Pelosi, Reid: Right leaders for Congress?
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FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Change is coming to Washington this January - as promised by President-elect Obama - and not just at the White House.
Democrats will have a strong upper hand in both houses of Congress, even with three senate races still up in the air - Minnesota, Alaska and Georgia where a run-off is scheduled for early December - and a handful of House races. Not quite filibuster-proof but the gains should allow Barack Obama to push through much of his agenda in the first 100 days of his presidency.
But one thing that will look the same on Capitol Hill - some of the faces at the top. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will be back. They vowed change and bipartisanship after they were elected two years ago. Instead they presided over one of the worst Congresses in recent memory. A lot of people simply don't like either one of them for a variety of reasons.
Here’s my question to you: Are Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid the right leaders for the new Congress?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Paul from Columbia, S.C. writes:
Reid and Pelosi represent the pettiness of partisan politics and led the most un-productive Congress ever. These are two of the people who abetted in the collapses that threaten us now. They must go.
Rose from Arizona writes:
Absolutely not! They have done nothing for the past two years except place blame for everything on someone else. Pelosi has a big mouth and Reid is just plain incompetent. They both need to go and quickly. They take no responsibility for their inactions.
Markel from Houston, Texas writes:
Reid and Pelosi are both very capable legislators, but they just might be in for a trip to the woodshed. The choice of Rahm Emanuel was not made lightly. Mr. Obama has sent a very loud and very clear message to Congressional leadership. He brought in the bad cop, and the bad cop isn't inclined to play footsie!
Larry from Georgetown, Texas writes:
Jack, I take it you’re talking about Dopey and Grumpy. No they are not what we need in our leadership today. Dopey (Pelosi) showed her clout in her speech on the bail out and Grumpy (Reid) filled the bill with enough pork to feed the hungry of the world.
Eileen writes:
I think so, but I do see President-elect Obama reeling them in. He needs to keep his promise to America and build a bipartisan Congress. Pelosi and Reed will kick and scream, but Obama needs to tell them to grow up.
Rex from Portland, Oregon writes:
Haven't Reid and Pelosi already proved to us and to the world that they are hopelessly inept? Why this 9% approval rating? And who are those people anyhow– the 9% who approve?
@jackcafferty on Twitter
By ignoring her Constitutional duty to impeach everyone that earned it, Pelosi took a leaf out of George Bush's book. It should be possible to find someone who doesn't ignore the Constitution. How about Rep. Mike Michaud?
I don't know if they are or not. I would hope that President – elect Obama will sit them down and explain that he does not want to see legislation that is solely of a liberal agenda. He ran as someone that will reach to the center and if they don't understand or try to strong arm him to the left then the answer is no they are not. Only time will tell. Anyway 2010 is only two years away and nobody knows what the will of the people will be by then
Mark
Mississippi
absolutly!! America has shown we are a progressive liberal country, and these people along with President Obama will lead us back to where the government does what the people want ie: universal health care, privacy, individual liberty and freechoice!
No.
But you watch as Barack Obama governs from the center and makes them toe HIS line – not theirs. His choice of chief of staff was more to do with keeping Democrats in check than fighting Republicans!
They're perfect Jack. After eight years of republican hard ball tactics sending the message that "if you can't respect me then fear me" is just what they need. Looking at their worse policy nightmare (Palosi and Reid) every day may teach these guys that comprimise is a good thing, a lesson they have been needing to learn.
Absolutly not! I've been telling people for weeks that both sould loose their leadership positions. Both have proven that they cannot lead. Both need to be replaced so President Obama can have leadership in the 111th Congress.
Of course they are. We have shown the world that we are again a liberal progressive and tolerant nation. While thier refusal to impeach Bush is a strike against them we can rest assurred they will carry out the mandate the people have given to them.
Jack: No–and if there is a chance, when President Obama-Elect starts cleaning house–they should be the first two in line. Neither fits the profile as to the type of individuals that Obama has already selected. Obama cabinet is going to be a very agressive one–and it has to be to resolve what is aligning the country.
If they are willing to work with Obama to govern for the people – not agendas, yes!
