of a lightening rod than Nancy) but remains a prominent fund raiser for the party.
The political left can be their own worst enemies. The way they can turn on their leaders is a perfect example of shooting yourself in the foot and cutting off your nose to spite your face.
The way they turned on Hillary, and Al Gore, handing the Republicans the presidency, are perfect examples. It’s obvious they can be infiltrated by republicans and foreign agents to sway their votes against their leaders. This was most apparent in 2016 with the left turning on Hillary Clinton with the same vengeance that would make the far right proud. In the end the far right and the far left were indistinguishable. This anti-Nancy Pelosi rhetoric is just another example.
2
Changing horses in the middle of the stream. Not good strategy. Which of course is the MO of the Democratic Party.
Speaker is a very difficult job and Pelosi has proven herself to be extremely effective at it. She has rallied many a vote for Democratic causes, as Paul Krugman so deftly pointed out in a recent op-ed. Age doesn't matter right now. Competence and experience does.
Don't be stupid at this critical juncture Dems. Save that for after 2020.
4
I once had a cousin, who does not share my liberal politics, say she "hated" Nancy Pelosi, no explanation why. I didn't get it then, at least 15 years ago. And today, I certainly don't get why Republicans have the nerve to make fealty to her a litmus test, or why they seem to be getting away with it.
Why don't the Democrats make an issue out of lock step voting with Ryan and McConnell, two of the most hypocritical do-nothing for the public good moral cowards in government?
Pelosi has made some major mistakes, and I believe new blood is needed, but she would not be on the receiving end of such out-sized disapproval if she were a man.
4
Pelosi's pivot to "elder stateswoman" is long overdue.
2
"You have sat too long here for any good you have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go."
British MP Leo Amery (himself reprising Oliver Cromwell's words of 300 years earlier) to Neville Chamberlain (who coincidentally was in his seventies) in Parliament in 1940 as Nazis crossed into France - that afternoon Chamberlain stood aside for Winston Churchill. Rest is history.
2
the time for the next generation is past due. hillary failed to develop leadership behind her, as has pelosi.
3
I support Nancy continuing. period.
2
Nancy needs to step aside and be "proud of" what she's accomplished. That said many on the left can't forget how she gave cover to the Bush administration (with Obama) for their refusal to go after people in that administration for pushing this country into two costly and disasterous wars. That set the stage for the Obama administration not prosecuting a single bank executive for the subprime debacle. True to form Ms Nancy, with her new partner in crime Chuck Schumer, recently came out demanding "civility" from righteous leftist who engaged in such minor acts as shaming pathological liars from public places such as restaurants. Ms. Pelosi's claim to fame is her fund raising prowess. In all due respect, the faithful are duely incentivised to open their wallets by the mere thought of a second Trump term in the White House. All niceities must be set aside - this is is trench warfare. Thanks for the memories.
1
Just as usual, the Democrats retreat in battle and scatter. Now they are even fighting each other. The Republicans must be relishing the results of their strategic attacks.
Now I think the House will remain in Republican control because there is no unified coordinated messages to voters coming from Democrats. Attacks on women, the base of the Democrat party from Pelosi and Clinton to the voters are the strategy and the scattered Democrats don't see that.
Pelosi; are you really going to retreat from the fight started by those of woman beating mentalities?
Clyburn; didn't you learn the lessons of the attacks on Obama. You are making yourself and Democrats convenient targets.
Where are the Ted Kennedy or Lyndon Johnson leadership types to drive the Democrats forward?
To abandon Pelosi's knowledge, experience and stern leadership is to diffuse and self destruct the party.
The Democrats are falling apart. One comment in the past summed it up well; "The Democrats will snatch defeat from the jaws of victory". The Republicans made the leader the target knowing how the cowardly Democrats would scatter scared and in chaos. Don't you get it?
Nancy Pelosi should have the good grace and good sense to step aside. I recognize that Rep Clyburne would be the first African-American leader of the party but he's 78. We need new and YOUNGER leadership.
2
Nancy Pelosi will go down in history as one of the great leaders of the House. I am 71, and am of the opinion that she should mentor the next generation and stand down to strengthen the party, since the GOP has nothing to run on in 2018 except an anti-Pelosi message. If she is not at the helm, the GOP is de-fanged, and the upcoming leaders will take the national spotlight.
But I also warn those who would like to see the leadership change with a valuable lesson I learned over 60 years ago when I was at Brownie camp:
Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold.
Ms. Pelosi has valuable experience and expertise to pass on. Let's not make the mistake of those who throw out the baby with the bathwater. Probably the most valuable trope we Dems must remember is: United we stand, divided we fall.
We don't want to have a party over country platform that the GOP has destroyed valuable democratic values with, but infighting within the party, or denigrating those whose intelligent politics have kept us strong will not win elections or counter the damage that the current administration has wrought. 2018 is probably the most important mid-term of my life. I hope the new generation and the old can bring sanity back to our government. And I hope that Ms. Pelosi will shift from the role of a leader to that of a valuable mentor.
1
It is time tp give the unfairly maligned Nancy Pelosi her due. Rather than focusing on the statements of those who plot to make her out to be a villain, it is time, as Mr. Krugman states, to sing her praises.
3
To paraphrase Eugene McCarthy at the 1960 convention, "Do not reject this woman who made us all proud to be Democrats. Do not leave this prophet without honor in her own party."
1
Of late I've learned a lot more about Pelosi and her achievements as Speaker, etc. Ive been a long critic of her, simply based on what I deem a backwards and non-confrontational approach...while the Repubs are all confrontational all the time. That she wants to play T-ball, while the Repubs want to play whack-a-mole, with a sledgehammer. (
Im willing to giver her her due, but she has to figure a means to invigorate the party from the local level up! She and Schumer have to get louder, and more forceful - even if they cant move the Repubs. At least push, real hard! And IF they are, it must be in stealth mode and isn't being seen by the public. Which is critical...to show a show of force against this deplorable, lying WH and the Republican complicity and near all-out ring-kissing of Trump.
She has to do some serious work to show that she's more then a donor's money magnet.
2
It's simple to me --- the biggest danger to this country is not having a Democratic House to check the extremists and know-nothings in the White House. Pelosi as potential Speaker makes it less likely that the Dems will gain a majority. She owes it to the country to step down. I couldn't care less whether it is fair to her or not. This is her patriotic duty.
2
I find the repeated calls from Dems for Nancy Pelosi to step down NOW laughable. Younger House members need to show their mettle, men and women, White and Of Color, before tossing out a formidable gatherer of votes from the ONLY political party that houses so many diverse, often stridently different opinions. We are not the GOP folks! Diversity is not only about our racial and sexual mix, but also how diversely we THINK. Nancy coraled an unruly bunch of Dems to move the ACA so that some form of viable American healthcare system finally emerged for so many. Perfect? No. What is perfect? never democracy; nor are its paths to getting things done that help the Majority. Pelosi has probably mentored lots of the younger blood rapidly wanting change in leadership yesterday. Let them help us win the midterms BIG not just Barely. Then let each younger leader-in-waiting show us, the voters, what their ideas and PLANS, and VOTES look like. Any change so immediately after a midterm is ludicrous, no matter how much the GOP uses Nancy as a punching bag. The change in leadership should begin to grow in knowledge-tested legislation up until 2020. My guess: Nancy will groom another smart, accomplished younger Woman, Military Veteran, or smart Progressive of either sex to gavel good and necessary changes into law, ie., ending gerrymandering, enriching voting rights, preserving Roe/Wade, our Environment, DACA;enhancing Public Education, Job Creation/fair wage increases. Tall Order =Experience.
2
Nancy is a tired relic of past political failures. Time for the Democrats to move forward with energetic people of a new generation - it's time to pass the torch.
1
It is unfortunate that the lying evil Republicans have been able to brand Speaker Pelosi the way they have. She has been good for her party, good for the country and a role model for many Americans. She has more experience in her little finger than the majority of people looking to replace her. However, the evil GOP has been successful and it is time for her to realize this. Her comments on building a bridge appear to be a realization on her part that it is time for a seamless transition to another generation of Democrats. We need her on board as a mentor and adviser in the House to put a stake through the heart of the Evil GOP.
Let us hope that all members of the new Democratic house majority will see it this way and avoid a debilitating quarrel that could have the end result of leaving her valuable assets in the locker room rather than on the floor.
1
Nancy Pelosi has presided over unprecedented and often self-inflicted losses suffered by the Democratic party since 2010. Raising money from the wealthiest donors is not enough to create a sense of excitement for all the young and non-white voters the Democrats need to get to the polls this year and in 2020. The time is here for the Democrats to speak out loud and clear that they are the party of the future, leading this country out of existential problems that face the next generations: runaway climate change, increasing income inequality, infrastructure that is falling apart, and a massive deficit due to tax breaks for the wealthiest and huge increases in military spending.
Speaking of prolonging the leadership of those who are nearly 80 and led us into the mess we are in as appropriate leaders for a party whose failures have led us to the disaster of Donald Trump is just wrong. The people who got us into the current catastrophe are not getting us out.
1. Republicans attacked the top Democrat to rally their hateful base for votes.
2. Instead of coalescing together, the Democrats fell apart.
3. Democrats need a more animated fighting Pelosi to gather the Democrats together as a political force, acting in unison to win.
1
My only serious beef with Ms. Pelosi is the same one I have with the rest of the Democratic leadership: their utter inability to save the nation from the likes of Reagan, Bush II, and --the culmination of four decades of fecklessness; the absolute nadir-- Trump.
I have my own views on their errors of ommision and commission: their penchants for negotiating against themselves; ineffectually wringing their hands and playing into arrant caricatures of liberalism; trotting out continually changing laundry lists of relatively parochial concerns rather than focusing on a muscular economic defense of poor, working, and middle class people; their unfailing rising to the Republican bait and allowing the other side to determine the content and framing of the political discussion.
Other people, of course, could reasonably rebut my list of specifics and make a case for their own.
But what can't be argued is that they've failed and in so failing have delivered us into the hands of people doing the devil's work and brought us as close to the complete collapse of a functional and ethical polity as I have ever seen and ever wish to see.
4
This is classic political narcissism. Pelosi is universally not liked by her party or the public. She has a lock on the San Fran vote due to her record of cow-towing to leftists. New blood needs to push her out and not only bring in new ideas but a renewed positive energy to the Dems. Pelosi is simply not a likable person. No charisma is the least of it....she simply hasnt been able to bring neither Dems Nor republicans together. Step Aside Nancy, your time has passed.
2
This has nothing to do with sexism. If that were true, why would Ms. Tlaib and Ms. Hayes not support her? There are many reasons for Nancy Pelosi to step down and sex is not one of them. Ms. Pelosi does not represent the majority of the party and is completely out of touch barring the East and West Coast.
Trump is on course to dismantle all of Obama's executive actions and Americans are going to be left with a disaster after Trump is gone. Obama was handed a filibuster-proof House and Senate when he was elected and still very few laws were passed. He had his chance those first 10 months and he blew it. And what good has her money-raising prowess done the party? NONE. The Dems have lost 62 House seats, 12 governorships, and 958 seats in state legislatures in the last 8 years. So what good has that money done?
Honestly, you would have to be crazy to want to run for president after Trump is finished bankrupting this country. It is going to take at least a generation for us to recover. And I blame Pelosi for propping up the only candidate who could have lost against a lying, disgusting man who is a game show host.
I have been a voting Democrat since 1972, the year after Nixon signed into law the 26th Amendment to the Constitution. And I would change my affiliation right now if it were not for the fact that NY has closed primaries, which everyone knows is by design.
1
House Minority Leader Pelosi, is strong and focused on legislation that will improve the quality of life in our great nation for working men & women, the middle class, minorities and the poor. She's determined for Democrats to retake the House in the mid-term November elections and in 2020 to elect a Democrat - President.
I hope Congress Member Pelosi continues to stand strong and doesn't let everyone who wants to end her House Minority Leader position - get their way.
She's done an 'excellect' job as our nation's former Speaker and House Minority Leader.
That's why POTUS & the entire Republican Party want Congress Member Pelosi gone.
I'm writing Carolyn Maloney, my House Member's 12th NYC District to support her.
1
This is pure misogyny. It is nothing but misogyny. Speak out now against these misogynistic attacks of powerful mature women leaders. We are no longer remaining silent. She is the most effective speaker in recent history. No one is more forceful. ENOUGH MISOGYNY!
1
Earth to Democrats, keep your eye on the prize, now is not the time for internecine warfare over who should be Speaker, now it is time to defeat the Republican enablers of Trump and take back the House.
Leave it to Dems to squabble among themselves when so much is riding on the midterm election, sheesh!
2
Rightly or wrongly Nancy needs to step down. Just like Hilary, she is a weak candidate in this age of politics.
She needs to think of the country and the future of our democracy right now.
Sorry. She’s great
1
Nancy Pelosi is a victim of ageism! The millenials should be proud to have such a hard working, experienced, and fair congresswoman represent the Democratic Party. I think it's shameful to bully her in the way people are doing.
1
Not just Nancy who needs to move over, move on. Grassley, who can’t even read a question his aides write needs to go. Age limits would be a first step and after 72, go away! Democrats and Republicans. Actually, as a 76 year old, I think 67 would be a good age for them to go home and bring in some new blood.
2
Outdated....time for new management.
2
Democrats have a systemic leadership problem. Republicans will rotate leadership positions on committees, but not Democrats! Its lifetime appointment. Only Democrats have Super-delegates. Its shameful, really.
2
She’s a big girl, so she knows what’s up. I wish her the best with what she’s up against. Much less respect to those commenters so smugly calling for her to step aside. Really? Step aside for whom, exactly? As if Pelosi’s political presence somehow prevented some youthful excellence from shining through. Ain’t no such thing, people. These are “dog days.” Literally.
3
I love you and all you've done but PLEASE move on. You're smart but so are many others and they have far more years to live to do good things than you do. Why aren't you spending your energy on training your successor about all you know instead of being speaker -- again? That should be your legacy. Not as a micro manager who just can't let go. The choice is yours alone.
1
Jim Clyburn? Obviously he didn’t get the memo on generational change. He also stands about the same chance as I do of winning the minority leadership position.
1
1. Nancy, thank you for your service. You have been an effective voice for your district and a politician worthy of praise. But you have done your bit. Time move on; conditions change, different people are better suited to different times. These times are really different.
2. Democrats, the nation is in crisis. It is failing. It's leaving your children and their children to the whims of a deliberately cruel market and government. You do not have the luxury of making statements. Every breath you take, every move you make, should be about winning. Delay your fondest dreams for a cycle or two and nominate a white male as your presidential candidate. That will take the fetid air out of the far right's - donald's - campaign. Think of all the things they would not be able to say. Give the voters the chance to hear the issues again. And you can win on the issues, but not on some "statement". Yes, it's too bad Hillary lost. Yes, sexism had a lot to do with it. But don't give sexism or racism another shot of adrenaline. Not now. It's never been more important. Otherwise it's trump 2020, pence 2024, pence 2028. If your singular goal, a female president, is finally achieved, there's a good chance she won't be a democrat.
She needs to go, or at very minimum she needs to appoint some a good 20 years younger than herself as her deputy with a clear message about when she'll step down. Nobody said she needs to resign. She can be every bit as effective behind the scenes. She can be every bit as good a fund-raiser and every bit as effective as a strategist.
If the Black Caucus wants it to be an African American, they need a younger person.
When the leadership is all 78 years old, there has to be a succession plan that is understand by everyone. This is insanity.
3
Ms. Pelosi -
Please do the right thing for your party and your country by announcing you won't accept election as Speaker after this term. Don't wait to be 'knocked off' the perch as head of your party in the house. It's time. Graciously step down and generously continue the fight as a respected elder in the House. No ignominious end for you and for us, please.
1
What comes to mind for me is:
First of all: to Heck with what the Republicans think. By the looks of it, some of them should be indicted
Nancy Pelosi and old guard democrats behaved in 2000, 2004 and 2016, as though they are elected, not to represent the American people and a socially mobile society, but to cater to financially compromised agendas; hierarchy and the billionaire club; manipulating voters, controlling media, punishing whistleblowers; quid pro quo deals: this-increasingly crumbs- for that. They seem to have lost their minds, and their way. They must step down.
Meanwhile vital bases of our economy and our society are treated as hostages to toxic, destructive corporate interests. Women's Rights, Human Rights, our overwhelmingly important Environment, Biological Extinctions, Endangered Species Act, Paris Accord and Climate, Air, Water, Wilderness, Food, Education and Health, Renewable Energy, Innovation, Arts, Humanities and Sciences - these are not exchangeable.
Superdelegate Democrats are representing, not an educated public and free press, but special interests' agendas instead: many at odds with democracy and a vibrant, non destructive innovative economy- pharma, chemicals, arms,Wall Street, ISDS, oil and gas, GMO, agribusiness, war, and the darker side of big tech.
These Democrats have lost their way, and they are in the way. They are not supporting the candidates and policies America needs now, and they must step aside.
1
I'm disturbed by the number of commenters who appear to think that Rep. Pelosi's age, all by itself, disqualifies her for further service. I'd like to remind those who have forgotten that the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 protects older workers--in fact, those over 40--from just this kind of bias, much as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects against bias based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Maybe it's time for older Americans to have their own #Me Too movement.
2
After presiding over electoral disaster after electoral disaster, time for Ms Pelosi to move on.
2
What saddens me is the lack of understanding of the readers parts on the level of influence Pelosi has. Regardless as to who the Democrats get elected , the old guard determines the committees they sit on and the ultimate vote. The only hope for change is to dump the old guard.
1
I’ll support Pelosi the day she supports universal healthcare, not before.
I’m tired of the corporate-money neoliberal milquetoast Democratic leadership. It’s responsible for nominating Clinton, and are thus responsible for losing the election to the second worst candidate. They’ve forgotten, if they ever knew, that elections are won by standing for something, not by compromising away so much that the voters can’t tell the difference.
Medicare for All, Nancy. Are you with us, or against us?
1
---Regardless of the criticisms many have leveled against her, the culmination of the ongoing, decade+ long purposed smearing she's endured from the opposition, Pelosi has done a decent job for her party, and has been an effective Legislator. But, particularly at this time, and given the ongoing toxicity of the somewhat effective propaganda war being waged by the right, she's simply become too much of a lightening rod, and an easy, unifying target for the right's contempt. I believe that much of this is because she has been a strong woman, and that a male Minority Leader would not have been treated in the same fashion, would not have been vilified to the same degree. That is sexism, plain and simple. And...though she's not blameless in this- as her style has been somewhat abrasive, off-putting- it doesn't really matter, The Democrats MUST retake the House, which is their number one, and really only, priority.
1
I am amazed that people on the most left part of the Democratic party are asking for a generational change. I mean some of them are still fuming because many of us did not vote for Bernie !
I LOVE Nancy Pelosi. She is classy, sophisticated, politically savvy and most of all responsible. She has been a terrific leader.
For those who argue otherwise, please be careful what you wish for. We could end up with a Dem version of Paul Ryan !
1
Certainly there will be a time in the near future when Pelosi will have to make way for new leadership. But now is not the time. It would be crazy for her to resign her role as Minority Leader three months before a crucial election that is likely to return the House to Democratic control. And beyond the election, as the evidence mounts of his collusion and corruption, President Trump is likely to grow increasingly desperate, despotic and dangerous. Democrats will need a savvy and experienced hand at the helm for what may be one of the most perilous periods in American political history. Beyond 2020, when the country is hopefully past its present danger, there will be plenty of time for the Democrats to make a smooth transition to a new generation of leadership.
You know although Ms. Pelosi support seems to be the wealthy elite of the Democratic party, I would expect that we would see her arm in arm with the staff that supports her. The staff that has her push back against the prevailing trend of reducing entitlements for the under priveledged. I would expect to see the faces of her staff pushing forward into the picture to extend their legacy. Just as I would expect Jerry Brown's staff to do the same. The entitlements and causes that they have fought for will be lost if they do not find someone amongst themselves to front for them as the old guard has done for over 40 years or more years now.
I don't think Pelosi supporters are likely to vote for anyone but a Democrat. Those who oppose Pelosi are more likely to pick another party's candidate...
Now which demographic should the party try to appease?
1
...Given the crucial nature of this Fall's mid-term election, and the importance of her party's performing as strongly as possible, in hopes of retaking the House, I think Pelosi must do the honorable thing and...fall on her sword and allow a less controversial Democrat assume the party leadership. The stakes are just too high, she is too much of a polarizing figure, and, ultimately, would likely hurt her party's chances should she persist in her desire to reclaim the House speakership. It's just time, and though it's not really fair- as much of the criticism of her has been purely political, and is largely unwarranted- she should...just do the right thing.
Many members of Congress from her party would absolutely agree. It's time to abandon the pridefulness, and relent.
Please. For the good of the country.
1
For whatever reason she is unpopular, will
Lose votes in many districts and best step aside for good of party and country.