Hey Jack,
Interesting choice of words for your question – "right" leaders. Pelosi had a sharp voice and attitude toward the right until she became house speaker. Reid hasn't done ANYTHING that I can see to hold the republicans from achieving their partisan agendas ever since the Democrats became the majority 2 years ago. It's so interesting how the republicans bullied the left not to mention the overall american public regardless of anyones opinion for 6 years, then when the Democrats took the majority in congress, nothing changed – NOTHING. Now, the republicans have the GALL to accuse Obama, only after his first choice of staff member, of not ruling from the middle and being partisan. MY GOD!
Jeff
Mount Juliet, TN
I think the President Elect Obama will organise them (or the people he replaces them with if that happens) himself anyway. I'm pretty sure if they aren't prepared to 'tow the line' for Obama they won't be leading for long.
Absolutely NOT they've proven that they cannot lead. They are not fit for leaders of congress.
We need to give them a chance. Remember Bush exercised his veto over 500 times in the last two years so it crippled their agenda. We need to wait until he leaves and Barack gets in to see what they are capable of.
I am afraid not. What we need in this country today is restraint on spending to begin getting a handle on our national debt. I think they will spend too much and keep increasing what we owe. While I agree with the goal of health coverage and a need to stimulate the economy, I do not believe they can cap the flood of money going into their buddies bank accounts, just like the Republicans when they were in power.
After Nancy Pelosi became speaker and continued to give Bush everything he wanted, I lost all respect for her. If I lived in her district, I would feel betrayed. Reid I could take or leave.
Jack,
We need someone with backbone. If Pelosi and Reid can tell Leiberman to take a hike then maybe that will prove them worthy.
i don't know,they haven't done a good job since they have been in power,either they improve or put someone else in these important positions
Jack,
I don't think so at this time. They talk of not allowing felons in the Congress, what about impeachment? Making deals in order to keep some things they want to get done should not include allowing wrongdoings of impeachable offenses or treason.
Neither seem to be leaders, more like keeps of the store. They've been there long enough to establish themselves and a leadership style. Most American would be more confident to see a true shake up. Replace them both.
I have not always agreed with Pelosi and Reid in the past. I think they have had very little backbone. Maybe the Obama election will instill a little more courage and confidence in them. I'm willing to give them another shot at it.
How can we tell, Jack?
Practically everything they have tried has been vetoed by Bush
with the republicans supporting him. Their hands have been
tied.
Their main goal has to be to get the two parties to work together
for the betterment of our country. Parties, politics, grudges aside,
as our country cannot survive one more day of politics as usual.
It is time for all to put our future ahead of everything.
Will they??
Obama's message was we needed change in the direction the USA was going. The voters' mandate agreed. Now, Pelosi and Reid must either get with the new Obama changes or step aside for leadership that will.
For two years... then the republicans will take back their seats after the liberal left ruins the country.
I'm not certain on this one. Pelosi seems very impressed with herself and I don't know enough about Reid. If they start feeling omnipotent then President Obama will have to reign them in or they will lose the luxury of the majority sooner than they think. This country must go one way – and that is up. I'm certain Emmanuel will help steer them in the right direction.
Jack: Pelosi and Reid will sucessful if they fail President elect lead. The Democrats need to have a united front to solve this nations problems of the economy, health care, housing crisis, and jobs creation. The President-elect want to cahnge the tax code that allow the top 5% of wage earners huge tax cuts. Pelosi and Reid can make that happen quick. After 8 years of Bush, Pelosi and Reid need to make it clear to the Republicans they are not in charge. Make sure as much as possible is accomplished in the 100 days of the new administration.
John
Alabama
NOT! Unless they make some sweeping changes in how congress is run. They need to act like leaders instead of yes-men and get to work. Stop telling the people what they think we want to hear and get after it. Leave your personal and political needs at the door. Remember who you're working for.
We need new leaders in both the House and the Senate. Someone more progressive, more like our new President. Someone young and ambitious that hasn't made a career of "playing the game" with a wink and a nod.
Hi Jack,
Pelosi and Reid can lead the new Congress to find someone else to take their positions. They are both WEAK! Bush should've have been impeached. Congress wasted no time in attempting to impeach Clinton for far less than anything Bush has ever done while in office. I say, "Boot those losers out but quickly."
Jack: The answer is NO. Americans need leaders who love their country and people--not leaders who only love "themselves."
Pelosi, maybe. Reid, not. Bring on Hillary!
Jack – Both Pelosi and Reid are ineffective as shown over the last 2 years. Reid specifically is devisive as he showed immediately with Joe Lieberman. We need all new blood and a clean slate. I love Nancy and she is a hometown girl but I felt she was in over her head. Politically correct is one thing but we need no nonsense people right now. Pelosi and Reid are weak. Time for a change.
We have to give them a chance, but ...Nancy Pelosi is not the right leader in the old Congress and I just can't see how she will be the right leader in the new Congress. And I mean right, left or centre.
I think not. Pelosi doesn't strike me as the brightest bulb in the chandelier. Maybe Hillary should replace her.
Ah.... NO. They're part of the problem. They were informed on torture years ago and said nothing, which means they approved of torture. They approved each and every Bush action. They voted for acts that are clearly unconstitutional or illegal like wiretaps, Military Commissions Act, etc. They have NOT upheld the oath they swore to uphold, which makes them unqualified to hold their jobs. Too bad they weren't thrown out of office like some Repubs were.
No. there needs to be a shift in power. Nancy Pelosi is an embarrassment. Her biggest embarrassment going on t.v. to praise her accomplishment of getting the minimum wage raised. Hoorah, high school sophomores everywhere were celebrating with joy. Other than that she has not tightened up the budget, and has not forced a compromise in getting the troops out. harry reid, while less vocal has served in the same ineffective manner. He should be ousted as well.
They are not very popular at this point, but they probably deserve a chance to solve some problems now that they have some clout. Pelosi should show less partisanship and Reid needs a charisma transplant. I think they are like a pitcher that doesn't have your full confidence. Always a good idea to have somebody ready in the bullpen, just in case.
They are both smart people and know that they will have to work with Obama and reach across the aisle to the Republicans to get any thing done in Congress. They did not have enough votes in the last two years to do any thing. Anything they did try was sure to be vetoed by George Bush. . . so let's give them the benefit of the doubt and see what happens.
No, they've never been. Neither is effective, and neither seems to get that they work for us.
Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid have been there for two years. What have they done so far besides give themselves a raise and take a vacation while our country is causing world market dives. That's a no brainer. And we have them for...how many more years?
Jack
Definately not lets break up this tag team that has accomplished nothing so far, we have an opportunity to make great strides and improve productivity in the halls of Congress, however I dont believe Pelosi and Reid can get it done.
The Pelosi-Reid combo was so woefully ineffective that it would be hard to imagine they would do any better now. Pelosi is an especially divisive element and lacks the initiative it takes to lead. She should be replaced, based solely on the fact that she did not seek impeachment against Bush.
No. But I (as a die-hard Liberal) think they are an 'equal and opposite' reaction to the radical right, the so-called base, of the Republican Party. By the way, when did the right wing nut cases become the Republican 'base?' What happened to the 'silent majority? I think both parties need to get back to basics. The role of extremists is not to control their parties; they are meant to contribute radical, fresh ideas whose time may have come: Civil rights, women's rights, ending the war in Viet Nam. All brought to the American people's attention by ridiculed 'nut cases' who eventually changed the minds of the American people. Can we get back to that model?
jack,
how about kunicih for speaker of the house & sanders for majority leader.
Not really, but that's because I don't think a whole lot of either of them. Harry Reid seems like a wimp and too gutless to do what will be nedded to get things done as President Obama would like to see them done.
Nancy Pelosi talks a good line, but she can't seem to get anything done either. She's a bright woman, but she 's not quite the type to be speaker of the house in my view.
Hillary Clinton would be a great senate majority leader. I don't know who could run the house. Rohm Emmanuel would have been good, but he just got a new job.