2
A top three all around 80 controlling a party machine focused only on maintaining factional power.
China used to be like that, but they moved on some time ago.
2
Most of the criticism Pelosi has received has been baffling to me--her accomplishments are extraordinary (including medicare, economic stimulus, banking reform), proving that she is the most effective Speaker of our time. There is no reason to think that she will not be again. That is not to say that she should ignore training the next generation, but people should ask why she is being targeted compared to her male contemporaries.
Dear Leader Pelosi,
You have made great contribution to the Democratic Party and the country. It's time to pass the baton to the next generation of leadership for the good of the party.
5
Pelosi keeps saying that she is such a great fundraiser. But if money won elections the house would be Democratic and Hillary would be president.
Also if people don't like her because she is a woman, tough. After she 1st became speaker the Wash had a several thousand word profile for which she cooperated. The bulk of it was all about her clothes. Expensive designer clothes. What an out of touch twit.
1
File this one under messing around with Democrat's heads. If Democrats don't comprehend that Pelosi is their greatest law making talent since LBJ, they don't deserve her.
Nancy Pelosi should resign from Congress. Her message is old, worn, and not convincing. Furthermore Pelosi is wealthy to the 95%, probably greater, of 'wealthy' Americans. Can Pelosi relate to the homeless, homeless veterans, people that pull their next meal from a dumpster, of the great financial struggle of most Americans and etcetera? Likely no.
3
Count me out. I actually LIKE Nancy Pelosi. She is a strong leader and an adept politician.
Tame your ego and S T E P D O W N already. The reality is, your name is tainted and is doing more damage than good. You've played your part and its time to say farewell. Thank you for your service.
3
It is becoming clear that Pelosi is one of those old-line politicians in the mold of Republican Strom Thurmond or Democrat Robert Byrd, who want to die in harness or be wheeled out on a dolly. It's time for her to go.
3
Republicans have irresponsibly demonized her and branded her as some sort of radical. Gee, what else is new. But she has outlived her usefulness. No real fight left in her. Same for schumer and a whole host of other oldtime democrats. Time to go. The more progressive democrats and other politicians may very well lose in 2018,and maybe even in 2020; but the current neo-liberal democratic party is finished. This country needs a real alternative to the Republican Party.
6
As a person who has attended Pelosi feeble speaking engagements and seen all the air kissing and photo ops as she is slowly ushered to her long black hearse-like limousine you get that sinking sadness that her time has come and gone like the wind.
It is much like a farewell Cher or Streisand concert you just pray she doesn’t forget her place on the prompter again or heaven forbids just falls off the stage completely.
Time for the hook!
6
Ms. Pelosi's 15-yr Congressional track record is essentially 2 wins (2006 & 2008) and 4 losses, including back-to-back-to-back landslides in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016 that have allowed the Tea Party to conduct a hostile takeover of America, where now the Democrats are on the verge of being shut of all 3 branches of government (once Kavanaugh is confirmed).
Please tell me again what a "great leader" she is. I am not convinced.
2
She oversaw the greatest disasters in the history of the political life of the United States. Two terms for G.W. Bush, and the election of one of the worst human beings in America to the presidency. TIME FOR HER TO GO.
2
'She is the party’s most formidable fund-raiser,..." Could someone please tell me how Pelosi is the party's most formidable fund raiser. I know Pelosi thinks so...and she'll tell yo so...and also mention her incredible tactical/strategic genius. But how does she raise funds? I get a lot of generic fund raising pleas and some of them seem to go to generic Democratic support...is that Pelosi's fund raising. And this article tells us she is a 6 events in Texas. Really? Nancy Pelosi performing as LBJ? I'm a Dem but Pelosi seems to me to be a narrow gauge candidate...she can carry her SF/Golden Gate district...but PA 18? No way. She may be the only R hope to hold onto Congress.
2
The message I hear: Nancy Pelosi is perfectly happy to allow younger generations to act as the bridge she walks all over. She will happily shove us aside like an unlocked door when we get in the way. What I hear from Nancy Pelosi is she doesn't think the younger electorate is important. Guess what? We have a vision for the future and Nancy Pelosi isn't a part of it. Goodbye now.
3
Yes, a party leader of a party that has lost the House, the Senate the Presidency and a 1000 seats in 8 years should be given a huge vote of confidence.
7
Dear Ms. Pelosi and the Democratic Establishment:
We truly respect you and are pleased at your leadership. So, thanks.
However, as all really good leaders know, there is a time to step aside and enable the next great leaders to assume power. Please be wise in your actions, generous in sharing your skill and knowledge and most of all remember the greater good that you spent so much of your lives enhancing.
It is time to win back our countries from the "real dogs" and we need your help to do it...
2
Unfortunately the Democratic Party has lost a significant number of labor voters in the Northern swing states to Trump on the issue of trade and immigration. By publicly raising tariffs a lot of workers will see some who will try to protect their jobs that have been flying to Mexico and China. He comes off as the first president since before Bill Clinton or longer to do that. Now amount of stories about Russia are going to change that.
The Democrats need a leader who inspires them to believe that the Democratic Party cares more about them than Tech and Wall Street Billionaires - who seem to be Nancy Pelosi’s base.
6
I think Nancy Pelosi is fantastic. She is an incredible negotiator. We owe so much to her. She gets things done. She's really unbelievable - so skilled. But I want a new leader. Change keeps things fresh.
1
The Democratic Party is not immune to the phenomena that allowed a parasite to worm its way to the top of the GOP. The outcome of the 2016 presidential election showed an unprecedented number of Americans reaching the point where their contempt for politics-as-usual overwhelmed their own good judgement. Many who voted for Trump now believe they got less than they bargained for. He'll be gone after 2020 if not before. Whether he's replaced by an equally repressive, divissive, destructive - if less personally offensive - character or by an honest, intelligent leader capable of uniting America remains to be seen.
There are encouraging signs of diversity, growth, self-awareness among Democrats as November approaches but there can be no doubt the party's stolid, old school leadership will dampen its appeal for those looking for something other than the status quo. Voters need something to run to - not just run from.
It is not Pelosi's chronological age that gets in her way or the way of her party - it's her aged thinking. The best political pundits would be hard pressed at the moment to say what it is that a post-Trump Democratic Congress would stand for. Bernie Sanders is only two years her junior and yet he very much represents something other than the status quo. Whether it's Sanders or a Harris, Booker or even a Biden, Democrats need to coalesce around a leader who represents a sharp counter point to Trump and a rotted-to-the-core GOP.
27
@Maggy Carter
Hillary could beat them all. Again, and again.
She is still the most popular Democrat and by far the most deserving. She beat Bernie by 4 million votes and beat him by more than 5 million votes in 2020. Like Obama said “she’s the most qualified.” Period!
Dear Ms. Pelosi,
You’ve done a great job but it’s time to turn the leadership over to a new speaker should the Dems win back the House. Accept the gold watch with grace and step aside. Winning back the House is more important than you keeping your current job.
1
Ms. Pelosi has a represented her district since 1987. How has America done in that time?
Wages stagnant, wars that never end, health care that is a give away to insurance companies, the very rich (which BTW includes Ms. Pelosi) are doing better than ever, the working people not so much. No, thanks 31 years is enough, time to call it a day.
2
@GladF7
It's one thing to represent your district. Every district deserves representation, and if they want to keep re-electing her, that's their business. It's a whole different story when a representative of a niche district has a stranglehold on the top spot and sets the agenda for the entire country. No wonder the Dems keep losing.
Let her continue to contribute in a meaningful way behind the scenes and through her incredible fund-raising skills.
She needs to indeed pass the baton.
I'm a life-long democrat and it's time for new leadership. A classy and gracious exit would also go a long way for moderate democrats having trouble embracing the new wave of progressiveness sweeping the Left, much as Pelosi herself is struggling to accept.
1
Nancy Pelosi has done a good job of herding the Democratic cats for a while. She got the ACA passed, among other accomplishments. But there is a groundswell against corporations, billionaires, and their money, which taints politics and politicians. Pelosi is reviled among younger Democrats because she is good at raising money from these corporations and billionaires. The oldsters praise her for this skill.
But many Democrats, old and young, want to see Citizens United overturned, or we want a Congress that will pass a law nullifying the CU decision and others like it, which have opened up the floodgates to the billions now flowing into politics and corrupting our politicians.
Let's give our politicians from every party a break. Let's limit campaigns to six weeks before an election, as the UK does; let's make sure that all campaigns do not exceed a specified spending cap, and let's ban political ads from television and the Internet. Let us turn our politicians back into public servants by relieving them of the onus of having to fund eternally protracted political campaigns.
3
Rep. Nancy Pelosi was an excellent speaker, but at her age it is time to go. Mr.Clyburn would not be the right person to be speaker. Both he and Nancy Pelosi are up there in age. Republicans will spend millions in ads against Pelosi and it would not be good. Democrats need a young person like Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts who is well educated and is also a veteran. Democrats better settle this matter about who will be their next speaker and to do so before November 2018.
2
I have had about enough of younger generations whining about Nancy Pelosi not surrendering leadership. Youth itself is not a virtue; in fact, it’s frequently coupled with inexperience and overconfidence. If persons from the younger generations want to lead, let them show their leadership qualities and demonstrate that they can handle the top jobs. Otherwise, it looks ungracious (to say the least) when they criticize Pelosi for doing a decent job in a difficult situation.
3
Why hasn't Ms Pelosi left elegantly some time ago? Why is she, like so many divas (and divos), finding it hard to leave the stage when time is up and let new talent in? She has overstayed her welcome in the Democratic Party's leadership. Time to step aside. Always better to bow and leave at the cusp of a career than risk be dragged out from stage. Time is up. The Democratic Party needs to clean up its act, leadership and agenda. Trying to attract disaffected Republicans is not the way to go. Hopefully, American citizens will not need to set up a third party, like so many other European countries, to deal with a sclerotic democratic party.
3
When I see the name "Nancy Pelosi" I think of a woman who is frequently described as an expert on the rules and ways of the House of representative, highly effective at moving legislation, making things happen - successful. I also think of a woman whose reputation has been successfully maligned and tainted by the opposing party to the point that she's lost support in her own party - the same party that has allowed the other side to rename it from the "Democratic" Party to the "Democrat" Party (to emphasize "rat"). Republicans 1, Democrats 0.
8
@Sandra - When I see the name "Nancy Pelosi" I think of a politician who, as effective head of the party (along with some others, HRC, Obama, Kaine, Wasserman-Schulz...) has "led" the party through a series of ever-worsening electoral defeats.
There's more than enough blame to cast around, but at least some of it rightfully falls on her shoulders.
But my concern about her predates the defeat of 2010. It goes back to 2009 when she and HRC refused to allow even a serious discussion of a "single payer option" as part of the new healthcare policy that was being considered. They were so concerned about being "bi-partisan" that they gave away all the DEMs' bargaining chips in their first healthcare move.
I remember being extremely disappointed at the time. Finally, after 8 years, Bush was out of the White House. We had a DEM president and DEM majorities in the House. Finally we could really push for something historic!
Silly me.
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/66721-pelosi-no-house-vote-on-single-p...
All she needs to do is declare, prior to the midterm elections, that she will not seek the Speakership should the Democrats re-take the House, and will create a Democratic caucus to choose a new Speaker. Clyburn and Hoyer also should decline the Speakership. Time for new, fresh thinking.
1
She has worked so hard for so long. Now, however, it’s past time for her retirement. If she cannot see how old and out of touch she is, those around her must let her know it’s time to go. The next chapter of her life is calling her.
2
Ms. Pelosi, please take a cue from other elders who know when to fold'em and let the young ones come forward, step back, mentor, guide, provide inspiration for the younger generation. It's time to go Nancy. You've done great things but please move along. Thank you.
2
I have never understood the logic that claims that if Nancy Pelosi were to step down from her leadership role, Republicans will stop making ads tying candidates in swing districts to Democratic leaders unpopular in those districts. In my voting life, I’ve seen the scary voice narrator go from intoning “Tom Daschle” to “Harry Reid” to “Chuck Schumer” without missing a beat.
These ads did not go away when Reid retired, and they won’t go away when Pelosi does.
6
Harry Reid was an equally major disaster for the Dems and the country. Many of us called for him to leave long before he did. and he has a Y chromosome. His insistence on removing the filibuster for judges gave McConnell the opening to do the same for justices and we will suffer the consequences of that for the rest of my lifetime. Thank goodness he's gone, but it should have happened much earlier. Pelosi is intent on driving the bus off of the cliff as she clings to power. Her narcissism is equal to, if not greater than, Trump's. To declare that the next leader must "have shown a vision for the country" is laughable coming from a leader who has shown zero vision for the party or the country for the past six years. Yes, she had her moments as speaker, Obamacare being one of them. But her job is much bigger than legislation; she has failed to provide the vision to position her caucus to hold or retake its majority. If the Dems retake the House, thank Trump, not Pelosi.
11
@gleapman - I agree with your comment. I just want to touch on Obamacare and those who tout it as an example of her great accomplishments.
By all means, Obamacare is a good thing and I'm glad we got it. But it is a vestige of what it should have been. The DEMs, so intent to demonstrate cooperativeness with the GOP, basically borrowed Romney's healthcare plan. They bargained away everything they had in their first play. They lost the chance to push for a REAL healthcare policy. There was talk, briefly, of a "single payer option". But that was immediately squelched by Pelosi and HRC.
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/66721-pelosi-no-house-vote-on-single-p...
Of course, the GOP went on to show us how pointless it was, trying to be bi-partisan with them.
So, what great accomplishment did Pelosi leave us with? A system that briefly covered more people, but failed to seriously address healthcare costs, remained completely tied into the commercial, for-profit, insurance industry and is rapidly being dismantled by the GOP.
1
It's disheartening to see so many Democrats being taken in by Republican propaganda. A recent poll shows that voters in general do not feel strongly about Pelosi's position -- which makes sense to me (how many people are interested in this "inside baseball" stuff?). She would not be the reason Democratic candidates lose, if they do.There is no substantive criticism of Pelosi -- it's all a reaction to the Republican attacks.
1
Why Pelosi remained as the caucus' foremost leader after the disastrous 2010 election has always been beyond me to understand. In almost any other democratic legislature, she would have been forced into resignation.
The Pelosi-Hoyer axis has been in place since 2003. It's long past time for a new generation of leadership to take the helm of the Democratic caucus. If she truly cared about her party's success over her own position, she'd be working to make the transition easy instead of trying to quash dissent.
3
Whatever the make-up of Congress turns out to be after the midterms, Nancy Pelosi should stay where she is. Her seniority will keep her on important committees and in a position to promote democratic goals better than anyone who might replace her.
She may seem too tame for the current crop of Democrats, but she's smart and she gets things done. Charging full speed ahead, waving a sword of righteous indignation, is not her style, but her tenacity and political savvy is likely to get us a lot more of what we want and need.
1
Look, it's very simple. It has nothing to do with Nancy Pelosi, her wealth, or her gender. It's just that the Democratic Party is led by three people who are close to 80 and who cannot bear to give up power. This has to happen if the Democrats are going to be a serious Party. Pelosi, Hoyer, and Clyburn have to go.
7
It is surely time for the Democrats to be grooming a new generation of exciting anf articulate Congressional leaders under the age of eighty. But if there is in fact anyone of that description now lurking the halls of Congress with anything near the stature of Pelosi, it is a well kept secret. Lacking anything more persuasive to offer than an another attack on a strong woman, the Republicans are playing on the usual fears and biases. And timid, opportunistic Democrats are showing their usual cowardly stripes and beginning to panic -- all in the name of some sort of ill-defined new politics, no less. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Democratic candidates under pressure to jump ship should of course profess an open mind and a willingness to fairly consider all the speaker candidates, then see who is actually left standing after the election. That's a defensible strategy. But declaring now generically against Pelosi is both unwise and unnecessary.
2
Pelosi reminds me of a Survivor challenge where one teammate keeps throwing, and throwing, and throwing but missing the target. The team keeps shouting, "Do you want to tap-out?" "No", Pelosi replies, "I've got this" while the other team wins the challenge. For the good of the team, its time to vote Pelosi off.
People in their 70’s need to give way to younger leadership. Any thing else is just ego and resistance to change. The fact that she has not handed leadership over already is a sign that she should no longer be the leader, nor ahould any one else of her age
4
Ms Pelosi is a brave soul, attacked because of her effectiveness as a democratic leader; republicans couldn't even dream being as effective and efficient and honest as her, their envy her gain in stature. And yet, her promise to advance a new generation of leaders to take the mantle is welcome. But now, near mid-term elections? Remember when democrats in congress tried to shy away from defending Obamacare? they lost control of their congressional power; do they want a similar shortsighted fate again?
Leaders take people places while managers administer things. Pelosi falls into the the latter category. Time for leadership.
2
I admire Ms Pelosi and appreciate the work she has done in the past (and I'm not letting Shumer off the hook either), but anyone with eyes to see when they look at the faces of the Democratic Party sees a bunch of old people (and I'm of that certain age). They are from a time when big money was needed to win elections and they played that game only to find themselves in the pocket of big business and in some ways no different than the GOP. Moving on comes to all of us whether we like it or not and great leaders bring along those that would replace them Ms. Pelosi and other long serving members of Congress have not done that almost with the expectation that they will die in office. Yes, the ability to raise money can help a party but part of how Obama got elected (and Trump too if the truth be told) was grassroots work and social media to have friends talk to friends. Who knows this better than the next generation? Go Ms Pelosi! Leave on a high note and not being pushed out the door.
1
She has served the country well and she can serve it even better by standing aside.
It’s an imperative that the Democrats win the House in November
Ms Pelosi by stepping aside will take a totally prejudicial propaganda message away from the Republicans
America needs to move forwards not to the far right or the far left and new leadership of the Democratic Party will be a strong signal this can happen
Ironic, while corporate Americas is ushering out employees over 60, politicians cling to the axiom that older is better. Haven't the Democrats learned that the current roster of aged leaders, some with diminished capacity were one of the main reasons that Donald Trump is President.
6
How many 78 year olds have 'positions of power' in the private sector?
Unless you are the 'owner' of a business, the answer is close to zero.
Nancy Pelosi needs to retire and write her memoirs and play with her grandchildren. Instead, she will hold on to what little power she has for another six years while President Trump thumbs his nose at her and the Democrats.
She had her opportunity to retire during the Obama years but now we are stuck with her during the Trump Presidency because she can't bring herself to leave the house during some dark times...
3
I'm amazed at the number of comments which accuse those people who don't support Pelosi as being sexist and/or ageist.
Why this rush to accuse?
Isn't it just possible that we may have a different opinion than you for completely legitimate reasons?
Or are you so absolutely certain in your views that the only conceivable reason people could hold different views is because they are sexist or ageist?
I'm not going to restate here my reasons for wanting a major change in DEM leadership. I've repeated them enough. I'm just going to say that they have nothing to do with her gender or age and everything to do with "leadership" that has led the DEM party into a period of several election cycles of unparalleled defeats.
15
One of the pieces of wisdom that comes with age is knowing when it is time to go. When you have become the GOP’s symbol for what is wrong with the Democratic Party it’s worrisome. When you exemplify the same thing for a new generation of Democrats you have stayed past your pull date. Pelosi says she’s building a bridge, but it looks like a blockade. She needs to bow out while a modicum of grace is still possible.
3
Nancy Pelosi is the most effective Speaker of the House in recent history; Democrat or Republican. And that why is why Republicans are so virulent in their opposition to her. Oh yes; and also because she is female. Are Democrats supposed to capitulate to the Republicans in their opposition to Nancy Pelosi? There is no doubt in my mind the Republicans would vilify any Democrat who was Speaker, especially one who is so accomplished as Ms. Pelosi.
2
I support fresh leadership, just because the right wing republicans won't have as much material to use. Nancy Pelosi should make all of us proud. But we need to boost up the young folks on the left who will be there to clean up the mess created by Don the Con.
3
Considering how divisive Pelosi has become, warranted or not, why can't she step aside gracefully, put party first, and become a leader Emeritus and mentor a new representative? I don't think it has to be a "younger" member, just someone new, for example Eric Swalwell.
The piece of legislation that has had the greatest impact on my life in the last 20 years was the ACA with its protection of pre-existing conditions and allowance of children to be on their parents’ health insurance until they are 26. I will always be grateful to Nancy Pelosi for that. She is the person Obama’s people themselves credit for its passage. I can’t fathom why, other than sexism, she is under attack by progressives of all people. What exactly differentiates Nancy Pelosi’s policies from President Obama’s whom Democrats still love?
28
@JT
I know why the Republicans attack her -- she's very effective.
But it is necessary to get in some younger blood -- the problem isn't so much that the Speaker is so old, but that so are the next two in the House leadership. I don't want a newbie in there, but someone in their 50s ...
thank you Nancy Pelosi, thank you Hillary , thank you Biden for serving our country and we say to all of you JOB WELL DONE, but we need new faces and new names and new ideas, from Democratic party if we want to end this night mare we are having it
1
Giving in to the comfort of the status quo would have prevented many necessary events from occurring.
Leader Pelosi is a formidable fundraiser but how effective can she be when a growing number within her caucus is so strident in their opposition? Some democratic house candidates have gone so far as to declare their refusal to back her as leader if elected. Although one has to wonder if such utterances are merely political posturing.
That Rep Ryan managed to get about a third of the votes during the last leadership election in 2016 illustrates the thirst for new blood. Perhaps it is time for someone else to take the reins.
1
I’m 67.I don’t feel old. I feel I have a lot of energy left in this aging body, but, yeah, I’m 67. Actually, we older Democrats could be really on point in stepping out of leadership roles and mentoring new generations of party leaders as they step into the leadership roles we are leaving.
Generational change happens... remember when my generation was in college, was becoming 30-somethings, and when Clinton was elected President? That was generational change, too, and we embraced it. It’s time for us to accept a new role, which I don’t mind at all.
5
Younger - or generational change, the p.c. term - is not necessarily better.
Data confirms that what the majority of American voters seek...is moderate Democratic leadership. Many of the "generational" Dems now being touted in the press, do not align with "moderation."
Perhaps if the press declines to over publicize these "new" Dems making headlines, and instead focuses of moderate Dems and the voter's desire for them...the voters really will decide the next election and set us on a new trajectory.
3
If Nancy Pelosi is that hated by the Republican base, then she's doing something right. She was effective at helping to pass Obama's agenda which was within the mainstream of the Democratic party. Instead of devouring her from the inside, Democrats would do well to signal that they stand together with her and the accomplishments she achieved.
14
@DebbieR - She's not "hated" by the GOP. She's just a useful scapegoat. Whoever the DEMs choose as their leader will be vilified by the GOP. That's what they do.
But Pelosi IS the DEM leader (along with a few others) who has presided over the disastrous losses of elections from 2012 to 2016. We should be able to have a rational discussion about the suitability of continuing with the same DEM leadership that led us into those losses.
2
@J Jencks
Obama was the leader of the Democratic party at the time, not Nancy Pelosi. It was his agenda voters rejected, because he failed to be a good salesman for it.
@DebbieR - "But Pelosi IS the DEM leader (along with a few others) who has presided over the disastrous losses of elections from 2012 to 2016. "
Definition of "presided" from Merriam-Webster: to be in charge of something (such as a meeting or organization)
What I said (minor correction, I meant 2010, not 2012), is a simple statement of fact. As "Speaker" she is the de facto "head" of the Democrats in the House. I made a point of adding "(along with a few others)" because she was part of a leadership GROUP including a number of other prominent DEMs, Obama (who went on to win the 2012 election despite what you wrote about him), HRC, Schumer, Wasserman-Schulz and Tim Kaine.
How to apportion blame among this leadership group is a different discussion. The FACT is that she was one of the leaders at the time the DEMs suffered a string of electoral defeats. In other words, she "presided" over them. It's a simple statement of physical fact.
It is outrageous that so much attention is being played to political maneuvering by those whose ambitions lead them to want to unseat Nancy Pelosi, rather than a discussion of the actual issues at stake.
This focus on game-playing is why many people are turned off by politics and don't vote.
Let's hear about Nancy Pelosi's effectiveness and considerable achievements in the limited time she was Speaker, and substantive policy proposals she has pulled together working with the Democrats
Why don't we hear more about this, for example:
https://www.c-span.org/video/?440922-1/house-democrats-unveil-infrastruc...
If one of these ambitious men thinks he would be better at herding cats to a constructive end, show some evidence. If someone thinks they have better policy proposals that she (rather than Republican obstruction) has rebuffed, let's hear about that.
Any Democratic leader will be demonized by Republicans. I see no evidence that any of the ambitious men would be as effective as Speaker as Nancy Pelosi.
11
Nancy Pelosi has served with great distinction as both Speaker of the House and as Minority Leader. That needs to be acknowledged and appreciated! However, perhaps due to a dearth of other issues to run on, the Republicans are unfairly portraying her a Democratic liability. And this seems to be having some resonance in an election that must result in a Democratic takeover of the House.
I propose the following solution, presuming Democrats win control in November. It is feasible because the Constitution does not require the Speaker to be a sitting member of the House:
1. Pelosi agrees before the 2018 election not to run for Speaker and says she will support a senior Democrat from outside the House for the position, who will then become de facto spokesperson for the Party.
2. Joe Biden, the best, but not the only choice, agrees to serve as Speaker if elected, and not run for President in 2020.
3. Pelosi runs for and is likely elected as Majority Leader. She can run the House from this position.
4. Both Biden and Pelosi agree to step down after the 2020 election if the Democrats retain control.
An elegant solution that provides a credible face for the party, a suitable exit for Pelosi, and allows space for a new generation of leaders to emerge to replace both.
4
@Trip Rothschild Are you serious? Why go through all those machinations? For what? Just vote Pelosi out of the leadership and replace her with a fresher and younger face. Problem solved. That's exactly how she herself rose to power. Don't you think that there are bigger things at stake here -such as building the party and opposing Trump - than insuring Nancy has a "suitable exit"?
1
How is Pelosi under a threat?
She's the one threatening to keep Trump and his criminals, the Republicans, in charge of our authoritarian state forever.
Hasn't she done enough damage?
She colluded in the destruction of our democracy with her corporate backers and she helped install a Republican Presidency, a Republican Congress, a Republican Supreme Court, and Republican State Houses.
The Republicans love her.
8
Why is she hanging on?
This is not to disparage her considerable past achievements, but the sorry state of Democratic Congressional leadership is an indictment on a Dem leadership class that has ossified. If there is one thing - and really, just one - that Democrats could stand to learn from the GOP is how to cycle in new leadership and new voices.
Also, it's doubtful whether Pelosi has the fight in her. Since Trump took over, she has punted on DACA (which she vehemently supported in the past), almost gave in on the wall, and has been virtually silent on the cruelty of family separations and the breathtaking corruption of this administration. Additionally, she's increasingly out of step with the emerging ideas from the Dem grassroots - she opposes Medicare for All or meaningful campaign finance reform, for instance.
She had a great run, time to retire.
(same goes for Chuck Schumer - perhaps even more so. A politician with less fight I haven't seen.)
12
Anybody who is the house or senate leader of their party should plan on departing in no less than 10 years. For the other party they become the face of the other tribe and subject to all kinds of hate and attack for things that have no basis in facts - but stick anyway because those people want to hate them. Within their own party they become the face of disappointment and (evil) "establishment" - being attacked by their own party's fringes (who cannot understand why all their wishes have not been fulfilled when "their party" is "in power"). As Krugman pointed out a few days ago Nancy have been spectacular and we all owe her our gratitude. However, she needs to step down as speaker sometime in early-late October. That will ensure that all the GOP money attacking "evil Nancy" will be wasted - and that the fringes of the democratic party will be energized about potential for new leadership.
8
Pelosi should step down not because of her age and gender, but because the Democrats have precious little to show for her 15 years in power. They have lost vast numbers of seats at the federal and state levels and almost never seem to be in control of the national conversation, unlike the Republicans (unfortunately). This can hardly be blamed on Pelosi alone (and Schumer in the Senate should step aside, too), but for too long the Democrats have been wan and weak on message, uninspired in finding creative and effective ways to fight the destructive Republican narrative, and part of the problem is a leadership team that seems more comfortable in boardrooms and at fundraisers than engaging with ordinary people. I appreciate her skills as a leader and fundraise, but Madam Speaker, please do the right thing!
27
I'm not opposed Pelosi because she is a woman or because she is 70 plus, or because she forgets words, she must step down because she has driven the Democratic Party into a ditch and her solution seems to be drive faster into the next ditch. She has to go.
30
Nancy Pelosi is one of the Washington Insiders.
She also just happens to be a woman and a Democrat...
Nancy Pelosi would have as many Democrats (in fact any Americans) believe that she is tirelessly fighting for "change" and "justice" and "equality"...
She has raised all kinds of money for the DNC and for "selected" candidates...
Highly intelligent, energetc, and enthusiastic - she has already served as Speaker of the House - historically as the first woman Speaker...
But..... she is also...
Beholden to those donors to the DNC...
And is invested in the status quo (in this article she even says that younger leaders should prove themselves to her..).
Her track record as Speaker was to help pass the Affordable Care Act that - among all of its good things - denied universal health care, while helping the insurance industry and Big Pharma.
Nancy Pelosi has her "friends and minions", her "detractors and enemies", and her "game plan" and her "vision" for the country...
But ultimately, she is yet another Washington Insider who has failed to build up and support new, younger leadership and is entrenched in "The Swamp".
I am a progressive and a Democrat, and I am ready for new leadership in the House and in the Democratic party.
25
Pelosi provides motivation for republicans to vote. Nancy's time has come - she must exit for the good of the country.
6
Her mandate was to sell a progressive ideology to the masses. To say it hasn't worked out is putting it mildly. It's time to go to pasture.
19
The Democrat party needs new leadership with a concise, clear and fresh message that resonates with the Millenials.
Time for Nancy Pelosi to step aside. She has had plenty of time in Congress.
32
@SC Because it's important to resonate with a demographic vote that historically has the lowest voter turnout and shows no signs of changing that?
Nobody's denying that Nancy Pelosi did some great things. But she also did some grave wrongs when prioritizing issues which were most important to 'most' Americans. And that has consistently left the intellectual Party in the dust. In politics you have to win, not be a runner-up. Nancy Pelosi has to go. Before anyone can say foul - it is not age or sex discrimination. The longevity of her career is witness to the fact. But it's the way of the world - the old has to give way to the new. The new generation Democrats are winning 'their' way. Hope Ms. Pelosi steps down before there is a revolt in the Democratic Party. Come November, the focus should be on winning the election not wrangling within the Party itself.
10
I get the complaints of the 39 year olds - but they should take a look at the pictures accompanying this NYT article. As Del Shannon would have said, "just look at that style." And Ms. Pelosi has more than demonstrated that she has substance to back it up.
Be careful what you wish for.
9
Nancy Pelosi is the primary reason not all of Trump's legislative agenda was enacted. She absolutely must not leave Congress before Trump leaves the White House.
19
@Jason Galbraith - it appears to me, based in large part on the reporting I see here in the NY Times, that internal differences and dissent within the GOP is in large part why Trump has not been able to push his agenda. Look at the GOP's inability to eliminate the ACA, or its internal arguments about an immigration policy or the border wall.
The #1 job of the leader of House Democrats is to lead not fundraising. The DNC has a fundraising wing dedicated to doing just that.
Currently Congressional Democrats have no clear message or legislative plan. If the Blue Wave comes in November then what? What are the legislative priorities? We don't know and I bet the Democratic members of the House don't know.
11
Fact check: the DNC has very little to do with House races; that is the purview of the DCCC, the House arm of the Democratic organizations, which, in fact, fundraising is extremely important as they basically have to raise all their funds themselves. The DNC’s got nothing to do with it and Nancy Pelosi is raising gobs and mountains of cash, which will help us regain the House come November. Why do I have a feeling very few people will give her any credit???
She should have started the bridge 4 years ago. Now as she stares at the possibility of a floor humiliation, she starts the negotiation of her leaving the leadership role - after she gets one last spin as Speaker, just for old times sake.
And to massage her ego.
For the good of the party, and the country, take a seat gracefully and let the next generation (or even two) have a go at it. The future belongs to them, not you.
8
Go while the going is good. Knowing when to leave may be the smartest thing that anyone can learn.
Fly while you still have your wings. Knowing when to leave will never let you reach the point of no return.
(Hal David, "Promises, Promises")
5
I've yet to see any criticism other than she is an older woman, and is an official in the Democratic party.
21
@Craig H. I like(d) Nancy Pelosi until relatively recently, but her time has come and gone. So, in reply to your challenge...
Nancy Pelosi is 78. She sometimes has trouble finding her words during interviews. She has been in Congress for more than 30 years. Her political career was--and is--based largely on her ability to raise contributions from big donors. (While this is legal, Democrats should oppose it, rather than condone it.) She is a gazillionaire. She is a lightning rod for Republican animus. She is increasingly, as the Times's comments attest, a lightning rod for Democrats' animus. She is an establishment Democrat, when the party so badly needs to become more open and more democratic. She is a corporatist, not a progressive. She has been one of the leading Democrats over the past decade, during which time the Democratic Party has steadily lost ground and been utterly lacking in a coherent platform or message.
2
@Craig H. Don't forget, she's also being criticized for raising money. Sheesh - Democrats are sometimes hard to like. We can't seem to stop infighting and knocking down our most effective fighters. HRC would be President if all of those Bernie lovers hadn't stayed home. We deserve tRump, and we're going to deserve the next young Speaker who can't get a bill passed. Hopeless.
2
The fact that she has not handed over leadership at her advanced age is the evidence she should not serve
One commenter here embodies the problem exactly, saying: "Yes, it's time for the older generation of leaders (especially those in their 70s and 80s) to hand over the reins. ...Though to be honest I'm not sure that Bernie Sanders should step aside, since he's been so effective at galvanizing the youth."
So, uh, a woman of certain age should step aside, but not a man? Where have I heard this story before? Oh, yeah -- EVERYWHERE.
What Bernie's been good at is galvanizing the misogyny of the Bernie Bros, who in their "step aside and submit" language are no better than certain Republicans I can think of.
If you fixate on an older woman and insist she must go, but then backtrack on your arguments about your criteria, then it's clear only ONE thing has got to go. And that's the double standard.
14
@ML - I love Bernie but would not vote for him in 2020 due to age.
1
@ML
Respectfully, you are the only one who is framing this as a gender issue. Bernie's message resonated with the younger generation as shown in his primary results. The message resonated as much with young women as young men. Pelosi's message has not, but as evidenced by voter turnout amongst young people. Maybe Pelosi wouldn't be pushed out if she supported universal Healthcare, campaign finance reform and a progressive tax overhaul. This is not a gender issue,and we risk alienating young people by trivializing their real concerns to mere misogyny.
1
I like her as a person but for the good of the party she needs to step down soon. Time for some new leadership.
3
I'm no fan of Ms. Pelosi, but I am shocked at the number of ageist comments that appear here. Would these same people make insulting comments about someone's sex, religion or race? Whenever I hear people speak this way I think: "Don't knock it; you should only be so lucky to live a long, active life!"
13
@PH
Please show me a 78 year old CEO. Most have retired and sit on a couple of boards and help charities raise money. This is what you should be doing when you have accomplished a great deal and get tot this age.
Getting old is a fact of life. So is retirement.
Making way for the next generation of leaders is hard for some people. Feinstein will be 91 when she retires from the Senate (if she lives that long).
Time for Nancy to walk into the Sunset...
1
@PH - I was a Bernie delegate but would not vote for him in 2020 due to age.
2
PH, How about entitlement? She's just another very wealthy white person, who needs to move on and pass the power graciously.
If the Democrats win the majority in November, Nancy Pelosi will overwhelming win the Speakership. In one or two cycles, she will hand it back to the Republicans. All these people claim she "gets things done." She is so self-serving and naive to believe she should get another opportunity at leading the House. I was a big Hillary supporter, but it's time to move on to new blood. Her time has come and gone.
34
@Benjamin Indeed, time has come and gone. There is a time when all of us need to help an organization "refresh".
That holds for both parties.
'Any aspiring party leader, she said, must demonstrate that “they do have a following, that they’ve shown a vision for the country,” as well as the necessary fund-raising prowess.'
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.
Well, if they don't have a vision -- how's their fundraising??
6
Oh please... If you care so much about the American people why aren't you willing to pass the torch?
You were patronizing about Alexandra - The American people have not forgotten what the DNC did to Bernie. We want socialism and we're willing to lay you out to get it Pelosi. Your form of government is tired and played and we're done with the DNC fraudulent playbook.
Revolution! Lets shake up Representative government for people who are actually passionate about helping their countrymen and women and the rest of the world be stable and strong.
12
Thank you for your service, now it's time for a graceful exit. Or do you want to be remembered as the Ralph Nader of the House -- the person who stopped a Democratic resurgence and what looks like the only hope for our country's salvation? Do you want to be spoken of in the same breadth as the despicable, smug "anyone but Hillary" crowd or selfish and myopic Bernie or Bust folks, who all contributed to putting an abomination in the white house? It's your call, do the right thing.
3
That bridge has a name... Retirement.
21
Nancy. I asked ten years ago in the NYT, but you were not listening. Many others begged you too. You are ineffecive and you have been around WAY too long. Let some new blood help the party. You are a liablity, and have been for some time. Leave aleady!
22
@Joe Smally
Pelosi’s effectiveness has always been overrated because the Democratic victory in 2006 was due more to:
1. The war in Iraq
2. Howard Dean’s 50 state strategy, and
3. The Republican RepresentativeMark Foley Scandel.
I wasn’t due to the big bucks she raises.
I say that even though helping Pass Obamacare was important.
Ms. Pelosi, I implore you, as a life long liberal Democratic voter, to let go. You and Hillary brought us ruin with the most despised President since Nixon. Thank you for your hard work to now but it's time. Adios.
29
The GOP is printing the bumper stickers now. For the love of what's holy, Nancy, please step down and urge Schumer and Feinstein to do the same. We need bold blood in the Party. Save us from a second Trump term. Please!
11
@Cass
Yes, for goodness sake. Anytime the Repubs tag team a Democratic, let’s get rid of them.
Think about this, people. Why are Trump and the Repubs going so hard after Nancy (like they did Hillary)? Because they FEAR her. Divide and conquer, anyone?
Get a grip, Democrats and quit with the knee-jerk every time Trump or a Repub pulls your chain. Try standing united for once and tell ‘em to buzz-off!
Sexism pure and simple. The Russian bots have such and easy time manipulating the masses by pushing the buttons that should not be so easily pushed. Don't fall for it again Democrats. Stick together and end this nightmare presidency in the next election and don't let foreign and Republican influences tear us apart. This shouldn't even be an issue right now. Don't get distracted.
13
Please no. It's got nothing to do with her sex or even her age. It's about her inability to,articulate and lead...beyond fundraising of course.
NOBODY in the Republican Caucus criticizes Mitch McConnell, even though his approval ratings are in the toilet and his main claim to fame is being an intractable old cuss. This is sexism, pure and simple. Pelosi knows how to get things done. We have the ACA because of her. Am grateful every single day for that. Let her retire on her own terms when she is ready. She is smart enough to figure it out.
21
@Rose
Wrong.
That’s the Senate which is totally different.
Republican conservatives basically ran Boehner and now Paul Ryan out of the Speakership. Ryan’s a fundraiser too but like Pelosi he is out of touch with the voters in the party.
Democrats need a generational Revolution.
They need to figure out why they don’t appeal policy wise since 1994.
1
She needs to accept and endorse the progressive movement or loose again.
6
She will not go quietly.
13
@M
Nor should she!
Let's see, if Hillary had gone away quietly we'd probably be in a better place right now. So is Nancy's ego going to put the recovery in jeopardy. Resign your seat Nancy!
13
Republicans have "spent millions over the years to brand Ms. Pelosi as a radical liberal and an avatar of coastal elitism."
Yeah, actually, the republicans have spent millions and years to brand Speaker Pelosi a WOMAN. American loves to hate a woman and we're at it again.
29
If Senator Franken "fell on his sword" then she should not hesitate to do the same. That would be one less foil for the pro-Putin crowd to trumpet.
2
It appears that Nancy is a prodigious fundraiser for both Democrats & Republicans. No wonder that she says that Independents hold the key to so many elections.
Wow, those independents are just like hedge playing corporations, except that they don't have to spend any money, pre-election. On the other hand, they're liable to reap zilch. You get what you pay for?
3
Ms. Pelosi,
What is your "vision for the country"? I really have no idea.
Thank you for your service. Good bye.
9
Just win the Congress in November and stop pandering to the GOP agenda of attacking Democrats.
Win first - navel gaze after.
13
Look, Pelosi's brilliant at her job, but she's old, tarred and from right wing hate fave California. She needs to step back from the speakership, let Murphy take over and take on the role of maternal machiavelli to the next gen.
2
Pelosi/Waters 2020 Democrat ticket Yes we can!
8
@skanda. As a Californian, I must say that I think that ticket would result in a guaranteed win for Trump.
6
About time
15 years? C'mon woman, step down already! Your constituents are rightfully saying that you have failed them.
6
Why does anyone think that Republicans won't simply demonize whomever the Dem leader is? Anyone who says that Nancy Pelosi should be opposed because of ANYTHING Republicans say is just crazy.
17
The only reason Republicans hate Ms. Pelosi so much is because she is so good and effective as Speaker (compare her tenure in that role to any recent Republican). It is amazing to think that there are Americans who couldn't name their own state senator or rep, but know who Nancy Pelosi is. It's a joke to call her "radical" - she's a multi-millionaire capitalist who just happens to also care about helping disadvantaged Americans.