Let'em have a new chance.. short but sweet. If they don't perform
Obama admin. better change something. "Politics as usual" is" NOT
GONNA FLY" this time. U.S. is in a critical limbo situation right now and we need leaders that will get things going and in the right
direction now.. not yesterday or tomorrow. But correct decisions
must be made and a focused admin. must do the necessary things
to get this economy moving.. first and foremost, ... establish confidence with the right decisions and all else will come along for the ride. We are all watching.. anxiously. Let's go get'em
who would you replace them with that the GOP would agree with. I'ts the Dem's time and they should make the republican's eat at McDonald's instead of the luxury dining facilities everyone else enjoys at taxpayers expense.
Kenneth Chadbourn N.C.
As leaders, both are very weak. Congress needs to know that they work for US the American People and not for some special interest group. The voters have mandated that we want; no demand change and President Elect Obama promised us that. They need to fight for us.
I believe in Obama and personally think that he should have a sit down with both Pelosi and Reid and give them some straight talk, show them the direction he wants this country to go and make it perfectly clear that it is his way or it's time to hand in their resignation.
A young intelligent president has been elected by the people of the U.S.. Does anyone really want to keep these old farts around with their old agendas??
It would be wise to put new blood in these positions also.
Peter
Aldergrove B.C. Canada
NO !!!!!!!!!!
Eww no! Of course not!
Who are the wrong leaders for Congress? Can they do anything worse than the Republican lead Congress under the leadership of a Republican President. How can we second guess the leaders under Obama before they've had a chance to succeed or fail?
Obama needs a chance to do his job. Pelosi and Reid need the exit door, or if that doesn't work, they need to keep quiet!
Pelosi and Reid need to realize that they were responsible for the obstacles that did not allow the Congress to achieve all that it could. They are a big part of the reason that Congress has such a low level of respect from the citizens of the U.S. They need to push an agenda of bipartisanship or give their jobs to somebody who will.
They need to either lead, follow or get out of the way if they don't want to follow the will of the people. For the 8 years that the republicans were in charge, they didn’t lead, they pushed their agenda and all of the people they were supposed to SERVE suffered.
If Pelosi and Reid aren't willing to do what's best for America....not their party..., please step aside.
It doesn't matter. All this concern about Obama being bullied is poppycock. This is the man who took on the Clintons. The Clintons. If Reid and Pelosi are foolish enough to pick a fight with him, they will lose and lose badly.
Absolutely not Jack. Pelosi showed her true self when she said impeachment was off the table. Her and Reid have both been stonewalling the will of the majority of Dems that put them in office. She's way too full of herself anyways:)
To be honest with you Jack, I really haven't been all that impressed with them. I'm sure they're very smart and know what they're doing.
If only they didn't have to speak to the puplic, I think everything would be fine. I just have a problem with some of the bone head thing's that come out of their mouth!
Maybe they each should hire a public relation's coach!
Jack, honestly they are not. They are both polarizing especially Pelosi. I am an Obama supporter and if he is going to be successful, he will need to move her. He may be able work things out with Reid.
Jack,
Short, sweet and, to the point; yes.
Craig
in Oklahoma
Jack, there is a reason that Congress’ approval ratings are lower than George Bush’s ratings at this point. These two clowns have demonstrated repeatedly that they either lack the competency or the desire to run an effective ship. This country is in too much trouble to have these two bobbleheads flailing around. My suggestion: time to clean both ‘houses’ and get some go getters in there. Besides, these two may cry when Rohm Emanuel is finished with them on Day One.
No. I lost all faith in Pelosi when she took impeachment off the table. I like Barbara Boxer and Reid, who cares. He seems like a meek mouse.
What a joke. Neither of those people have a clue what is going on in the world.
Time will tell. I think they need to let Obama call the shots.We need to work with republicans for the betterment of America. It is the time to step up and reach across the aisle not play politics as usual and they both need to realize that.
They are is they get behind our new president and promote his policies. We have had enough stagnation in DC. We need to grease the gears and get this puppy movin'... I mean MOVING. sorry
Don
Marietta, GA
It would be nice if we the people got to vote on this, but we don't. Having lived in Washington, DC, I know that politics at the state or local level can't hold a candle to the power hungry that reside in DC and the vicious tit for tat partisanship that now exists there.