I agree that the Democrats need generational change, and I have confidence that Ms. Pelosi understands that, while also knowing she's about the best thing Democrats have had going for the past couple of decades. And beyond any doubt, she is a political genius - she will know exactly when the time to step aside is, and how to facilitate a smooth transition. Everything else is white noise designed to manufacture turmoil among the Democrats so the media has a story to tell/sell or to bolster right-wingers to come out against the monster Republicans have painted her as.
But notice that she doesn't conform to any outside label or role that is attached to her - she confidently moves forward, eye on the prize, loyal to her party and the nation. I certainly don't agree with every position she's taken, but I have a mountain of respect for this woman who history will recall far more positively than any Republican in the role of Speaker.
92
Why go after Nancy Pelosi? She's smart, accomplished, effective, better qualified for the job than anyone else, experienced, successful - oh, wait. That's right. We just went through this 21 months ago.
And why are Democrats falling for this? The GOP wants to run against Nancy Pelosi because she is all of the above. Their constituents tend to fear women like her and the leadership fears her as speaker. Let them attack her all they want, but Democrats, don't eat our own. Speaker of the House is one of the most important jobs in the world. It does not require "new blood". It requires a skilled, experienced and gifted politician who is not learning on the job. But none of this will matter if people don't go and vote. Whether or not you think Nancy Pelosi should be holding that gavel, it will only be something worth talking about if we put it within her reach.
12
Nancy Pelosi was the most successful Speaker of the House in decades and Republicans have good reason to fear her return to that position.
The truth is that Republicans hate and fear all powerful women, especially older women (and women of color). That was a big part of why Hillary Clinton lost. But the GPO doesn't seem to have a problem with old white men.
10
It's been time for Nancy to go for more than a decade. Another bout with her as speaker would be a disaster. She is wedded to a 30-year-old view of what congress needs to do, and what the American people need.
5
Ms. Pelosi is as toxic as Hilary Clinton was for the party. The Republicans would be absolutely lost in their campaign ads if they had neither Ms. Clinton or Mr. Pelosi to demonize.
Ms. Pelosi, step down now and allow the party to move on to the next generation (which leaves Mr. Clayburn out as well). If the Democrats want to have new, fresh approaches to offer the voters it has to start at the top. Ms. Pelosi can move this party to even larger numbers in the House this fall if she simply thought of the party first, rather than herself.
8
@Bryan: What? If the Republicans say “boo” about a Democratic candidate, that candidate should meekly step down? Why not dissolve the Democratic Party alltogether, since they’re too chicken to tell Republicans to mind their own business, with Trump and all?
Forward thinking is good exercise, Democrat speaker hopefuls. Please don't spend too much time on who is going to be speaker if you win back the House. Step one: Win back the House. Step two: Spend all your spare time getting yourself re-elected and new Democratic members elected. Step three: spend the next 90 days doing step two until you achieve step one.
7
I'm always open to change, but anyone suggesting or even demanding Pelosi step aside because Republicans have succeeded in a systematic effort to define her as the prototypical bogeyman (or womwn) needs to quit kidding themselves that removing her would somehow stop the GOP from simply inventing another villain. It's always somebody and with no Obama or Clinton currently on the playing field, Pelosi could easily argue she's taking 3 times the flak and in part due to the mistakes that the other 2 are responsible for.
And I think she's dead right in her comments. They want a change, then they better be able to demonstrate after all their election posturing bravado that they have a sure fire plan to build enough of a coalition to not only bring meaningful legislation to the floor but can back it up with the votes to pass because if they don't have that then Republicans likely wont need any one "coastal elite" arch villain. The GOP attack slogan could easily be " The Blue Team Has No Proven Leaders".
Change is sometimes necessary, but almost never when it's born out of the reactionary. There is no perfect short cut from where the party is now to where they would like to be. Democrats wont be perceived as leaders if they allow the tail to wag the dog, especially if the process risked a poster boy of patriarchy like Hoyer gets the gavel. That's not change but rather going from less than perfect to absolutely worse.
16
Nancy Pelosi is my Representative. I've voted for her many times and will again. I think she's great. I also have written to her asking that she hand off her role to the next generation.
Is this ageist? Kinda. In US politics, the longer you serve, the more that a partisan media can inflame their viewers. To take any past statement, take it out of context, and weave a new incendiary narrative.
So, I think that Pelosi should make the same sacrifice that was asked of for Senator Franken. Remove a rhetorical weapon for the opposition. It's not fair. But, neither is a POTUS elected by an angry minority.
3
Republicans are afraid of her because she is smart and capable. She got things done when she was speaker - things that helped regular Americans. Not like Paul Ryan whose only accomplishment is a tax bill that helps only the top 10% and balloons the deficit.
They fear her so they demonize her just like they did with Hillary Clinton.
6
I like the scenario where the 200 year old woman gives way for the 200 year old man to take her place. Do Baby Boomers ever retire or step aside? It's mind-boggling that the possible worst generation in American history insists on not only staying but staying in charge. Hey you, we already have to payoff all of the debts you ran up, fix the infrastructure you never invested in and reshape the education system you ignored while funding Social Security and medicare you have raided every night going on 38 years. Can you please at least take a step or two to the side while we try to get the work started?
10
78 year olds are most definitely not in your ‘baby boomer’ category.
1
No one who has power likes to see it slip away. I say this to Nancy Pelosi: please give it up, declare victory (a career of accomplishment) and find something else to do.
The fact of the current rancid state of American politics is that the right can pick targets and demonize those who are picked to the point where their own close relatives would have second thoughts about voting for them. This is one reason Hillary Clinton should not have run in 2016: she and her husband had been viciously attacked, often with facts lacking and reason cast aside, for a quarter of a century. People had fixed attitudes about the Clintons and Russian/Facebook interference and gross propaganda glued those attitudes tight. They were going to budge.
Perhaps this is one reason we need more turnover in politics and public life: people get damaged even when they provide excellent public service. They get dirt on their hands that can't be easily washed off.
The future of this nation does not depend on Nancy Pelosi being Speaker of the House. Just like those who serve in the military and are given a higher rank just as they retire, she surely would like to go out on a high note. Perhaps she deserves it, but it is too high a price to pay, the possible loss of a Democratic majority in the House.
2
Dems need to stop letting Republicans poison their views on Nancy Pelosi. The reason Republicans target her is totally transparent…she’s been really good at her job as Speaker of the House and Minority Leader. Republicans would love to see Dems choose someone who’s less effective.
I get it that she’s, like, really old. I get it that young, enthusiastic Democrat members of congress would like a Leader/Speaker who’s more in tune with their vibe. I get it that Ms. Pelosi has endured Republican venom for so long that she’s practically radioactive. But that’s not a reason for her to simply step aside.
Congress isn’t a school playground, where everyone gets a turn. If another super effective leader emerges, takes her on and wins the trophy, I’ll cheer for him/her. And if he/she really is as effective as Ms. Pelosi, the trash talk will start flying again… as usual.
8
There's no question that Nancy Pelosi is one of the most accomplished leaders in House history—she knows how to get things done. And that's the rub—which of these replacement whippersnappers will bring that level of knowledge, experience and success to the undoubtedly Herculean task of wrangling a new democratic House with wisdom while dealing with the worst administration in history? And if the Senate remains Republican, McConnell will eat whoever it is alive. They should be learning at her foot and treating her like the emeritus lawmaker she is, not attacking her. Ageism is an ugly thing—there's much to be said for experience.
7
Republicans are desperate to depose Nancy Pelosi because they are terrified, and rightly so, of her cold-blooded efficiency.
To facilitate her political demise the Republicans are feeding phony talking points to Democrats that she is "too establishment" or simply "too old". Occasionally there are people who are in their jobs for a long time because they really are quite good at it, and Pelosi is an example.
If the Democrats win back the House then their #1 agenda is clear: to obtain Trump's tax returns from the IRS and conduct a real investigation into the Russian attack on our electoral system.
If Pelosi is fully on board with that agenda then she should stay, and if not then she can be replaced, but upon our say-so, not that of Republicans who fear her sharp skills at undercutting their dishonest games.
7
As a registered Democrat, Im thinking the last person I want representing my side is progress-blocker Nancy Pelosi. I think Democrats across the nation must be asking themselves why they must be represented by a imminent octogenarian who thinks 20th century politics will win the day. I would only ask that when she leaves that she takes Maxine Waters with her. California is a lovely place to retire.
5
I do not object to Pelosi because she has been around too long. I never heard that too much about Mike Mansfield or any other male legislative leader, and, without wanting to immediately pull out the accusation of sexism (like a politically correct Chicken Little), one can't help thinking that objection to her on that basis isn't, dare I say it, somewhat gender based. I want her to leave because she isn't effective.
5
Given that Nancy Pelosi was one of the most successful house leaders in recent history, it is hardly surprising that the GOP is running all out against her.
We should all ask “Who will benefit the most if Nancy Pelosi is ousted as the house Democratic leader?” The American people or the self-serving POT (Party Of Trump aka the GOP).
6
"But she said it was “perplexing” that the news media — or anyone else — would seek to game out the power politics of the Democratic caucus in the midst of a campaign."
Maybe it has something to do with all the money they make turning the coverage of our political system into a reality show...
A free press doesn't mean a pro-Democrats press.
3
Pelosi's words make it clear that that she is the still the face of unprincipled Clintonism that stands for no policy, and that cultivated the hunger for straight talk that spawned Trump. Her authoritarian Democratic leadership is fracturing the party from the ground up, and her continued presence is casting a shadow over the November elections.
6
One thing I cannot STAND about my fellow Democrats is their unencumbered passion for vilifying and tearing down Nancy Pelosi instead of directing that animus towards Republicans. And now all the newcomers running are simply throwing her under the bus as she raises vast sums for their elections. When we elect a Democratic president in 2020 you’re are definitely going to WANT Pelosi at the helm as there is no one better suited to pass an agenda through the House. A new leader will come along soon enough. Please, fellow Dems, get over yourselves.
23
New leadership and new perspectives is normal and healthy. Having said that, American democracy is under threat, and the window to correct course is closing. Having new leaders come forward with new ideas is good, but not if the Democratic Party is going to turn to self-destructive back-biting. I worry about whether each faction will show restraint.
Whatever you can say about Republicans and the crooks in the Trump administration, at least they pulled together to win an election before stabbing each other in the pack. Democrats have an unfortunate tendency to stab each other in the back BEFORE the election. If you're going to have a power struggle, at least wait until your party has some real power to struggle over.
8
In the 2014 midterms, some Democratic senatorial candidates distanced themselves from President Obama when he was under fierce attack by Republicans, thinking that would help them win. It did not work, these Democrats lost anyway. They included Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Mark Pryor of Arkansas, Mark Begich of Alaska, and Natalie Tennant of West Virginia. The following Reuters listed these candidates before the 2014 midterm elections took place.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-obama-democrats-analysis-idUSBREA...
Here we are again with Democratic candidates distancing themselves from Pelosi this time. It won't work to get them elected.
4
Do so hope Pelosi and Schumer, "close the government down for our beautiful dreamers," will both step down from ANY leadership roles.
They may be able to rake in the party financiers/mega donors, but they have not been good stewards of our government.
Recently, I was able to hear Richard Ojeda, of WVA speak and I was so inspired by his vision; now that is a man who could truly make America great again; and I would love to see Kathleen Rice, a former NY prosecutor, who has a keen sense of justice, be our Congressional leader.
Recently, I was so discouraged with the direction of the Democratic party that I, for the first time in my 72 years, changed my voter registration to Unaffiliated/Independent; I would gladly return home to the party I used to love and hope to be inspired by again when we get competent and just leadership.
Mr. Clyburn, Mr. Hoyer and yes you too, Jan Schakowsky, please take a chill pill; your time has passed.
2
Whether deserved or not, Pelosi is a lightning rod for demonization by the right, emblematic (according to them) of everything that's wrong with the Democrats. They have built entire local, state, and even federal ad campaigns around hating her.
If there is the slightest possibility that her presence would hurt Democrats in November (and beyond), she needs to step down as Democratic leader for the good of the party and the country.
Whatever it takes to hamstring Trump, tie him up with endless subpoenas and hearings, stop him from being the dictator he is rapidly becoming must be done.
31
@DD
ANYONE who stands up in a position of effective leadership for Democrats will be a lightning rod for Republican attacks. That's their only playbook! Paint devil horns on them and scream "liberal socialist"! If they had to discuss policy, both sides would have to sit down at the table and work something out. Where's the fun in that?
Ms. Pelosi is the best thing the Dems have going for them, they should all settle down, accept that, and go about winning their races in November.
1
Nancy Pelosi, like Dianne Feinstein, have done good work for our country and for the Democratic Party. What they haven't done is develop and mentor a new group of leaders to take their places. This is not ageism I speak of, this is the reality of generational shifts that have to take place to remain relevant to constituents and to attract new ones.
Pelosi had control of the House, she was the Speaker and she let it slip because she doesn't know how to share power. How to cultivate power in such a way that makes people feel apart of it not a part from it.
Now she has installed a bull's eye on her back. Very sad to have such a ridiculous distraction at such an important time. The Democratic Party must win back the House and Senate and govern broadly. But now that lies are the ruling currency of our country--and that includes voter suppression, it is hard to know what may happen.
The Democratic Party was built of coalition politics. Pelosi seems to have forgotten her roots. It may be too late for her to find them again. When she says, "building a bridge to new leaders," it is too little too late for her. Many of us were calling for that years ago but she didn't listen and resisted those calls. Now, when she sees herself slip into irrelevance, she speaks up.
Once I stood close to Pelosi at a public gathering. I looked at her and she said, "What!" I said "you know what." This is the what.
3
National leadership is needed across all age groups in order to be successful where it counts - the ballot box.
1
If Pelosi actually had the countries best interest at heart, she would gracefully spep aside, and help unite the party behind a new leader.
It's hard to let go, but it would cement her reputation as a great leader, who knew when it was time to pass the torch.
2
If not now, when?
At age 77 and having done the job for 15 years it is time to pass the baton.
A younger, more energetic person must be able to take her place. Nobody is indispensable. Nobody.
P.S. Still waiting for a daily briefing from the steps of the Capitol building from Dem leaders to help build awareness and energy before the election - and every day thereafter.
3
The people calling for new blood reminds me of something Bob Dole said: “Newt Gingrich is for new ideas. He doesn’t HAVE any; he’s just FOR them.” Put a name on this new blood, don’t just assume anyone new, or younger (no, they aren’t the same thing) is better. Let’s compare choices.
6
Nancy Pelosi has been an amazing and brilliant speaker and leader. She should continue to have a major role in Congress and in the party which could easily be as a mentor for a younger generational or other leader.
When you have white men in their seventies such as Trump and McConnell or in his 80s like Wilbur Ross doing enormous damage to this country every day, Republicans should beware demonizing others of the same generation.
That said, Ecclesiastes reminds us of the seasons and times:
A time to get, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; ..
We have been inundated under Trump with greed, instability, lies, hatred, and conspiracy, while the GOP has stood silent.
Perhaps this is a time for a new speaker while honoring the enormous achievements of Ms. Pelosi.
2
We know Pelosi means well, but sometimes perceptions are just as powerful as facts, and the perception is that she had become a liability to the Dem's effort to take back control of congress. Why wait until it gets nasty, just walk away with your good name intact.
2
She should leave for the best of the country. She is red meat to make any borderline Republican not change their vote. And that's what she should be thinking about, not her vain self.
The Democrats made a mistake with Hillary - I hope they don't do it again with Pelosi and Schumer. There are a lot of new faces and its time for a rebirth - not a repeat.
2
" We have to win the election ". You are right Ms Pelosi. the Democrats have to win. And as the Minority whip you have failed to deliver these last few years. We are very grateful for all your accomplished services. But there has to be a generational change of leadership now. You maybe the highest fundraiser but dynamics have changed. The new Democrats won with campaigns on shoe-string budgets that were locally funded. Your stubborn stand to continue as leader might only lead to needless infighting. The Party should be with them accepting their stands. Otherwise we may see these newcomers as independents. The Democratic Party is poised to win in November. Don't derail that momentum. And that goes for Ms. Pelosi's 78 yr. old deputy. We need a Paul Ryan Democrat.
I don't want the elders / experienced leaders to disappear. I want them to step aside and help mentor / bring in new leadership that will help strengthen the party for the long run and help to make it a cohesive fighting unit against a lot of the far right corruption and fantasy based backward thinking that is tearing down our institutions. The hypocrisy from the Religious Far Right (Evangelicals that stand behind Trump instead of the teachings of Jesus - they aren't true Christians as far as I'm concerned) need to be countered. Religion is a very important part of our society for ALL people and religions - I think all Christians are fed up with that type of hypocrisy.
Last but not least we need leaders that will fight and stand form for the causes that will help ALL Americans and help guide our nation / the world through all the challenges we ALL face regardless of who we are and where we live in this world. Our current & recent leadership let the Republicans mow us & our institutions down - so YES we need common sense change.
We need leadership the country can be proud of again.
"If people want to be the bridge that I’m building toward, they have to show what’s on the other side of the bridge,” she said, stressing that she saw it as her role “to open doors, to build bridges, but there has to be another side to the bridge.”
Huh?
The issue for me is that Ms. Pelosi is a poor speaker. She often seems barely articulate. We need a leader with a clear and powerful voice.
3
The next Presidential election *should be* easy for the Democrats to win. By 2020, Trump's popularity will probably in the single digits...
But the Democrats may blow it if they do not come up with a good credible set of candidates... I don not consider Biden or Warren as credible candidates. They are both light weights. I love Bernie but he is simply too old at this point and his calling himself a socialist is anathema to all the folks in US who have been brainwashed into thinking that socialism is evil (Have any of these folks ever visited Sweden or Canada?).
My concern is that I see no credible Democratic Presidential candidates and we've only got a couple of years to go before then next Presidential election.
1
Rep. Pelosi has become a target the Democratic caucus does not need. She has served well and long, but it's time for someone else to lead the caucus.
2
The Republicans and so-called "progressives" are doing to Nancy Pelosi what they did to Hillary Clinton: undermining her at a time when the Democratic Party should be worrying about the upcoming election. The Republicans have attacked Pelosi for years because she has been one of the greatest Democratic Leaders and Speakers. It also has played into their playbook of attacking any strong women in power. Now, Republicans are continuing that behavior because they know it will help divide the Democrats. The sad thing is that some Democrats are helping them with their own attacks on Pelosi. There is plenty of time to pick a party leader after we win the election. Democrats need to concentrate on gaining a majority in the House and Senate without bickering over who will be the new leaders. The venom and ridiculous charges against her in some of these comments do nothing to win the election. I'm afraid if it continues, it will end up losing another election, just as it did in 2016. Thanks again to the Bernie or busters, Jill Stein voters, and "progressives" who just couldn't vote for Clinton for helping elect Donald Trump and setting back liberal causes immeasurably. We will have a right-wing-activist Supreme Court for at least a generation and every liberal program in the last 75 years is under attack. This may be the last chance to turn it around and we're talking about Nancy Pelosi.
6
The democrats have destroyed the party. I left the party and have no reason to return. They are focused on special interests and could care less about the hard working folks that built the party. Yes I would say it's a time for change.
7
To those who support Pelosi -
Pelosi needs to go NOT because she is a woman, NOT because she is "old", etc.
Please stop accusing those of us who believe we need a change of leadership of sexism and ageism. It is disingenuous and just plain wrong.
Pelosi and the current group of DEM leaders need to go because they have presided of the DEM party as it lost BOTH houses of Congress, governorships all across the country and surrendered the White House to a madman, based on a minority vote.
The current leadership needs to be booted out because they are failing to lead.
Yes, Pelosi has accomplishments to look back on. But those accomplishments do not guarantee her the top spot for the rest of her life.
9
Nancy you've done good. But you lost the house in 2010 and failed to retake it in 2012, 2014, and 2016. That's a lot of losing.
Due respect for your service and stay on for your constituents as a member of Congress — but we need to win this year, more than ever.
3
Since 2008 the DEMs have succeeded in losing the White House, many governorships, and the majority in both houses of Congress.
The GOP has taken over using ever dirty trick in the books, voter suppression, control of media, gerrymandering... despite having a minority of support across the country.
Isn't it time we question the competency of the DEM leadership? Clearly they have failed to fight effectively for the majority they represent.
To all those commenters defending Pelosi and describing her as "the greatest speaker" and "wonderful leader", how do you reconcile that with the huge losses DEMs have suffered under her leadership?
Is the passage of the ACA (a very watered down policy, borrowed from Mitt Romney) enough to guarantee her a spot forever at the top of the DEM hierarchy?
7
Why should Democrats let Republican propaganda select their leaders? After all, Pelosi is, as Paul Krugman says, the most effective speaker in decades of either party. But Democrats seem inclined to let Republicans "swift boat" her.
9
“Mutiny,” a term used by Representative Jan Schakowsky of Illinois, is a word poorly suited to describe opposition to elected leadership. The term describes a revolt against appointed leadership, often the captain of a ship. Seamen don’t get a voice in selecting their captain—or any officers, for that matter. Upon enlisting, service members submit to having their leadership selected for them by the chain of command. Schakowsky’s use of the term troubles me. No one owes fealty to the Speaker of the House. She is not a military officer. She is not a titled aristocrat with legal authority over her serfs. She is a leader whom any Democrat can challenge by established means, whether the niceties of custom favor said challenge or not. The conflation by Representative Jan Schakowsky of a normal and perfectly legal challenge to Pelosi’s leadership by the duly elected representatives of the voters of 195 congressional districts across this country with a capital offense committed by service members should chill us. If Rep. Schakowsky thinks other Democrats in the House are Pelosi’s bound underlings, what must Schakowsky think of us, the common voters?
2
Pelosi has been a more effective leader than almost all of her (mostly) male peers. That said, 15 years is long time to be leader of anything. We need new leadership and we need younger leadership, sooner rather than later. Better a learning on the job younger Speaker than a superbly qualified Minority Leader.
1
It's hard to write candidly about the Democratic leadership, including Speaker Pelosi. It's evident how hard she has worked over the years. But something essential is missing. I don't know exactly what it is, but I think it has to do with a willingness to shake things up. That's not an end in itself, but there has to be a willingness to say, "No, we're not really getting a lot of progress made. Even under Obama, no, we did not make a lot of progress. Not on the environment, not on energy, not on education, not on campaign finance reform, not on defense spending..."
Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez, Gabbard.. these are the kind of leaders that the Democratiic party needs. I left the Democratic party because it has favored the likes of Pelosi, Hoyer, Reid, Schumer, Feingold.. Enough is enough. I'm sorry, but these folks have to go, with a nice thank you, and as soon as possible.
28
Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez etc will ensure Dems lose and become irrelevant. Dems continue to misread the electorate and keep moving leftward while those not on the extremes see no substantive policies or positions other than 'not Trump.' Didnt 2016 teach them anything? Dems are losing support even from a reader like me who despises the Republicans.
2
There has never been more at stake. It's not time for a newby to make mistakes or have public vetting problems. Nancy Pelosi has been successful in getting votes for crucial matters.
Realize that anyone can be vilified by a focussed, repetitious effort such as the right wing propaganda machine. Don't fall for it.
3
Why isn't she actively fostering the next generation of leadership, and relinquishing some roles?
1
Attacks on Pelosi by Republicans can be discounted: they are compounded equally of hate, fear, and envy. During her tenure as Speaker, she showed she could get things done - sometimes with ruthless tactics - in contrast to Boehner and Ryan, who were/are ineffective on their best days.
Within the Democratic party, Pelosi faces the conundrum that we have in CA: The bench is deep and the question is whether to go with a proven leader or to move to a new generation. This was the basis of the hoo-haw over CA Dems not endorsing Feinstein over de Leon in the Senate primary. For the Senate race, if we want to bet control of the Senate will flip to the Dems, I would go with Feinstein and all that seniority.
It is less clear to me that Pelosi's obvious skills and connections outweigh her baggage.
1
Democrats are playing into the Republican hands by campaining against Nancy Pelosi. Why do they not first get into the House by fighting for the issues important to their districts?
Pelosi has done more than anyone in the fight for important progressive issues. When this younger generation actually gets voted in, they will have the chance to vote for Speaker. Taking cheap shots against one of the best Speakers, and the first women in this job, will not advance Democrat policies and is not the way to taking the House.
5
Pelosi popularity is an issue created by Republican's statements repeated by media which is 80% controlled by Fox, Gannett, Sinclair, Mercer and others. Pelosi is a target because she has national presence, she is from California, and is a woman who has been successful in politics. I recall how she was thanked when she led the House Democrats to support the bailout which she could have let Bush slide the country into into depression. I also recall factors of the Affordable Care Act that required reduction in premiums if less than 80% of the premiums were paid out in claims (eliminated by the GOP), allowed selection of your own doctors (eliminated by the GOP), allowed businesses of less than 50 employees to select their own insurance (most of them had plans already), and set the basis for over 23 million people to become insured impossible now). ACA allowed states like Texas to cut billions in their support of emergency care and migrants employed in the US. Remember the death tribunals reference invented by Chuck Grassley who would not employ his 40 years of experience in healthcare in preparing this legislation because he was scared by the Tea Party. Regardless of who is the House Leader, what is left of the ACA after 13 GOP changes will be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court because the tax component noted by Roberts in his dissent from the GOP position was eliminated by the tax bill.
Ms Pelosi will serve until replaced by a better candidate.
3
I'm all for seniors staying active, but the fact that the Democratic leadership are all closing in on 80 and still angling to retain or gain power tells you all you need to know about the need for term limits.
3
I have a great deal of admiration for Nancy Pelosi. Unlike Mitch McConnell who is only a self serving obstructionist she has accomplished much as pointed out recently by Dr. Paul Krugman in his column. However the Democratic Party has atrophied over the last few decades and now resembles the former Republican Party before they went off the rails. I don't see Pelosi's age or gender as an issue but it is time to stop building "the bridge" at to reach the other side AND NOT BE A BRIDGE TO NOWHERE. I support any Democratic leader who advocates and has plans to strengthen the middle class, specifically a living minimum wage, universal health care, a college/trade school tuition program, immigration reform, green technology funding and major infrastructure rebuilding. So far I have heard a lot of venting and hand wringing by Democrats over the party of trump. I want to hear of message of hope, not despair. If that is from a new leader, may he or she take the lead.
4
Ms. Pelosi (and any other democrat aspiring to lead the party) would be well served by articulating clear messaging about what the Democratic Party stands for and its vision for the country. A “win at any cost” strategy may get seats, but then what? I haven’t heard any compelling ideas from either side of the house that reflect true thought leadership in years.
28
The national-level Democrats need to identify and mentor the next generation of Democratic leaders for Congress and the statehouses. Pelosi, Shumer, Hoyer, Warren, Sanders et al need to step-aside and let the next generation have their shot at running the Congress. The D-party's best leaders simply cannot be all over 70-years of age. I'm 62 and recently retired - I recommend it highly to those Congressional Dems!
"Any aspiring party leader, she said, must demonstrate that “they do have a following, that they’ve shown a vision for the country,” as well as the necessary fund-raising prowess."
Let's break that down:
"...must demonstrate that “they do have a following""
I would contend that Pelosi has more name recognition than a following.
"...that they’ve shown a vision for the country"
Her "vision" in the recent past included agreeing with Obama to offer cuts to Social Security COLA increases. She's a centrist ready to capitulate to Republican austerity demands - that's not a vision that many Americans share.
"...as well as the necessary fund-raising prowess."
That's a huge problem. Most Americans want big money out of politics - Nancy seems to want more money in politics. The country, esp millennials, are heading in a progressive direction, and Sanders showed that popular policies can bring in huge amounts of money in small donations.
When the opposition party is using you as a "get out the vote" strategy, it's time for you to step aside. But that decision requires integrity, something that Nancy has not consistently demonstrated.
4
The Republicans have shown their utter lack of moral courage and responsibility, as it relates to the president, and consequently. to the nation as a whole. The duty of the opposition is to change that before it is too late. If Nancy Pelosi could take away one of their main tools by stating publicly she would not consider the Speakership job if the Democrats win the house, it would be a blessing. There is no shame in passing the torch, especially if it helps the larger goal of stopping this madness. As a lifelong Democrat I may want to deny it, but, Senator Schumer and Rep. Pelosi are not helping the progressive cause. I believe they are smart and good people, which puts them way above most Republican politicians, but they just don’t have what it takes for the troubles ahead. Do what’s right, please.
Nancy Pelosi has been a wonderful Speaker of the House. Being old is not, in itself, a reason for not continuing to work at something that one is good at so I see no reason she needs to move on at this point.
I would be more inclined to support those who want to replace Ms. Pelosi, such candidates would say what they could do that Pelosi cannot do. So far all that I have heard is that these new young members of the House want a younger leader. I am not convinced that age should be a factor. If I hear that Ms. Pelosi isn't doing something well and another Representative could do it better, I will be more interested in change.
In Asian cultures, people respect and listen to the elders. Maybe that has something to do with the incredible strength they now have.
1
@Pajaritomt - Pelosi has presided over a DEM party that has lost the White House to a madman with a minority of the vote, BOTH houses of Congress, and many governorships.
Isn't that enough proof that she is not providing the leadership we need?
By all means I'd like to see her replacement have a demonstrated history of success. But at this point I'm ready to take a chance on just about anybody who holds to basic DEM party values.
5
'Any aspiring party leader, she said, must demonstrate that “they do have a following, that they’ve shown a vision for the country,” as well as the necessary fund-raising prowess.'
Oh, for God's sake, enough! The condescension here is appalling. Pelosi acts like some doddering dictator who has come to believe that the state can't exist without him.
The thing to do when one's party has lost the state houses, the governorships, the House and Senate, the Supreme Court, and the White House is to fall on your sword. Even Newt Gingrich did that. It's time for a new generation, for new blood and new ideas, but she just won't go.
Pelosi has done a lot for the Democratic Party, but in her arrogant refusal to cede power she is negating her accomplishments as surely as Ralph Nader did when he split the vote.
14
The democratic party is in dire need of fresh leadership. Those who have served for multiple decades need to step aside for the sake of unity and participation. Let's find a Bernie Sanders-type leader - maybe in their 30's or 40's - someone who can interest the base and excite the younger, more progressive voters. If we put another veteran politician up in 2020, it'll be four more years of you-know-who, and I'm not sure the planet could handle that.
4
Lifelong, Northern California liberal hippie democrat here hoping against all hope that she steps down for the good of the party. She can still raise money if she wants. Perhaps she could donate one of her many, many millions. She followed a politician from back east, landed in Los Angeles, working for a politician and unfortunately ended up in San Francisco. She is out of touch, out of step and the elephant in the room is her leadership that covered up many indiscretions and inappropriate behavior of quite a few members of congress. She basically enabled that behavior. She needs to go.
26
@Armo "Perhaps she could donate one of her many, many millions."
And we need to ask how someone who enterd congress as a member of the middle class, ended up with a portfolio worth over $200 million?
http://www.investmentwatchblog.com/reminder-nancy-pelosi-bought-stocks-i...
3
@Armo virtually all of us San Franciscans commenting here have lost faith in globalist Pelosi. Interesting.
2
Democrats should stop conflating fundraising with the ability to lead. They are unrelated.
105
The Democratic party has no actual interest in leading; it is solely a for-profit concern. The Clinton campaign cost a billion dollars. Where did it go, what did it accomplish, except to fill the coffers of an army of parasites who just went on to the next gig? The people at the top like Pelosi and Schumer are being paid to drag their feet because any progressive policies are going put a tiny ding in the wallets of their donor down the line, something which is unthinkable. They have much more in common with the GOP than we like to think.
What makes me nervous about this whole line of thought is that the Democrats have in the past had a drink from the Republican propaganda "Koolaid." I'll never forgt Maureen Dowd's column on the lies of Al Gore right before that election -- which we found out when looking at all of it more closely, he was telling the truth -- that he wasn't a liar...she drank the koolaid. Democrats didn't blast over and over again that one of the Podesta emails was one from Powell telling Hilary to use her own server...she was telling the truth. Similar to Democrats not running on Obamacare in the elections after Obama was elected...not communicating what a good thing it was...not shouting out that the Republicans had voted down the Jobs Bill again and again...Democrats need to learn how to handle the media like the right does. The Right has found that unremitting lies becomes their own truth...witness Dick Chaney still insisting that they found Weapons of Mass Destruction..and the studies showing that Republicans believed this...they do indeed create an alternate reality. Read Paul Krugman's article about Nancy Pelosi's accomplishments. So the question is WHY are so many Democrats going after Pelosi when they should be going after policy issues? They are drinking the Koolaid from the right. I'd say that if the Republicans are using her in a negative way -- we should be using her in a POSITIVE way. This is how they win, let's steal that tactic. Once we win, we can change.
8
@Amy I can only compare Maureen Dowd to Trump [she lied always] or Benedict Arnold because if she was supposed to be a Democrat she sure wrote like an Arlin Spector republican
1
Kind of disgusts me that all these NYTimes commenters are writing,"I'm old, so it's okay for me to say that Pelosi is too old to continue." Can you imagine a load of tippy top reader comments that said, "I'm African American, so I can say BLM is a lot of bunk." Of course, never. One top commenter even declares that Pelosi should leave, but Bernie should stick around. Ageism, hypocrisy and misogyny all rolled into one!
Nancy Pelosi, like so many woman, is a heroine - she gave people healthcare! - and should get to stay as long as she likes. I'm sorry that these reporters keep pushing the idea that everyone wants her out. My guess is it's their young friends in Congress letting them know that this kind of coverage will lead to a lot of access once Pelosi is gone. Shame on them.
8
@Alexa -
The "healthcare" Pelosi "gave" to us is Mitt Romney's watered down plan. We lost, perhaps for the next generation, the opportunity to implement a REAL national healthcare policy. The ACA was a compromise on all fronts, a compromise because DEM leadership thought they had to compromise with the GOP to get anything done.
The result?
2010, DEMs lose both houses of Congress.
2012 & 2014, DEMs lose governorships across the country
2016, DEMs lose the White House
8 years of continuous losses. Is that the kind of leadership we want or need?
7
@Alexa Great; but your verbs describing here are all in past tense. She gave. Thank you Ms. Pelosi, now move on.
I'm 66 on sunday so I'm not saying that, because, I am not old.
2
Do not underestimate her competency and her judgement...she has several IOUs that she can call in and will.
Also she knows where all the bodies are buried.
Handle with care.
5
I believe Pelosi and Schumer don't care whether they're majority or minority leaders as long as they get to stay in the game. As such, they're willing to endure as the Republicans go-to punching bags until they're carried out horizontally. If they truly had the Democratic Party and the country's best interests at heart, they'd announce their retirements at the end of this cycle and promote bright and baggage-free younger replacements. What a staggering blow this would be to the Republican Party dark money disinformation/distraction complex.
The same sort of thing applies to Biden, Sanders and the Clintons.
All of them have been major contributors to producing the astonishing outcome of a minority party controlling two, soon to be three branches of the federal government, plus a majority of governorships and state legislatures. And to top it off, election of a dangerous, deranged lunatic as Commander in Chief.
6
A) The GOP with the (unwitting?) help of the press have been moving Democrats all over the chess board for so long, Dems are in a state of perpetual check. Suggestion: Quit playing their game. This Pelosi hooey is literally all the pathetic GOP has right now. Ignore it.
B) While I applaud African-Americans becoming much more involved in party leadership (and it's about time), nominating a 78-year-old under the guise of "new" leadership is patently absurd.
16
As a 66 year old suburban white woman, my opinion is it’s time for the younger generation to step into Congress. So many have stayed too long. Even though I love Dick Durbin my Senator, no member of Congress should stay so long. Wish term limits were law.
29
@Ann Eckmann I am 59 and agree whole heatedly. Remember when we had young leaders and up and coming voices that made the party vibrant and alive in the 90's, now we are disconnected, out of touch, old and capitulate everything. We lost the supreme court appointment because old leaders refused to accept today's reality and my daughter will pay for that for the rest of her life as will my grand children. I am adamantly opposed to all our leader in the house and the Senate now. Old should now be disqualifying
1
@Ann Eckmann They are. They're called elections.
1
Even if one considers Pelosi an effective leader of the Democrats. the party and the country will be much better off with a mediocre Democratic Speaker of the House than with a wonderful Democratic House Minority Leader.
13
We certainly don't need as speaker a "Republican Lite" Democrat ala the Clinton's.
5
A most applicable quote from history that applies here: "You have sat too long here for any good you have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you."
(Leo Avery to Neville Chamberlain, following Germany's invasion of Poland.)
1
Nancy Pelosi may be many things that her opponents have paid a lot of money to advertise, but it is difficult to deny that she understands exactly what game she’s playing. And she’s good at it.
Good for the Democratic Party for having leadership that doesn’t resemble anything like their craven, spineless counterparts.
7
Ms. Pelosi, Thanks for your service but please move on and let some younger blood take over. There is no good reason for you to remain as leader of the Democrats in the house. It appears to me that you are doing what is best for you and not what is best for your party or your country.
5
I think Nancy Pelosi has been a wonderful leader and Speaker who has served our party and our country faithfully and exceptionally, without a single scandal to mar her good name. I am contemptuous of both the Democratic and Republican calls for her to step down. That being said, she is not the right speaker in the age of Trump. I think she is incapable of expressing the anger I feel in the way that I feel it, mainly because she just isn't a particularly compelling public speaker. Right now, we just need a different set of political skills than she happens to possess. Assuming, of course, we take back the house.
The next speaker of the house's primary job will not be to function as a prolific fundraiser, or hold the caucus together, nor will it require Pelosi's robust legislative acumen. What laws do you think we are going to get passed with Trump in office anyway? The next Democratic speaker must be first and foremost a charismatic and dynamic even funny critic, and he/she must have the presence to call out Trump for what he is. A bigot. A racist. A liar. And an imbecile. The next speaker must do so daily and he/she must do so with wit, gusto, and charm. The next speaker must turn the remainder of Trump's presidency into a laughing stock of non-stop investigations, exposure and persecution. The next speaker must show Trump what a witch hunt really looks like. I frankly don't think Pelosi is up to that challenge and I don't think Clyburn is either.
11
@Jasonmiami: "The next speaker of the house's primary job will not be to function as a prolific fundraiser..."
Well, if you prefer message-sending to money-gathering, you'll get plenty of opportunities to do it as the minority party in American politics.
““But she said it was “perplexing” that the news media — or anyone else — would seek to game out the power politics of the Democratic caucus in the midst of a campaign.
“The fate of our nation is at stake in this election,” Ms. Pelosi said.”
So
Pelosi understands the issue yet still makes herself the issue.
Really. Read it.
And this politician is “perplexed” that her role in politics is a problem, the very problem it has been for years. Uh, duh?
Why is Trump president? Behold Pelosi’s self indulgement.
14
“Beautiful, lovely member of Congress” Can she be any more condescending?
7
Since when is sincerely referring to an esteemed colleague or friend ‘beautiful and lovely’ condescending??? I guess you really can twist people’s words to suit your biases!
4
"step down before the election, so that Republicans can’t use that attack against Democrats,.... Mr. Moulton said."
The above is exactly what the Republicans are looking for, get rid of Pelosi so they can say told you so. And then start demonizing her replacement.
"Ms. Pelosi...welcomed the attacks from Republicans...urged Democrats to distance themselves from her if necessary. “I don’t care,” Let them do whatever they want. We have to win the election.”
That is a great leader speaking right there. So why don't all you congresspeople just quit your bickering and focus on the ball for crying out loud! November 6th.
24
@cherrylog754 - "what the Republicans are looking for"
We're getting into circular logic here.
You're saying we shouldn't replace Pelosi BECAUSE the GOP attacks her. So we don't replace her. Isn't that just basing our response on GOP pressure instead of what's in our best interest?
The reason for replacing Pelosi has NOTHING to do with GOP attacks. They are irrelevant. If a strong case can be made that she is NOT the leader the DEMs need right now, then she should be replaced, and vice versa.
I advocate replacing her, NOT because of GOP attacks (though there might be a benefit connected with reducing her visibility) but because she has been at the help of the DEMs during the period in which it lost control of the White House, both houses of Congress and governorships all across the country. From 2008 to today has been a disastrous period for DEMs. Although the GOP has a minority of support across the country it has succeeded in using every dirty trick in the book to undermine the DEMs. Clearly the current leadership has NO clue how to fight this kind of enemy effectively.
1
Just get out and vote. Don't worry about the "down the road." Sidebar--no one over 69 should consider running for anything...I'm tired of old people running things. Some old people, okay. Everyone old, not a good idea.
6
She needs to step aside. She has been a disaster at leading the dems in the House for years now.
1
Hopefully she can be replaced by a person of color. We need someone that truly represents the life experiences the party membership.
Pelosi COULD graciously concede that it is time for a generational passing on of the torch of leadership. She still has a lot to contribute but she does not need to be in the driver's seat.
How refreshing it would be to see a national leader make such a gesture.
As far as the Congressional Black Caucus wanting one of "their own", (I thought we were all in this together), Blacks failed to turn out in record numbers in 2016. It was the largest single drop in voter turnout by Blacks since the major pollsters started keeping records.
Extreme voter apathy on the part of Blacks in 2016 may have been a sign that they feel neglected by the DEM party but it's hardly the way to argue that they have consequently earned a leadership role by virtue purely of their ethnicity.
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/05/12/black-voter-turnout-fell...
9
Perhaps this is not at all about Ms. Pelosi stepping down...