We've got a mess, and those in charge seem unconcerned by the low ratings that they get from their constituents, so it will likely take a citizens revolt or at the very least term limits to solve it.
John in Normal, IL
We hear its the taxpayer money over and over again. we should borrow our own money back $ 50,000. to each household. Pay off your inflated mortgage ,.buy a new g.m. or ford ,give a l oan back to the banks let them give you interest on the money the trickle up economy conservatives tell you big government is no good liberals tell you your not smart enough to know what to do with your money .give it back to taxpayers one time lets make $100,000. per household let the economy get the grease from the bottom and you see how fast the money ends up back in banks and back in your business ,our hotels ,our casinos.Taxpayers shoud demand from congress a mandate to have a large chunk of out tax dollars directed back to us . We can at least enjoy the trickle for a change.
Reid and Pelosi represent the pettiness of partisan politics and led the most un-productive congess ever. These are two of the people who abetted in the collapses that threaten us now. They must go.
Get some of those Blue Dog Democrats in power, so that we can have an all inclusive Democratic leadership.
No.They're part of the old Democrat do-nothing congress and should give someone else a chance.
NO! We were stuck with them in the time frame they served, but it's clear from the record, they have't accomplished anything. WE MUST STOP viewing 'Congress' as Repubs and Dems. It is divided by greater allegiances and polemics than party lines. Left, right, middle, doesn't even begin to define the alliances to special interests, greed, self edification, and corruption. Rid the body politic of that, and we can begin to build a true government for the people. HOORAY for the victory of intellegence and character.
Let's see... during the presidential campaign, I kept hearing something about "change" from both sides. I keep hoping that the intended spirit of "change" will be reflected in a congress that finally ceases the backbiting and partisan bickering to further their own personal agendas. Reid and Pelosi need that kind of change most of all. If they cannot change, then their position title should be changed. Americans deserve no less.
Mike
The Bush’s Administration needs to understand the severity of our situations; and I would like to suggest for them to make an exception, and have an early inauguration for the elected President Obama and his team, so they can implement a solution for our crisis. It can be done; this is a state of emergency. We cannot wait and watch the lot gets out of hand before we react. We can see the forecast and it does not look good. Obama is ready to lead this nation and possibly the world; let’s not waste any time and have an early inauguration. (30 days I would recommend).
Hans
Jack~
We will see. One would think that we need new methods and ideas, God knows what we had in the past hasn't worked. Pelosi and Reed seem to have adopted Obama's "cool and thoughtful" attitude these last few days since the election. I hope it is a signal. But, like it or not, they are what we've got at the moment......
Jim-Fl.
I think so, but I do see President Elect Obama reeling them in. He needs to keep his promise to America and build a bipartisan Congress. Pelosi and Reed will kick and scream....but Obama needs to tell them to grow up.
They better be because it's all we have. The good thing is that now we have a President who will steer us and Congress in the best direction!
Depends on whether or not they can be managed and influenced by Rahm Emanuel and Joe Biden. I'm expecting Obama to govern from the center, a place that Reid and Pelosi do not like to govern from. Now that the Democratic party controls the White House, Reid and Pelosi should be easier to deal with but might go "rogue" if they decide they need to be more liberal. If Biden and Emanuel cannot reign them in, then I would expect to see leadership changes on the Hill.
Pelosi, No. I might have agreed with Reid until his dealing with Lieberman proved that all he was interested was partisan politics. Get the two most centerminded politicians you can find , or two independents, and put them in charge. Maybe they"d actually get something done!
Leaving those two in charge just represents several more years of partisan squabbling.
They will be the right people if they agree that they should govern from the middle. They will have a larger majority so it should be somewhat easier to pass legislation and they should find Republican support for an agenda that is tailored it to the center.
The Republicans should be smart enough to have gotten the message that the country wants change AND wants to see that our government CAN function. They will find themselves in an even bigger hole if they continue to be obstructionists who only appeal to the far right minority of their own party.
I don't think they were right for the job under the Bush administration, but they will thrive under an Obama administration. Reason being, everything they tried to accomplished was squashed by partisan republicans, to include the current president. Now they will at least stand a chance of getting something done, although they should move a little closer to the center in their approach.