This is about a few powerful patrons with the money that need to step down..., ones that feel more confident controlling Pelosi than they would of a new leader.
The future is hard to see, but this moment may be the last chance for a graceful exit for Ms. Pelosi, the post-election era may be radically different.
2
If she wasn't a woman, no one would be trying to tell Nancy Pelosi to step aside. There is a deep reservoir of left-wing sexism in the Democratic Party. It was on full display in the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton, and it is on full display here. It's disgusting.
Nancy Pelosi has been the most powerful and effective speaker and the modern era. Her list of accomplishments are impressive. This is all pure sexism, and Democratic stupidity. Democrats are experts at savaging their own, and forming a circular firing squad. We have a lot of fights ahead of us, and it makes no sense to put one of our very strongest, if not the strongest player, on the back bench. The only benefit that will come of sidelining Nancy Pelosi is to help the Republicans. Shame on my fellow Democrats here-- if she were a man, you wouldn't be trying to tear her down like this.
For my part, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Speaker Pelosi. For all of her service to our country, and to the Democratic party.
86
@Kate
I don't like Nancy Pelosi. You can accuse me of ageism, an accusation I'll happily debate. However, you can't accuse me of sexism. I don't care whether Nancy Pelosi is a man or a woman. I care about her antiquated ideas concerning party "leadership." She feels like a top heavy, seniority based, hierarchy is the appropriate future for the Democratic party. I disagree. The only decent thing she's done this election cycle is to stay out of the way. Let the candidates run their own races in their own districts. All they need from Washington is money. Increasingly, they don't even need that.
By the way, I was calling for Orrin Hatch to step aside as well. He's also a relic of a bygone era. His politics are completely different but he's equally inappropriate to lead a policy discussion two decades after the 21st century began. For goodness sake, they were born when my grandmother was still a child. She's over one hundred now and can still tell you about the Merritt Parkway before it was built. These are not the leaders of a bright and prosperous future no matter where they choose to affiliate their politics. Time to go.
2
@Kate - Yes, you know more about me, my opinions and the basis for them than I do. (I had no idea my reasons for wanting generational and philosophical change were based on sexism.)
If I would like to see a change in leadership it obviously MUST be due to sexism because there is no justifiable reason for me to hold an opinion that differs from your own.
2
@Kate...not every issue or controversy is centered on gender or sexism. That kind of thinking usually leads to bad decisions.
Having said that, I think that Pelosi should keep the job, simply because I don’t see anyone who could do it better.
When the Democrats fail to take the House in the midterms, the blame will rightfully be placed in Rep. Pelosi's lap. Her timid voice and lack of ideas will not be missed.
3
This is it in a nutshell, everyone.
'Ms. Pelosi said she welcomed the attacks from Republicans and urge Democrats to distance themselves from her if necessary. "I don't care," she said. "Let them do whatever they want. We have to win the election."'
Win the election, that's the only goal. This is why people want ANY new leadership. We've all been cast aside--our needs, our wants--to allow these parasites to win elections and continue to enrich themselves and their friends under the guise of civic responsibility.
Has Ms. Pelosi been unfairly attacked bec as use of her sex? Absolutely. Is she also part and parcel of a party that has unjustly sold all our souls for their own profit and power? You can bet your next paycheck on it, if you're fortunate enough to be getting one.
Young people people don't hate Democratic leadership because they're old. They hate them because they don't represent virtually any average voter anymore. They see their future and it's dismal on a good day.
I'm beginning to think that nothing short of revolution will force all political leadership to actually begin to represent real people out here.
7
I have Nancy Pelosi's back. She's a phenomenal fighter, and effective and skilled at her job. Why must you try to take down another talented but older woman? The Republicans want her out of there because she will eat their lunch. Why must you carry their water, NY Times?
7
Speaking from experience, I have rarely seen new ideas come from a septuagenerian.
Its also troubling that they are looking to bridge to new leadership by mentioning a candidate who is of the same age as Ms. Pelosi.
5
She should step aside just as soon as Mitch McConnell does.
5
Giving the horns to that cardboard cutout just emphasizes the fact that the Republican Party is intellectually bankrupt with no ideas of their own other then to troll liberals. There is intense energy on the democratic side regardless. I think they should just worry about winning the election first. Don't put the carriage before the horse!
2
She must realize that she's passed her moment and, indeed, way past. She will be a serious wrecker of Democratic chances if she tsays.J ust like Mrs. Clinton, she is a most unlikeable person.
1
We would not have the Affordable Care Act without the Leadership of Nancy Pelosi. And Democrats will retake the House because of Pelosi. Thank you Nancy.
7
Pelosi has done a "middlin'" job of her position, but to be honest, I never expected much from her and she has always lived down to that expectation.
That stems from the first moments after she had become Speaker.
She point blank, absolutely, in-our-face, told us all that there would be absolutely NO examination of ANY wrongdoing done by ANY member of the Republican Party and the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.
And so the corrupt no-bid contracts went on.
Gitmo was never closed.
We now have Gina as CIA head, the Queen of Torture.
Because no power was ever challenged, the poor were consistently stripped of all assistance.
The 1% got richer. The 99% got poorer.
Pelosi was middlin' competent.
She never grabbed anyone's anatomy.
Unlike her counterpart for so many of those years, John Boehner, she never actually sneered that she'd rather "commit suicide than raise the minimum wage". On the other hand, I really don't recall her howling in disgust that he said that.
She was just one of those nice, polite, smiley-type Democrats. Nothing to write home about.
This country deserved better.
At least it did back then.
Today? After the colossal failures of the Dems to stop the stripping out of this nation - and, indeed, even voting FOR those massive military increases, voting for that corrupt Cabinet....well, let's just say that this country is getting exactly what it paid for.
And now the Dems will vote for that bizzaro, Kavanaugh.
No. We deserved better.
Goodbye, Nancy.
It was fun.
8
She's just as corrupt as the rest of them. Let's have a look at her net worth before she took office and her net worth now.
6
@Antoine Well, its a well known fact that Mrs. Pelosi is obscenely wealthy and has been before and after taking office. She has assets between 25-200 million. Her husband owns a Venture Capital and real estate company. How do you not know that? It is literally the seed that bloomed into all the dislike of her. She is as much a Republican as a Democrat in regard to banks, finance, and corporations and can never admit their role in crushing the american worker and middle class wage growth the last 40 years(while she took all kinds of campaign donations from them) That is the right side of her mouth. When she talks out of the left side of her mouth she claims to be for workers and working class families. That is why so many people don't think much of her schtick any longer.
2
Nancy Pelosi is part of the problem.The Democrats are such weak ,wimpy whiners when confronted by the chaos loving Republicans.
All any Congress person wants is to be re-elected. The USA is in bad decline.
2
Pelosi is 78. Clyburn is 78. It is not about gender or race. It is about AGE!!! Please House Democrats, for the good of the Party and the Nation, let a new generation take over.
8
At this momemt in time it is profoundly dumb to kick out the older power players. They are important committee members, they know the fundraising process, and they have human relationships that a 28-year-old likely can't fathom. They don't need to be the face of the party, but they remain vital organs of the body. Why do Democrats always self-injure?
6
When Donald Trump loses in 2020 - He will not leave the White House and will have to be dragged out..
Count on Nancy doing the same!
1
Sometimes, it is hard to know which NYT I am reading.
A few days back, the NYT published a cheerleader piece, ‘Who is afraid on Nanci Pelosi’ by Paul Krugman a Nobel Price winner, touting her many accomplishments and praising her for being the cornerstone of the DNC, a formidable politician beyond reproach, and more.
Now, here is an article describing how her power has vanished, with open discussion on who will lead the DNC now that Pelosi is done. Even a list of who can replace her.
In the words of Alice: “and now which is which?’
In the world of reality, the name Pelosi makes people shudder, makes maybe-maybe not voters go to the GOP, it makes politicians skirt the name of their leader for fear of losing an election, makes younger voters want to tear the DNC from within to match their views.
Mrs Pelosi needs to realize it is past time to exit stage left. The DNC knows this. She can now leave with grace, or she can be ousted in a rout for the ages. Sorry to her fan called Paul, she is done no matter how much praise you rain on her.
2
I'm with Nancy. I respect her leadership and I respect Paul Krugman for his support of Pelosi. These are perilous times ...I hope the Dems don't blow it
8
@John. I suppose I should not pay attention to Krugman because he is too old. With John, I hope the Democrats do not "blow it." These are the points made vs Nancy P: * Too out of touch [How so specifically?] * Too old. [Right: all of us who have lived a long time are too old. How is being "old" a problem. Sometimes being old means having experience? Specifically? Give me some evidence * she's been there too long [how specifically has experience damaged us? * she isn't Bernie [Well thank the lord. We need Democrats who have worked for the party, not blow hards who voice complaints I fully agree with, but can't tell us how to solve what we complain about.] * the Republicans hate her [That--to me-- is a positive thing. I'd hate to think we'd have a speaker the Republicans loved].
I know I am too old to have an opinion [86] or even a "vote." But Krugman speaks in specifics. Pelosi's enemies--and they are enemies--speak in vague, opinionated terms that I learned 66 [too long] years ago were simply "blowing in the wind." Don't worry. I'll soon die.
The MSM always needs to gin up the "race horse" aspect of campaigns. The issue of who will be the Democratic leader is part of that game.
But the NY Times is particularly rabid with the issue of "civil war" within the Democratic Party.
The Republicans in the next session of congress will not have a clearly defined caucus leader because Paul Ryan is retiring.
One would think the media would be focusing on the GOP where the horse race is wide open and the potential candidates for leader of that caucus are far more untested and, er, colorful, including a former wrestling coach embroiled in an alleged sex scandal from his coaching days (no, not Dennis Hastert.)
Yet, here at the Gray Lady it's all Pelosi all the time.
2
"He said he had been urging fellow Democrats to watch a 2009 BBC film, “Margaret,” about the downfall of Margaret Thatcher, as inspiration for upending a legislative chieftain.
Um,....didnt the conservatives wind up losing to the Labour Party? Tony Blair wound up winning pretty bigly.
Also, what a coward this red-state "Democrat" is for throwing successful leadership under the bus just to serve his own sniveling political survival. A majority of voters within the Dem party like Nancy Pelosi and want her to continue on as house speaker. You have all these self-serving wolves coming out, even the pretentious new "progressive" ones who pretend to be more ethical than the old guard wanting to stab Pelosi in the back to serve themselves. Pelosi is a progressive pioneer who is responsible for pioneering a lot of innovative ideas within the party like universal healthcare and paid family leave. None of these Bernie cultists who have no problem drooling over a 80 year old 30+ year career politician who has done less than Pelosi in furthering progressive ideas has any justification for voting against Pelosi considering she has pioneered a lot of the progressive ideas they claim they care about like universal healthcare and paid family leave. When it comes to replacements, why not someone like Stacy Abrams? Shes young, black, female and a visionary for the party. Shes also a smart risk-taker and very strategic minded. It doesnt hurt that shes good on camera and affable!
2
Better Nancy Pelosi than Jim Clyburn - who often votes for moneyed and corporate interests that harm his poorest constituents.
1
Culture of deference, where?
Democrats need the best most effective leadership to get things done.
Recognizing that anyone who replaced Pelosi would immediately be attacked by Republicans as a sham and a rubber stamp Pelosi puppet.
2
Dear Ms Pelosi:
Thank's for the time you invested in your service but time has come to let someone else lead. Please don't be a stickler because it's detrimental to all of us.
2
If someone has the guts to run against her and win, fine, but if older white people who have done some stuff not everyone is totally cool with need to quit their jobs, then rents are about to go down in DC.
She should gracefully step aside. She has had her turn and needs to make room for the "new blood" that both the Democratic and Republican parties sorely need.
America has to to get rid of the parasites that have claimed our political system.
1
Nancy Pelosi has been able to accomplish so much for so many in this country. Without her support for the ACA we would not have health insurance at all. The Republicans are afraid of her because she knows how to work the system and how the system works.
Just open your eyes at what a mess the Republicans have made of this country. They have turned us against each other and the world order with NATO. It will take a Democrate and a women to clean up this mess. She has been in congress so long that she knows where the bodies are buried!
The Republicans should BE AFRAID and be VERY AFRAID. They will say or do anything to destroy her leadership in the party even go so far as to say that she was born in Kenya or even that she is a woman!!
Nothing should surprises us anymore!
41
"Can't Older Women Just Disappear?? You make the rest of us so uncomfortable!" There - I fixed your headline. The whole Nancy Pelosi (and Feinstein and Clinton and on and on) conversation really comes down to that. Who wants a naggy, old scolding grandma when we can have a younger, more attractive and less experienced person? Experience is so overrated and not really necessary for success. But older men are fine - take Bernie - he's benevolent and wise - we need his type of old. Just not that yucky woman kind. Shame on every woman who goes along with this - look around your workplace for women over 50. You won't find many. Then ask yourself how you plan to support your family when you are 50 with a society full of people wanting you to just go away
10
@Dana Funny how you left Elizabeth Warren off your list - probably because she totally disproves your thesis. While misogyny is ubiquitous, it's not the primary problem here - the bankrupt policies, and rampant greed and self-interest of the women you cite, is.
But don't worry - they'll always find a soft landing at Goldman Sachs.
2
@Dana. I disagree. I’m well past 50, a woman, a feminist, a professional and a San Franciscan. I don’t like militant women telling other women who we must vote for (the Madeleine Albright threat that we’ll otherwise go to hell). Precisely because I’m a feminist, I trust other women to decide who to vote for. Identity politics is killing the Democratic Party and it better wake up to that fact if it wants to win in 2020.
1
The same is true for men unless you are a CEO or tycoon.
Brian Higgins (D-Buffalo) will be the Rust Belt candidate in the leadership battle.
Well, the Republicans are doing (and have been) the same thing they did to Hillary Clinton. Get their base all riled about her. The Russians are probably launching their own attacks. The loud and cynical put down of Pelosi is ridiculous, much like the Clinton bashing. But some Democrats, the same as they came to hate Clinton are now turning to Pelosi. THey don't realize they are doing just what Russia and the Republicans (same thing) want them to do. Can we not be so dumb?
6
@RAH
It's not about gender, or even age. Pelosi and Clinton (and many of their younger allies of both sexes) represent a machine politics way past its sell-by date - interested only in power and political gamesmanship for their own sake, driven by an unhealthy sense of entitlement rather than a true idea of what (beyond them) is best for party and country - and world.
Unfortunately that personal agenda, reinforced by a DNC machine they controlled and still largely control, is the reason neither realized in time that their time was up.
I'm with her.
6
Even Ali knew when it was time to hang up the gloves
3
Pelosi has taken enough years to "build her bridge" for it to fall down just like the Geona bridge, leaving the Democratic Party in a rubble pile.
1
The Democratic Party, my party, lost its way. The senior members failed to educate the junior members. They left that to the far left colleges. As a result, there is too much internal competition for platforms. The junior group is woefully ignorant of history and free enterprise and democracy...and they do not understand the basic math of open borders and free everything. That ignorance can have 2 effects: 1) the complete failure of the Democratic Party as we know it, and/or 2) the complete disillusionment of the junior members if their wish comes true. They will not be able to deliver their promise because the math will be unforgiving. Along the way they will have screwed up our country and it will take a while to get it back on track!! Pelosi and those of her generation need to take this "socialism" seriously and squash it with vigor!!
4
The fact that qualified, more than qualified ,strong moral women whose political record and life history's are on public display can be disqualified for no other reason than a questionable verdict of unlikeableness generated by the same people who put the orange-headed psychopath in office is a mystery wrapped in a conundrum.
3
Get with the times... It's the same process going on that gave us Hillary as a candidate when most anyone could have told you this was not a winning candidate.
The times are changing socially, "culturally", everything is changing much faster - This century is not at all like last. And so should the divisive speaker at this time step aside in grace and glory, before the election. Before the bigger battles ahead.
2
@friend for life
Why did HRC win the popular vote? Seems like 3 million more Dem voters in this country saw her as a good candidate. She did not offer "free" stuff to everyone and thus was not a "winning candidate". Buying votes with the offer of "free" stuff is clearly the way forward in these changing times. Right. Free. Wait until that bill comes due. Bernie rigs the system in Vermont so he has no challengers. But that's ok with the Bernie cultists. And just how is it Pelosi is too old but Bernie isn't? Pelosi knows what she is doing. We need her for the bigger battles ahead.
2
The GOP loves nothing more than to ignore Trump's antics, lies and outbursts and scream "Pelosi" to try to appease their base. For the record, the word "liberal" is defined as "'Liberal' shares a root with 'liberty' and can mean anything from "generous" to "loose" to "broad-minded." Politically, it means "“a person who believes that government should be active in supporting social and political change."
Thank you Merriam-Webster for the above and, yes, I am a proud liberal.
3
Nancy Pelosi is a dinosaur. As are most leaders in both parties. The whole beltway leadership seniority system is flawed at best. As most people are aware, seniority in and of itself does not guarantee good leadership. Yet that is basically how our government is run and it’s scary to say the least. Which representative gets to serve on which committee? Who gets to be the chairperson of a committee? Many of these questions in Congress are answered by seniority and that leaves our leadership sorely lacking. Older representatives lack vision and cling to the old ways of doing things. That’s no way to run a government yet that’s exactly what the US does. It’s time for real change in our political system and the archaic leadership determination methods that Congress uses should be the first to go.
2
Pelosi has been a divisive force in the Dem party for decades. Her original statements when taking over as leader was she was going to drain the swamp. We have yet to see that. She did pass an insurance industry written Republican health care plan borrowed from Mitt Romney, then of Massachusetts, that may have provided expansive Medicaid, but destabilized the market for everyone else, putting the IRS in the middle of our health care choices. Medicaid was privatized in my former home state of Oregon (allowed as a nod to state's rights) which is more costly, less efficient and routinely denies care to recipients in favor of passing high profits to share holders. I know because I'm a physician in Oregon. She presided over the loss of all three federal branches, state houses, and governorships to radical Republicans. She has been beholden to corporate interests, paying nothing more than lip service to reigning them in. Party loyals are losing to young upstarts left and right in races across the country. She is going to mobilize the radical right to turn out in the election. Now, just what do we gain by retaining her? If she's sticking around, as she says because she's a woman, well there are many qualified women who can do a heck of a lot better. They certainly could not do any worse. Pelosi, out! Sooner, like now, rather than later. Please. I implore you.
7
Pelosi has done a good job, given the GOP hold on everything. I for one hope someone equally skilled takes over.
1
If the Democrats in Congress want ongoing generational change, I suggest:
Limit the amount of time that a member can serve as Chairman of a Committee and or Ranking member. A six year limit would ensure that new members rise up in the leadership in the House.
The 6-year limit could apply to the Majority/Minority leader, Whip and possibly the Speaker as well.
Hillary Clinton's defeat should be all Nancy Pelosi needs to understand that the time has passed for old dynastic leadership and corporate-friendly policies. Pelosi indeed has a track record for fundraising, but it should be the source of those dollars that we scrutinize. As for her legislative and electoral track record, House Democrats have lost elections and failed to pass legislation continuously under her tenure.
It's true that Republicans committed character assassination (and did so with Hillary also), but this is about more than Pelosi's toxic brand. It's about having leadership that represents the next generation of voices who will convince voters that Democratic politicians are on the people's side and not just in it for their own glory.
62
Funny how women of a certain age are a toxic brand. Even more strange how men of the same age are wise, experienced and trustworthy. What could possibly explain the difference in perception between two 70 year olds? Clinton's character was assassinated for decades by the GOP and a certain faction on the left ate it up because they share the same views as the right when it comes to how "disgusting, unpleasant, and uncomfortable" women who are over 50 are. For the left - who defends all manner of rights from every microagression to real discrimination - they still embrace the same old hatred and discrimination of strong women (and women in general) over 50. I mean - it's a universal truth that 50+ women are just gross and can't we just put them out to pasture?
4
@Dana
See anyone on here defending Steny Hoyer or Chuck Schumer as wise, experienced, and trustworthy? Yeah, no. Didn't think so.
The Democratic Party has always been made up of various conflicting caucuses & coalitions. Maybe more so today.
But that is how democracy works various factions pushing against each other and pulling together trying to find common goals.
Republicans will work to drive a wedge between Democratic coalitions.
Democrats will work to find common ground even as they work for their different agendas.
Will Nancy Pelosi be able to withstand the constant barrage of the Republicans, as well as the competition for leadership within the Democratic Party?
@ jobe1one , I don't think Ms Pelosi has to worry about about the Republicans. When the Dems take back the houses of government, the Republicans are going to worry about Ms Pelosi.
5
Nancy Pelosi was the one of the greatest, most efficient and effective Speakers of the House in the history of the Republic - especially in the age of republicans' filibuster of anything and everything that is of the Democratic party.
She may or may not become Speaker once again when Democrats take back the House this fall, but no matter if she does, the Progressive agenda is going to depend on you - not her.
Any Leader is going to need to have the ''votes'' to pass any legislation. If it is going to be true Progressive legislation, then she (or anyone else) is going to need those ''ayes''.
Forget about who is going to be leader for the moment and concentrate on voting, while bringing everyone you can to the polls. The republicans want to distract us with all sorts of things in the meantime.
So far, they are doing a decent job.
23
@FunkyIrishman
Who is going to be the leader is important and not just something to distract. Fresh energy is needed and needed now.
2
I don't know what would happen if Democrats took a House majority this fall, if Nancy Pelosi would be majority leader or not. But I think Democrats and the country have been lucky to have her leadership these last few years and would benefit from having her knowledge and spirit alive and well in Congress a few more years.
13
Out here in red state America, the TV attack ads are all about Nancy Pelosi. It's as if the Republicans created one generic attack ad with insert GOP candidate name here. I mean, it's awful.
She's 78. The Democratic party is being energized with young voters. Can't we find someone who isn't 50 to 60 years older than them to lead the caucus?
With her being such a lightning rod, she can probably generate more Republican contributions than anyone except Hillary. It's time to step aside and let someone younger, much younger take over. She could function best as counselor and advisor to the next generation of leaders.
47
I could not agree with you more.
We need new blood and younger leaders.
It is time for the people that have been in office for more than 20 years to step down and give someone else a chance.
Term limits are needed.
2
Republicans are working to divide Democrats.
Democrats need to stand together even as they work to choose party leaders.
To save the country, Democrats must support democratic candidates even if they disagree on some issues.
Republicans will use every trick, and every dirty trick and smear to divide Democrats.
1
@Bruce Rozenblit
But thats the problem. We cant allow Fox News to tell the Democratic Party who we should or should not have as party leaders. That pulls the party further Right. It also hurts female and people of color party leaders when their own party wont defend them because a lot of these attacks are based off of racism or sexism. It just encourages the party to not have people of color or female leaders as they will want to avoid attacks. Whoever replaces Pelosi will also just get attacked as well until the Dem Party learns to stand by their leaders. Its either defend your leaders or replace them with milquetoast, weak, sniveling compromisers who will just capitulate to the Republicans at every turn to avoid being "attacked." Pelosi will retire within the next couple of years, but the voters within the party needs to show that cowards, self-serving backstabbers and capitulators dont get rewarded and baseless Republican attacks dont affect the partys actions and who it chooses as their leaders. We cant allow the Republicans and Fox to think that their baseless attacks work at influencing the Dem Party.
6
Whether justified or not Pelosi will be a drag on Democrats running in contested House districts. It is critical that Democrats take control of the House and every contested district is vital. Pelosi should declare that she will not stand for majority leader. It may not be fair, but it is necessary. It may require an act of political courage, but it is the right thing to do.
9
@W.A. Spitzer
Very well said. Thank you.
Nancy Pelosi is a proven leader and legislator.
It is up to Democrats to choose leadership and not let Republican smears & attacks divide Democrats!
3
The leadership crisis presented here seems a little bit overdetermined. I tried to imagine a male leader being accorded a similar treatment, but when my imagination let me down, I clicked over to C-SPAN and watched Nancy Pelosi being elected Speaker in 2007. The first woman to hold the job in nearly 220 years, her Speakership was the most successful in decades and included a string of significant achievements. Her record of accomplishment in general has earned her better than the glib criticisms she's received recently in the press. With so much new energy flowing into the party right now, Democrats need to focus on what's at stake for the country and getting out the vote. It seems wasteful to be arguing about who should have the Speaker's gavel before they've secured the House majority.
58
@Maggie Mae Thank you for this response. Nancy has been and still is wildly successful. The shaming and criticism is a crock. I won't even go in to the uphill battle women face. Let's focus on getting people to VOTE....especially those registered voters that didn't bother voting in November 2016. See where that got us? Voting in the mid-terms and November 2020 is the priority. Enough already with the "shade" being thrown at Pelosi. It's undeserved.
4
Republicans are so good at messaging. The repub's have demonized Pelosi because she is a successful woman who has been an effective foe, just like they demonized Hillary, also a successful strong woman. And people fall for it!!!! A close friend voted for Trump because Hillary is evil. When I asked her to give me the factual basis for that assertion, she had nothing to say, but she knew it to be true.
Democrats need fresh younger leadership, but we need to acknowledge the good Pelosi has done, and continues to do.
May I suggest an "of counsel" status for her.
Democrats have attracted young people, notoriously unpredictable voters. A younger leadership might motivate more young voters to the polls.
2
I don't think that most Democrats like myself actually support Nancy Pelosi. We need new leadership in our party. We need young and energetic leadership. If we are going to get back to work with a House majority, someone else she take the helm. Republicans try to make it seem that all Dems love her and that saying otherwise (like Conor Lamb or Danny O'Connor) is disingenuous. Not so.
22
78 years old is a little late to be thinking about creating a bridge to new leaders. Responsible executives in corporations are expected to have well-developed succession plans. They are expected to nurture future leaders by exposing them to a variety of tough assignments in different areas.
Pelosi has been an accomplished Speaker, as Krugman argued in a recent column. She can continue to be.
But her failure to nurture the next generation(s) of leaders is a significant criticism, and not one that she can easily dismiss.
26
@Ned Roberts Wjat failure to nurture new leaders?
All this talk among democrats of replacing Rep. Pelosi as Speaker of the House, has the sound of a circular firing squad - -not a good look for the Democrats.
Her attitude of "show me what you've got" is born from experience and maturity. My suspicion is that Mrs. Pelosi will hand over the gavel provided there is a leader who will step forward and explain why they are qualified to wear the shoes that any Speaker would need to fill.
Also, showing the lady some respect wouldn't hurt either.
56
@Phil Hurwitz
The notion that there isn't a capable younger leader ready to take the reigns is absurd, and points to someone with an all too swollen head.
Believe me, if she steps out of the way, we'll have a new speaker in no time at all.
1
@Phil Hurwitz Fundraising shouldn't be a primary factor in picking a new leader. Most democrats want to reform the current election financing structure and continuing to take money from large corporate donors prevents those necessary reforms.
1
@Phil Hurwitz
Yep, Nance can bring home the bacon from her big bucks donors. Hillary Clinton raised and spent $1.4 billion in pennies for 2016. 1000+ lost seats later since 2010, exactly what did that buy them?
First we should thank Leader Pelosi, what she has done is great not only as the first woman Speaker but as a House leader. But, its time to looks to the younger members of the House for its leadership with the older members there to help guide them. Joaquín Castro comes to mind as someone who should be included in the new leadership as is Linda Sanchez. Both would bring new blood into the leadership and both represent large states one which is solidly Democratic and one who represents a state that can, in the not to distant future become blue again. The Democratic Party is changing, we want to entice young voters to a party that is forward thinking that believe in what they believe and wants to provide a solid future for our children and grand children. We want to attack women and people of color to the party, and they as well welcome young leadership. I thank the older members of the House, but we need the young blood that will carry us into the future with the wise guidance of our elders to help.
9
Pelosi and Schumer have been an utterly ineffectual leaders, either in terms of blocking Trump's abuses of power or in terms of crafting ANY message other than "not Trump" to appeal to voters.
Instead of articulating a vigorous policy: unstinting defense of Social Security, Medicare, and healthcare for all, tax fairness and reversing the ever-increasing income inequality in the USA, anti-corruption, rebuilding America's crumbling infrastructure, and measures designed improving the lives of US voters, Pelosi and Schumer just keep dithering.
And, fair or not, Pelosi is a lighting-rod for right-wing opposition to Democrats and progressive action. As such, she generates lots of right-wing ranting points and votes among possible swing voters.
When the Republicans have been in trouble in the last 30 years, they got new leadership. You've got to hand it to them.
And the Repubs also articulated an aggressive platform when out of office and promised to follow through -- i.e. Gingrich's 1994 'Contract with America' -- 'elect us and within 90 days we'll do x, y, and z'.
How about something like that from Pelosi, Schumer & co? You know, specific ideas and a commitment to follow through. A clear message to rally voters.
The Dems need new, aggressive leadership or they'll be relegated to permanent minority status. And Trump's depredations will continue unchecked as a result!
16
@NYer
Instead of articulating a vigorous policy: unstinting defense of Social Security, Medicare, and healthcare for all, tax fairness and reversing the ever-increasing income inequality in the USA, anti-corruption, rebuilding America's crumbling infrastructure, and measures designed improving the lives of US voters, Pelosi and Schumer just keep dithering.
Youre joking right? Pelosi has been an ardent defender of social security, healthcare for all, tax fairness, infrastructure-all the things youve mentioned. Shes in support of universal healthcare, but has to defend Obamacare for now. If Americans went for Hillary Clinton in 2008 we'd have Medicare for All right now and thats what she'd be defending. She defends what the people choose and the people chose Obama and the ACA. If they wouldve chosen Clinton in 2008 and her Medicare for All plan Pelosi would be defending Medicare for All. In general, Democrats have always stood in support of these things, its the people who dont civically engage and vote for the party that wants to do the things they want done who are to blame. Did not Obama try to invest in infrastructure and did not that Republican majority congress hold him back? Did the Dems not state that they were going to get rid of Citizens United back in 2016? Blame the idiots in this country for not voting to keep their own interests protected not the Dems for having to deal with idiots. Now the Dems are the minority party and theres only so much they can do.
3
@NYer
@NYer
Instead of articulating a vigorous policy: unstinting defense of Social Security, Medicare, and healthcare for all, tax fairness and reversing the ever-increasing income inequality in the USA, anti-corruption, rebuilding America's crumbling infrastructure, and measures designed improving the lives of US voters, Pelosi and Schumer just keep dithering.
Youre joking right? Pelosi has been an ardent defender of social security, healthcare for all, tax fairness, infrastructure-all the things youve mentioned. Shes in support of universal healthcare, but has to defend Obamacare for now. If Americans went for Hillary Clinton in 2008 we'd have Medicare for All right now and thats what she'd be defending. She defends what the people choose and the people chose Obama and the ACA. In general, Democrats have always stood in support of these things, its the people who dont civically engage and vote for the party that wants to do the things they want done who are to blame. Did not Obama try to invest in infrastructure and did not that Republican majority congress hold him back? Did the Dems not state that they were going to get rid of Citizens United back in 2016? Blame the idiots in this country for not voting to keep their own interests protected not the Dems for having to deal with idiots. Now the Dems are the minority party and theres only so much they can do. Also, lets not forget Gingrich made the Repub party corrupt and feral which led to Trump in 2016.
It's time for Nancy Pelosi to go. In fact, the time for her to go is long overdue. We really need to institute more term limits for our political leaders as giving them this unprecedented amount of time in power is what's caused our deeply divided two party system. Our system backs you into a corner to choose Republican or Democrat. So what do you do when the party you're stuck with, or identify with the most, is a deeply flawed character? You end up choosing the lesser of two evils, you don't vote or you vote for a third party in hopes of breaking the system (but sadly that doesn't work...yet).
6
She should have been gone a long time ago. Under her "leadership" the Dems have not gained one inch of ground anywhere. She has not brought the party together or put forward a vision for the future. Good she be gone.
8
@Richard Frauenglass
Well, first of all Bernie broke the party and continues to prey on divisions to serve himself politically, so until Bernies gone its going to be hard to have serious unity again, but Pelosi is making gains and doing good in spite of the chaos. But judging by how many of Bernies candidates have lost its obvious Dem voters are rejecting the divisiveness of Bernie Sanders and his personality cult. And considering Pelosi has been gaining ground and winning elections and coming to close to winning elections in deep red districts or deep red states it makes no sense to say she isnt gaining any new ground.
1
Please Nancy, as someone your own age (78), what might well be your most important act in politics is to step aside NOW from the leadership of the House Democratic caucus. You are being set up as the poster-woman for Republican attacks and that can only hurt candidates in many districts where 1 percent (as was the case in the Ohio 12th election last week) can make a difference. Statespersonship is not just knowing how to wield power, but also when to give it up. A new generation of young, largely women, are on the ballot this November. They need all the help they can get. By agreeing to step aside, you, Steny Hoyer and James Clyburn can provide it. For the both the sake of the party, but, more importantly, the nation in the most critical midterm election in my lifetime I urge you to announce you will not be a candidate for Speaker if democrats win control of the House this November.
23
@Paul Wortman Let them attack - she should be proud of being hated by that bunch
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose..."
Pelosi's time has come and gone. It's now her time to gracefully step aside.
8
The discussion seems focused on age, apparently an acceptable bias among progressives. Pelosi has been an effective leader - let someone beat her fair and square.
24
@LTJ: Effective? We lost the House, the Senate, and the presidency under her watch.
2
@Max Brockmeier That was because of Bernie.
Pelosi is the most effective leader. Would the GOP dump a Speaker based on criticism from Democrats? Absolutely not! Democrats will keep losing because they are all weak and lack principles. Would we have the ACA without Speaker Pelosi? How about Democrats run so TV ads reminding people of all her accomplishments to protect the middle class over the last 20 years!
15
I’ve made this comment before. The biggest failing of Pelosi and the Democrats as a party has been their inability, unwillingness, or refusal to groom and highlight younger and more contemporary representatives.
The current congressional leadership is elderly and entrenched, and Pelosi’s current successors bring no new blood. She may be a good goat herder and fund raising phenom, but that’s no longer sufficient as a reflection of the country’s needs or desires.
27
Both parties are the same. They are controlled by career aging politicians who don't know when to step aside and mentor someone younger. Pelosi is addicted to power and puts herself before party. Being a super fundraiser does not negate the downside of her staying in power.
13
Nancy Pelosi's appeal is money. She needs to get on board with Elizabeth Warren's proposed reforms of corporate law or get out of the way.
14
It's time for Pelosi to step aside, but replacing her with Clyburn makes no sense. The Democratic Party needs fresh ideas and to generate a greater appeal to young people. Clyburn works from the same playbook that Pelosi relies on: Party fealty and fund raising. The Party needs to progress forward and that won't come from a 78 year old man who has been so intrinsically tied to Pelosi's reign.
And how successful has that reign been? The Democratic Party has experienced its historically worst setbacks during Pelosi's tenure. Please, not only CAN we do better, but we must. The improving fortunes for the Democrats are manifesting despite Nancy Pelosi, not because of her. Let's stop squandering our opportunities.
12
@ginchinchili
"Clyburn works from the same playbook that Pelosi relies on: Party fealty and fund raising"
By party fealty do you mean party unity? Party unity is a requisite for achieving big things within a party like single-payer. If there was no unity there wouldnt be a way to achieve anything good. Also, how else are you going to fund a party without fund-raising?
1
The Rolling Stones, who are in their 70s, recently completed a European tour. We desperately need a mandatory retirement age for rock stars and members of Congress.
35
@Chris RasmussenYeh, and they still sound good!
4
@Chris Rasmussen The difference being people still like the Rolling Stones!
2
@Chris Rasmussen
They may not be what they once were, but if nobody wanted to hear the Stones, they wouldn't buy tickets. Clearly, that is not the case -- and listening to what's on the radio these days, it isn't hard to see why.
1
Dear Ms. Pelosi, It truly is time for you to assist in 'grooming' a replacement. We need to put our country's needs well ahead of our ego. We need a robust Democratic party to change the wretched and destructive course set by the Trump-Pence administration and to do so we need to acknowledge change is necessary within our party. Stay involved, but help younger persons grown. Cheers, Jim
8
The relentless Republican attacks on Pelosi - or the Democratic candidates they insist on connecting to her - are nothing more than the GOP's toxic brand of sexism.
Unfortunately, the narrative that she is some ultra-liberal radical is is now deeply ingrained in the American electorate. Ask any Democrat running in a purple district where the mere mention of Pelosi's name in attack ads proves so toxic to their candidacy.
In an ideal world, the Democratic Party could call out this blatant sexism and stand by her, and Americans would get it. Sadly, as we learned by electing a sexual predator and misogynist to the White House, this is not a winnable strategy in 2018.
Democrats consistently lose elections by not appreciating the efficacy of Republican dirty tricks, insisting on the moral high ground where the other party has no depths to their depravity. For once, as wrong as it may be, can we get realistic?
I would beg - BEG - Pelosi to recognize that although the attacks on her are unfair, they are potentially enough to keep the House in Republican hands next year. That alone is reason to gracefully step aside. She could be remembered fondly as an efficient Speaker against George W's administration who knew when to pass the torch.
Or the Democrats could once again go down in flames, watching the country burn with little more than their moral superiority to console them. I hate that we are in such a reality, but it's time to play hardball.
2
Nancy, Chuck - I love you guys, you have stood up for America in the face of a threat from the far right. I won't forget that. However, I think it is time to hand over the reigns of leadership to the next generation, for the benefit of the country, the party and frankly the world.
Stopping the child dictator Baby Trump is paramount and you two should not be the face of that effort. We have some great leaders coming up and it is time to trust them.
8
The Central Committee under Brezhnev was younger than this group. I am 73 and I will not vote for anyone over 65. It is time to pass the torch.. . or get burned by it.
26
Ms. Pelosi, for all her persuasive and organizing talents internal to her Caucus, lacks the ability to rally Democrats generally - or to effectively enunciate Opposition to the fascist executive regime.
Indeed, she is a liability as the caricature of liberalism that the GOP base loves to hate, and will turn-out to defeat. That's not very fair, but it's very real.
The very best thing she can do for her Party's midterm prospects - which is All That Matters now - is to commit that she will not stand for election to a formal leadership position in the new Congress.
Thank you, Nancy - I love you, but it's time.
6
@the dogfather
Keep in mind, polls show that the majority of Dem voters want her to continue on as house speaker. You would be going against what the majority want.
Why does Pelosi want to still be in charge ?
Why not step aside, retire and enjoy the last
years of her life ?
If the Democrats cannot find someone younger who
can do the job, why vote for a Democrat ?
Perhaps both parties are inherently incapable of
serving the American people.
6
Nine years ago, Ms. Pelosi brought us Obamacare, the most hated law in American history. No other law has ever led to such a complete inversion of American politics, where the Presidency and super-majorities in both houses of Congress passed from one party to the other in the years following its passage. There were no scandals and no financial crises. The GOP and the news media are guilty of plenty, but it was Nancy Pelosi and the Dems who forced people to buy health insurance they couldn’t afford, and whose high deductibles and co-pays make it too expensive for them to use, to add insult to injury. Both Schumer and Rahm Emmanuel were skeptical to begin with, but Ms. Pelosi was determined. So, hello Donald!
The GOP did the Dems a great favor by repealing the ‘individual mandate’, but now that premiums, deductibles, and co-pays are consequently even higher than before, the rest of the law will need to be scrapped before folks can get affordable insurance that will actually do them some good. Given the history, Ms. Pelosi should not be part of that battle.
Blame the Russians or Facebook if you like, but it’s pretty clear that the blame for the current state of affairs falls largely on Ms. Pelosi. Just resign, Nancy.
12
@kbaa balderdash. The Republicans have been trying to tank the Affordable Care Act from day one, and have nothing to offer instead. If you think premiums are high, try hospital bills. Real politicians get things done, which means not letting the best - single payer - be the enemy of the good. And she was a single vote, regardless of her leadership role. The Republicans want her gone because she can actually do strategy and discipline. Her replacement will be playing checkers in comparison, whomever it may be.
4
@kbaa "The most hated law in American history" is complete nonsense. Not slavery? Not prohibition? Not the Indian Removal Act? The most hated law is one saying you can't be denied coverage for an existing condition? It's THAT one?? It's funny how it's "hated" because the right wing looney bin created the false narrative to make the sheep hate it. Most people love the individual components of it. If Trump Tower was suddenly renamed Obama Tower it would become the worst building in the whole world now, right? Just want to make sure I understand correctly.
1
Correction:The most hated law in American History was without a doubt the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 that resulted in the civil war.
1
The Party need Congressional leaders and standard bearers who aren't yet eligible for Social Security if it expects to attract new voters under 50. It's time. Not a shot at emeritus elder leaders, just plain time to anyone with an ounce of sense.
12
I wished Nancy Pelosi would have run for President after Barrack Obama's second term. This is how she could've stepped down as Speaker making way for a new leader. Her political skill and charisma might have been formidable against Trump in the 2016 election. A stay at home mother of five children would've been a great President.
3
Time for Nancy to go. She and Obama blew their chance to leave a lasting imprint on the nation's history when they cooked up that monstrosity called The Affordable Care Act. Would have been tough but they should have at least tried to get some form of true health insurance for all. Both her and Obama showed very poor judgement when they supported Hillary Clinton fully knowing the baggage she carried. Why would we trust her to be
any better given a second chance as speaker?
23
@william matthews Covered millions more, saves thousands of lives per year. If you call that a monstrosity, we are not in the same camp. Agree on HRC support.