Jack, no they are not the right leaders for the new Congress. John Kerry will not be the right person for Sec of State. So, I hope Obama get it right. Get some new blood in there and stop running around tagging all the people that have been hanging around for 20 to 30 years. We need some real thinker, doers in there with him.
Haven't Reid and Pelosi already proved to us and to the world that they are hopelessly inept? Why this 9% approval rating? And who are those people anyhow – the 9%?
Absolutely not!!!! They have done nothing for the past two years except place blame for everything on someone else. Pelosi has a big mouth and Reid is just plain incompetent. They both need to go and quickly. They take no responsibilty for their inactions.
Some would claim they're the left leaders for the new Congress.
No they are not the right leaders. Obama should appoint them to some job where the skills import to legislative manage,ment are not important.. Reed – Sect of Health; Pelosi – Sect of the Environment.
Jack;
With the organizational skills President Elect Obama showed during his election campaign he will undoubtedly do a lot of "House Cleaning" (Excuse the pun) in Washington.
I firmly believe he is "Churchillian" in the fact he is the right man in the right place at the right time.
The fact is the farther left they govern the better off Americans will be as it is in all the other modern societies around the world.
Americans have been brainwashed into believing right wing ideology is what is best for them and the country when in fact is was only best for the 5% at the top of the wealth scale.
Governments are meant to help their citizens overall not just a few and once people see how everyone will benefit the GOP extremists will never get the reins of power back in our life time.
Although Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid have been less than stellar during the past two years, it might be wise to wait and see how they perform working in conjunction with the Obama administration. Strong support with a clear vision may be all they need to shine.
At this point, do we have a choice? Wait till their up for re-election and see how fast they'll be looking for a new job just like 250,000 people.
Despite Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid's past history, I believe they are the right leaders put in place by President-elect Barack Obama.
Simple reason is that Obama is dictating a new direction for the Democratic party moving forward, while also feeding the Republicans with goodwill by hiring a select few into his cabinet and administration.
I do not feel we can accurately judge the new leadership in Congress until we see it executed. However, I would surely bet that we will see a better outcome for the next 4-years rather than what we saw in the past 8-years under President George W. Bush.
They both strike me as having big egos but who knows what they are really like–they seldom smile and when they do it seems robotic whereas our president and vice-president have warm wonderful smiles and they seem genuine.
Jack, If Pelosi and Reid aren't the best team for this time in our history, they had better become so, or the Dems will see another sea change, and be shown the door in 2010.
More than ever we, America need a team, not factions.
Jack
Well the answer is yes and no.They will be great players on a team
of great people.Yes they will be good but not alone good.This will be team good.
We will do great and change will be good,please be patient
David
Missouri
Reid and Pelosi are both very capable legislators, but they just might be in for a trip to the woodshed. The choice of Rahm Emanuel was not made lightly. Mr. Obama has sent a very loud and very clear message to Congressional leadership. He brought in the bad cop, and the bad cop isn't inclined to play footsie!
They talked the talk, now let's see if they can walk the walk. The GOP majority couldn't clean things up with a GOP President. Lets see if a DEM controlled Congress will straighten up their act with a DEM President.
If President Obama is going to get the job done, then he will need to keep Congress under control. Expect to read about some late night meetings between the Executive and Legislative branches if it becomes apparent that Reid and Pelosi need a dressing down. Mr. Obama chose Biden for more than his "foreign policy experience", and he chose Mr. Emanuel for more than his "knowledge of the hill".
Would you rather have Tom DeLay, and Mitch McConnel? I don't see anything wrong with Nancy Pelosa, or Harry Reid, or even a veto proof Congress. Maybe we could get back to doing the business of the people instead of gridlock, and partisan bickerings from the Republicans. Just name me one thing that the Republicans have done for all Americans, where big business wasn't their first priority. Here we are not even in the White House yet, and some people are expecting to see progress. The progress will come once Obama in in, and they you will see a true Democratic government at work for you, and for all other Americans.
Jack,
Nope, the Congress needs new leadership that will complement President-Elect Obama's political ideology of reaching across party lines to work together to slove the country's mess inherented from President Bush...
C.I., New York
Despite Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid’s past history, I believe they are the right leaders put in place by President-elect Barack Obama.
Simple reason is that Obama is dictating a new direction for the Democratic party moving forward, while also feeding the Republicans with goodwill by hiring a select few into his cabinet and administration. I believe this will essentially change the way the American government is run because of this new united feeling put forth.
I do not feel we can accurately judge the leadership in new Congress until we see it executed. However, I would surely bet that we will see a better outcome for the next 4-years rather than what we saw in the past 8-years under President George W. Bush.
Jack: I don't think so. It seems that we might now, finally, have an opportunity to back away from the ultra-partisan, zero-sum politics game we have been suffering under since its introduction by Gingrich and its spread under the Clintons and Rove. Confrontation and "gotcha" politics have replaced consideration and compromise, to the misfortune of the country. As a Connecticut Democrat I have little use for Joe Liberman's recent antics, but I wonder whom a severe retribution by the party would serve. While I guess I understand the need for some "party discipline" I wonder if harsh chastisement by Reid et al. will only further poison the body politic. I don't believe party politics or discipline should come before Congress' task of legislating for the good of the nation and that requires tolerating, listening to, and considering diverse points of view. Reid and Pelosi are veterans of the polarized past; its time to look for new leaders for a hopefully different future.
Nancy Pelosi single-handedly took impeachment off the table for George W. Bush. Can't fault her for being indecisive. Maybe a little overbearing. As for Harry Reid, well he's just there. It's one of those things you know, but it just doesn't make much difference.
We must think about what the short and long term goals are for the mess created by Bush. Reid and Pelosi must work with congress to stop the bickering and partisanship and move this nation in the right direction.
There are many good capable people who have been put in Washington, to do the right job....they just have to prove it.
Only time will tell.
No, I don't believe so. Maybe Obama should call on the Democratic and Republican parties to come up with some new leadership to start his term on level ground instead of playing with the hand he inherited.
I think both the Senate and House would be better off if those positioned rotated thru the membership.
I don't think either has been effective – but I put at least 1/2 that blame at Bush's feet.
No way Jack. They have failed to accomplish anything in the last 2 years except cause the deficit to explode. Both are unreservedly partisan to the core as well. If Obama is serious about being bipartisan, he needs to get new leadership in the Congress
reflecting that attitude.
Pelosi and Reid have done exactly "nothing" for the last two years, so I hope our new President doesn't expect a lot of help from two congressional leaders who are obviously only interested in drawing a paycheck.......with health benefits, of course.
Jack... the plain and simple answer to your question is NO! President Obama (doesn't the sound wonderful) had enough on his plate without trying to keep and eye on the leaders of congress... I like the idea of change...
The House Speaker is next in line for the presidency if the president and V.P. are both incapacitated. Nancy Pelosi doesn't have the right temperament for the oval office.
They are not the right leaders, Jack, as they have proven for 2 years; however Washington moves slowly, so Barack's team should give them a chance to demonstrate that they can be indeed bipartisan and work hard enough to turn their inaction around, or they should be replaced by more articulate senators like Hillary Clinton and others.
I can guarantee you they will do a miserable job. If they don't, news commentary shows will go out of business. Ralph, Yakima, Wa.
I don't think electric shock treatment could change these two partisan
old timers. Sometimes you just can't teach an old dog new tricks.
If Obama can't control them with a very short leash, he should then keep them penned up. Pelosi and Reid running loose will be dangerous and bite us in the end.
I hope Obama can control the pack in Washington and deliver the change we desperately need.
They are both smart people but were stupid to think they could do anything with a marginal majority and a President that hasn't a bipartisan bone in his body. The only way to get anything past George Bush is to jam it down his throat and they didn't have the votes to do anything. Can you say GrIDLOCK? Now, with a President with some idea of how to repair the damage of the republican fiasco, and a reasonable majority to carry it off they should have a better track record the next four years.