It was good for some people but terrible for others. It was also the incubator for GOP congressional victories every cycle since beginning with 2010. Primary beneficiary was pharma/health industry without providing comprehensive reform; at the same time making problematic any chance of universal health care in the immediate future. Sorry, but I think this is an uncomfortable truth for many Democrats. Even Bill Clinton with all his faults recognized this. @Skinny hipster
Sorry but Jim Clyburn does not represent a generational change. The Old Guard Dems need to step down after November. Otherwise.....forget 2020.
23
The fact there is no obvious set of younger politicians who are the obvious list of candidates for positions of power in the Democratic hierarchy tells us all we need to know. The old guard is more concerned with holding onto power than they are with the future of the party, and have spent more effort crushing challengers to their authority than they have grooming the next generation. And so there is no obvious next generation to take over from the old guard. And the old guard is, unashamedly, quite happy about this. As a result, the younger generation, seeing they are already disenfranchised, will (again) choose not to turn out to vote. It looks like the lessons of 2016 were not learned and the Democratic party is perfectly happy to see it repeated again in 2018. We need a party that is more concerned with the future of the country than they are with themselves.
18
@AB-- Young voters who are concerned about the future of the country and advancing progressive policies will be making a huge mistake if they stay home instead of voting for whatever Democrats are on the ballot wherever they are. I know...I'm lecturing but change happens in fits and starts, not all at once just because we might wish it so. Even though the Democrats have let me down plenty over the years, they are far, far better than the alternative. Any progressive who's missed that fact, hasn't been paying attention.
6
We agree with Paul Krugman in all respects that Ms. Pelosi is a Leader non-pareil in recent times:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/13/opinion/nancy-pelosi-midterms-democra...
We know she will do the right thing, building the right bridge(s), evincing true leadership, patriotism, love for her country, and the situational awareness which led the GOP'er Master of the Universe Treasury Secretary in 2008 to get down on 1 knee at her pantsuit hem, begging her and her Democrats to please please please save the global financial system, even without 1 single GOP'er vote in support of their GOP'er POTUS:
https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/26/business/26bailout.html
8
@R. Law Who is "we"? I agree that Rep. Pelosi was formerly an effective leader, but her day has passed.
2
@Chris - She's an important party Leader who will bring forward new leaders.
2
Pelosi would do the Dems a favor to publically suggest that she would not seek the speakership if Democrats get a majority of the house.
19
For me, it's less about age and more about the baggage they bring with them that is constantly used against the party. Pelosi, Warren and Schumer are not helping us move forward by staying. New faces with new ideas and more focus on honestly representing constituents and getting things done is what I'll be voting for.
14
Warren is a relatively new politician and has pushed a very good agenda. Let's not lump her with Schumer.
2
The oldest generation in congress should be preparing to step aside. And they should not announce it except in vague terms as a public announcement would begin the feeding frenzy among those positioning for leadership and those in the media who thrive on feeding frenzies. I for one hope Nancy Pelosi is willing (publicly) to step aside but only after a democratic majority returns to congress and after she has navigated them successfully through a few major legislative efforts, such as voting rights, repealing citizens united, and the many more that are needed. There is so much repair to be done in government we need some experienced people to lead that effort, not just the newcomers. Their time is not far ahead.
24
In short. she should never retire. Feel free to add more hurdles to her continued tenure.
Dear Ms. Pelosi:
It's time for grace. Thank the country and the party that has given you such a high position for so long. Step down.
Best wishes.
A friend
77
It may be time for Pelosi to hand over leadership to a younger generation, but isn't it a pity that so many Democrats, both in leadership and in the general population, have bought into the Republican hate propaganda against a woman who's worked hard for this country all of her political life. Shame on you all for taking the bait.
141
@Georgia Lockwood, It may be hate on the part of some but others such as myself want to see a more progressive agenda. So far Pelosi does not represent that line of thinking.
2
@Steve if you have time, look up the record of laws passed when Nancy Pelosi was speaker of the house. It's a good record. She sent all kinds of worker friendly bills to the Senate. After the Democrats lost Ted Kennedy's seat, and the recount for Al Franklin took so long, Democrats lost filibuster proof control of the Senate, and the Republicans blocked everything. Granted Obama and Pelosi didn't pass medicare-for-all, but I think both President Obama and Nancy Pelosi knew perfectly well that it would never fly. What was she supposed to have done single-handedly with all the obstruction that went on? There are all kinds of ultra Progressive things I'd like myself, but sometimes you have to deal the hand you were given. I just don't think Nancy Pelosi gets nearly enough credit for the work she did.
1
15 years! Thank you for your service. Now please, let a younger generation of democrats take the reigns and shape the party for their future and hopefully reverse completely the traditional democrat's devotion to the industrial war complex, global capitalism, planetary destruction and neoliberalism.
64
There is no need for a "bridge to new leaders." Rep. Pelosi could simply step aside today. Rep. Clyburn who is as old as she is, should not be her successor. The U.S. government was not intended to be staffed by career politicians, and it certainly was not intended to be a gerontocracy. When aging politicians--Pelosi is only one of many--cling to power, they clog the pipeline, preventing a generation of talented people who are currently in their prime from assuming positions of leadership. I used to admire Rep. Pelosi, but she has overstayed her welcom. I am sure that there are some very able Democrats who could represent Pelosi's district, and some able Democrats in Congress who would make fine Speakers. Democratic voters should refuse to vote for House candidates unless they pledge to provide the party with new leadership and new ideas. More broadly, the U.S. needs term limits and/or a mandatory retirement age for elected officials. Yes to democracy, no to gerontocracy.
55
@Chris Rasmussen
I would argue for a mandatory retirement age.
@Chris Rasmussen We have term limits. They are called elections. Nancy Pelosi won her last election with 80 percent of the vote. Apparently you did not read Paul Krugman's op a few days ago about Nancy Pelosi. You should.
6
Pelosi has been a great leader and needs to recognize that great leadership requires her to pass the mantle now for the sake of the party.
25
Another women burned at the stake of right wing propaganda. It might be time to move on but to do so in response to lies and unending criticism from a misogynistic, unrelenting and untruthful campaign to demonize her is disheartening. It's as if Obama decided not to run for a second term because a good portion of the electorate couldn't get past the color of his skin. Bridges to a new generation of Democratic leaders should always be open but I hate it when the Democrats burn perfectly good bridges just because of the right's rhetoric. This is our party, not theirs.
100
@Rick Gage
Never under estimate the ability of Democrats to be whip sawed by Republicans.
The GOP knows Pelosi is fearless and effective. That is why they are using her to scare DEMOCRATS into getting rid of her.
4
@Rick Gage Agreed. That Republicans hate her so intensely is, in my book, a point in her favor. I can't wait to watch her oppose Trump from the Speaker's role; she will out-class and out-maneuver him in every way.
3
@Rick Gage: "This is our party, not theirs."
Is it? The same party that couldn't win the 2016 election against a foul, unprepared, tempermental reality TV clown having put up arguably the best-prepared, most experienced candidate in recent political memory? Many in your party are looking for change, so to place many Democrats' opinions of Pelosi at the feet of "right win propaganda" is disingenuous and delusional. Politics is a blood sport, sport - and the sooner the Democratic leadership figures that out, the better for us all.
3
Ms. Pelosi seems to be valued, above all, for her fund-raising proficiency. Politicians of all stripes are all about fund-raising. It's all about money.
Wouldn't our government and country be better off if oue politicians, the people who are supposed to be running our government, didn't have to worry about such things? Of course we would.
Unless and until we have a consitutional amendment prescribing public funding of elections, we will never escape the destruction of our republic by corporate/klepto/plutocratic interests.
70
Pelosi has been and is a great leader for Democrats and a trailblazer for women. Republicans have attacked and caricatured her — and some Democrats have capitulated to that Republican caricature, not unlike the way Hillary Clinton has been treated in some corners. I am proud to be a supporter of Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton and Diane Feinstein — all trailblazers and steadfast Democrats who have fought for and won the fight for policies for regular Americans. Health care, families, equality, and much more. I’m grateful for their hard work and leadership.
73
@Margaret
Nancy "take impeachment off the table" Pelosi made a grave error in judgment when she let Bush and Cheney skate. What happens when she is Speaker in January (if that comes to pass), Take a full investigation of Trump and Co. off the the table, let's move forward blah blah blah?
1
I am writing this in hopes Ms. Pelosi or her staff may read it. Loosen your grip on our party. You are not helping the cause by serving as a lightening rod for the Republicans. Real leadership is knowing how to mentor, bring along o5hers and ultimately stand down (before you get knocked down). As a senior citizen woman who was an executive with a degree of power in my business sphere, I know it’s not easy to come to personal terms that your time has passed. But, for goodness sakes, take yourself out of the equation and do what’s best for 5he party and our country who definitely need a new generation of leadership.
75
@HBT
"You are not helping the cause by serving as a lightening rod for the Republicans." - AMEN
2
Nancy Pelosi is spot on - if you want to be the leader of the Democrats in the house, show that you can do ALL of the job and what your plan for the future is. She earned her position.
You younger folks - get to work. This isn't a gifted position.
121
@AliceP Look how Sanders has been using his popularity to find, promote and mentor so many new candidates. Why should not Pelosi, Schumer, et al. be doing the same? They cling like leaches; they should be training and leading like statesmen and women.
2
@Name How do you know they are not?
It's disappointing that the Democrats have not attacked Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, and made him the target of derision in the way the Republicans have Pelosi. As usual, the Democrats display a wimpy politically correct attitude toward their opponents, not using the effective fighting techniques that would win them elections and control. A huge population has been brainwashed by the Republicans who have currupted word meanings like socialism, Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi by brainwashing through repetition. Why doesn't the Democratic Party step up and fight?
214
@virginia kast
Perfectly stated.
Democrats should have called for McConnell's impeachment for his failure to hold a vote on Obama's Supreme Court nominee: the Constitution calls on the Senate to confirm nominees and his failure to do so represented a breach of his Constitution duties.
But the Democrats were/are too whimpy for anything like this.
2
@virginia kast;
McConnell is doing exactly what the Republican Party wants him to do; unfortunately, Pelosi rakes in the cash but the people do not benefit from her prowess with the cash; we want good government on the left not money grubbing with donors.
1
@virginia kast "It's disappointing that the Democrats have not attacked Senator Mitch McConnell,"
I'm extremely curious as to where you get your news, because Democrats attack Mitch McConnell all the time, particularly over the Kavanaugh nomination. I get a distinct sense some folks have taken this "if I didn't see it, it didn't happen" attitude while putting on blindfolds.
But attack him or not, ultimately it doesn't amount to a hill of beans unless Democrats can swing a couple of seats in the Senate.
I have been a lifelong supporter of the Democratic Party, and once again I am baffled by their ability snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Replace Pelosi? With whom?? And for heaven's sake, why now?? Who among the "challengers" have the depth and breadth of her experience? Can anyone match her political acumen? Fund raising? Ability to get meaningful progressive legislation passed? Remain standing strong in the face of Republican demonization? The lack of a cohesive Democratic message to the American people may be successful in the mid-terms, but will be catastrophic in 2020. Replace Pelosi now with an untested, inexperienced leader now?? That is just crazy.
122
@Anne Dailey, PA-C I couldn’t (and didn’t) say it better. With all the Trump chaos and the understandable chaos of many New Democrats coming to congress the last thing we need is to throw out Nancy Pelosi.
6
@Anne Dailey, PA-C
You do know that under Pelosi (" Can anyone match her political acumen?"), Dems lost 1000s of state and local and both Houses of Congress?
You may have also noticed Trump is currently president....
If this is high political acumen, what does failure look like?
Even more frightening, it's not at all clear she and her coalition wouldn't prefer Trump to Sanders or Warren.
2
@Anne Dailey, PA-C
I must strongly agree Anne. The Democratic Party seems to spring from issue to issue without much forethought or consideration of what comes afterwards. If there is criticism of Nancy it would be more that she hasnt seemed to mentor her colleagues all these years, rather than an issue with her own ability or values. Many would love the power and control she wields but who has the backing and experience required? If her considerable monetary supporters feel that their standard bearer is being forced out, how deeply might that hurt the party going forward during these coming crucial years? A loss of monetary support in 2020 would be catastrophic.
1
Funny, nobody says any of this about men in their 70’s.
111
@Kim Murphy I believe lots of people say this about men in their 70's. Joe Biden, time to go. Steny Hoyer, time to go. Charles Schumer, time to go, John Lewis, time to go. Just read the comments here. The fact is, it is not a man who holds down this position in the Congress.
5
@Kim Murphy Yes I do. Every day. Clyburn, Hoyer, Grassley, Leahy, Sanders, Roberts, Inhofe...they all need to go home and spend time playing with their grandchildren.
7
@Kim Murphy A very large number of people would like 70+ year old trump to leave; his dementia seems quite evident, and he is likely to start drooling in public soon.
1
Bottom line is Pelosi is a “Third Way” corporatist. She is not the future of the Democratic Party. If she cannot bring herself to support a new and badly needed progressive party, she should graciously step aside. A classy departure will do much to polish her legacy.
201
The truth is that the Democrats need someone under 50 to become the new leader. If it was also a minority candidate that would probably create intense fear for the GOP. The glaring difference between McConnell and a young minority would set off the youth and minority vote. This would be akin to appointing a young SCOTUS member.
33
Diversity of opinion is not welcome in the modern Democrat party of Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez. It's their far left way or the highway for anyone running for office, or the position of Democrat leader in the House. And this is good news. The farther left Democrats, liberals and progressives go, the more they will alienate themselves and their party from mainstream middle America and the deep south. Keep it up. You are making our day every day that your agenda continues to go towards full blown socialism.
12
same was said about the far right and look what happened? Not what you would have predicted.
2
@paul
Another conservative worried the Democrats will adopt THEIR winning strategies.
Nancy should stay in the party to support others and fundraise, but needs to step down from her leadership role. She is a tool for the GOP now. We need someone young and vibrant to get the party on message.
35
Nancy, I am a lifelong Democrat and I am begging you.... let it go. You had your turn, we thank you for your service,... but it's time to move on. Country before self.
273
@Holly
There's little to thank Nancy Pelosi for. By helping to get NAFTA passed she and Bill Clinton shafted most working Americans.
NAFTA gave strong incentives to companies to move their plants first to Mexico then China.
NAFTA was a huge gift to the 0.1% of Americans that were either corporate execs and/or large shareholders.
By passing NAFTA, Clinton and Pelosi destroyed private sector unions in the US, for now companies could threaten to move to Mexico (later China) if workers didn't give in to company demands.
The fact that private sector unions were so strong in the middle of the country was the reason most of America elected Democrats. NAFTA ended that.
There's a direct line from the passage of NAFTA to Donald Trump being the president now.
NAFTA took away people's jobs, their income, it destroyed many marriages and families. It took away the funding of the schools (and everything else) in those cities. Thus it destroyed many if not most of those cities.
Nancy Pelosi and Bill Clinton have been disasters for most American workers, for unions, and for the Democratic Party.
Clifton and Pelosi were never progressives. When it really counted both would go to bat for the 0.1%, rather than the 80%.
It's no accident that Pelosi never fought hard against the huge tax cuts of GW Bush and Donald Trump for she was going to make millions from those tax cuts.
Nancy Pelosi is no liberal hero.
6
She needs to go! Please retire!
23
@Eileen Whelan Why? She's been a remarkably effective Speaker and majority leader. Seems as though we need her more than ever. And, when someone younger with her fundraising ability, experience, institutional knowledge, and ability to get votes in a fractious institution steps up, well, maybe they will get the necessary votes in the caucus. I sure hope though, that it isn't someone who has never done any legislative work, none of her ability to charm,
and has no clue as to how things go. If that happens, we are doomed.
3
There will be so many new progressive Democrats in Congress by 2021 and beyond that it doesn't much matter which old centrist the party picks now - they will be swiftly replaced.
12
@Michael
Remind yourself to check in on your prediction in 2021.
3
Look, I'm pretty old myself, but this is ridiculous. The leadership troika averages nearly 80. Enough already. RBG is in her eighties at SCOTUS, and Breyer not far behind. The Dems must inject some new blood into the party pronto. And I don't mean Bernie Sanders either.
49
@Jeffrey Waingrow: I wouldn't be too quick to use RBG and Breyer to make your point. If they retire, we'll have 7 right-wing, activist Justices and only 2 sane ones.
1
@jas2200
My point is that both justices should have retired during Obama's presidency. They waited too long, and now all we can do is pray.
Pelosi is old school, old ideas, narrow minded, in a rut. It's time for her to phase herself out, in favor of more imaginative Democrats, IF in fact she gives a hoot about our party, rather than herself. I favor BARBARA LEE, and am delighted that Joe Crowley is gone, but I would certainly entertain other candidates, whose thinking is more current, and who do not take corporate PAK, and big donor, money as does Nancy Pelosi. You can't do that and not be beholden to them, instead of your constituents and all Americans.
26
@ChesBay: Unfortunately, the last election sealed the deal that we will have to live with "money as speech" for a long time. If Democrats don't accept it, they will be taking a slingshot to a gun fight, and the gun is sure to be an AK47.
2
I really doubt that using Ms. Pelosi as a target in campaigns by the GOP has all that much of an effect on any particular election.
On balance, I believe that she has done a lot more good than harm for the Democratic party and House caucus over her years of service. Despite that support of her, I do think it is time to, paraphrasing JFK, to pass the torch to a new generation.
There are plenty of under 50 year old members of the House Democratic caucus that could take over the leadership in the new Congress.
19
Under cover of "statements" by a leader under fire, the Times continues to engage in propaganda on behalf of the "unseen hand."
Mrs. Pelosi has had more than enough time in office to cure some of the worst blunders a speaker can make, and hasn't. Under her leadership over her caucus and the DCCC, a thousand legislative seats have been lost, including during a cycle with a candidate who should not have been able to win but did.
Mrs. Pelosi, while claiming progressive views, has done everything in her power, on the QT, to undermine emerging progressive forces from the grassroots, by opposing them at the primary levelwith newly former Republicans being aided by the DCCC in primaries against popular long time Democrats.
Nancy Pelosi and Patty Murray let down millions of unemployed from the Great Recession.
Nancy Pelosi let down millions of Americans by not ensuring everyone got healthcare.
At a time when America police brutality goes on with no end in sight, Mrs. Pelosi instructed her caucus not to support policies put forth by Black Lives Matter work groups. Why?
At a time when our odious, racist, president was attacking Representative Maxine Waters, Mrs. Pelosi, Mr. Schumer, and Mr. Hoyer, all attacked her for being inappropriate and un-American. Since when is protest un-American?
It is time for the Silent Generation to go home and for those who are aged 50 and younger to take over. We've waited and suffered long enough.
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https://www.rimaregas.com/?s=Nancy+Pelosi
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Rima Regas--At 70, I am a progressive, and have become more progressive as I have aged. Younger people probably have more energy, and newer ideas, but please don't dismiss the over 60 crowd. WE care about our fellow Americans, and this country, and want voters to be as well informed as possible, so we can dig ourselves out of this current mess. I do all I can to assist in that effort.
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@ChesBay
Those of you in your 60's were robbed of your right to lead and much more by the silent generation. I am sorry I ran out of room or else I would have stated so.
It is inconceivable that leaders over the age of 75 who've been in power for decades are unwilling to hand the baton to a new generation and coming up with the most ridiculous of excuses.
Failure, abject failure, always lead to new leadership. 2010 was an abject failure. Pelosi kept her speakership. 2012, 2014, 2016 were abject failures when it comes to congressional seats, yet she kept the leadership and doubled down on precisely the same tactics that have turned off millions of voters.
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Rima Regas--Most seniors find the rapid change we encounter, today, very difficult, BUT there are some like me who roll with the times, stay informed, and contribute as much as we can. In my case, I have done this all of my adult life. I have never missed an election, never voted without understanding the issues.
Yes, it's time for the older generation of leaders (especially those in their 70s and 80s) to hand over the reins. Valuable, experienced and effective leaders like Pelosi should be actively mentoring younger leaders, opening doors for them, and readying themselves to step down, while still maintaining a role as mentor and expert consultant. I'm almost 50, and I join those who are voting for a younger generation of leaders.
(Though to be honest I'm not sure that Bernie Sanders should step aside, since he's been so effective at galvanizing the youth, and is generally well-liked across the political spectrum.)
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@Mendel First of all color, race ,gender, age should not come into play, as to which Democrat should replace Pelosi. The person to elect is the best qualified that represents all of the Democratic Party. Personally I would be happy if Pelosi steps down-not one of my favorites.
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@Mendel Well, there you have it, folks. Old white guys, stay as long you like. Women, retire because you're old.
As Paul Waldman recently pointed out over at the Post, the most unpopular member of Congress is actually Mitch McConnell (with good reason!) But you don't hear anyone asking Republican members if they will continue to support his leadership in their party. https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2018/08/10/what-republ...
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Absolutely.....the women should step aside but old men, like Bernie....get to stay!
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