Jack: This is a new Presidency, I do think the president of the party will set the tone. Obama, comes into office with a mandate from the people who elected him. His compaign was on a platform of working across the aisle and and one of inclusion. I don't think the leadership will be at odds with him. Reid and Pelosi have been working with a President from the opposite party. Now they are working with a Democratic President and a Congress with a Majority in the House and almost a fillibuster proof Senate. I think he will get mostly everything he is asking for and that he will move the country in the right direction. Reid and Pelosi will fall in place.
Hopefully the Reps and some Dems will work for the betterment of the country and get over their childlishness of fighting everything Obama wants to do just because he"s a Dem , and we're Reps. Pelosi and Reid should be replaced. They are weak leaders. And appear to have no backbone . wishy-washy I doubt they could get children to follow , or listen to anything they say.. A good leader presents confidence & competence.
can someone call Obama and ask if we can't get a couple younger people, i hope they do alright, but maybe they would like a 6 month vacation some where nice while we have try outs for other people. you know like they due at spring training for baseball players.
No. Name something they did during the past two years that helped the country.......Exactly.
If they were the right people for the job then they would have been getting things done the past two years. The true measure of a leader doesn't come when times are good, but when times are bad. They failed.
It's that line from the Who "meet the new boss, same as the old boss". I've been a Republican most of my life and about 2 years ago decided the Democrats couldn't make it any worse, and might improve things. Until of course, Pelosi and Reid decided earmarks were a good thing. I see an era coming of real change – where I pay more taxes because I've been a successful businessman.
Give them time..It's only been 2 years and the Republicans still blocked a lot of bills, but now that will change and Obama won't be someone they can run over either...
It was very interesting to see the stock market take a nose dive the minute Obama took the podium It was just about to go to 9000 pts. at 2:50pm ET and at 2:57pm it went down to under 8825 pts. I think he should not have said he will wait til he gets to the White House. If this is the case I think he should not have made the speech till after 4pm ET, so some of could still have hope today.
Jack,
I used to be a Democrat. Recently I changed my affiliation and registered as an Independent. I feel the Democrats have failed to do their job. They did not look at the spending on the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan. They did not investigate the gross mismanagement by FEMA after the hurricanes on the Gulf Coast. The biggest mistake of all “Impeachment is off the table”. The economy is in terrible trouble and they do not seem to be making sure the money is spent in the correct places to help the real people in this crisis.
Is there anyone looking out for the lower and middle income citizens of this country?
Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi do not seem to care about us common folks and what happens to our tax dollars.
NO they have accomplished nothing but spew hot air. They are divisive and ineffective. Let them do "busy work" and get people in there who know how to work and accomplish some of president elect Obama's goals.
They are if they can reach out to the Republicans , solving problems and moving the country forward. Their must be cooperation and action must move much more quickly than previously.
Jack, no. Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid are the Democratic versions of Dick Cheney and Karl Rove.
Neither Reid or Pelosi have delivered on promises made and instead seemed to stand behind Bush. They need to be replaced pronto!
Having voted Democrat in this past election and the two prior to it, I am relieved that Obama was victorious and hopeful for a wise and attentive "New Congress" that will have the welfare of all American's as their goal. I do believe it will come to pass with Obama as our leader. However, Pelosi and Reid were the "New Congress" already and have failed at the leadership they promised two years ago. So, I do not think they can be considered as part of this new "change" in leadership positions. They've had their chance to prove themselves and did not. They must be part of the "Change," promised by Obama and the Democrat Party, by passing on their leadership roles to others.
Thom
Negaunee, MI
These two are have made no real impact since taking current positions.
I am especially disappointed in Pelosi. She ran her mouth like she was going to make a difference. What a dud.
No I don't! I think they both (Pelosi more than Reid) displayed too much partisan politics & buisness as usual (adding the pork to the bill) in September on the bailout bill. I would like to see someone in those position committed to working together to drive out the gridlock & actually get legislation through Congress that will help this country!!!!
It all depends on whether Pelosi and Reid are going to cooperate with Obama in getting things done in a timely manner. That means bipartisanship. The key for success is a COHESIVE TEAM who are all on the same page in what's best for the American people. No matter who leads Congress, they must be in sync with Barack when he is President.
I really don't think Pelosi and Reid are ideal leaders for Congress, however, we easily could have worse.
Reid and Pelosi are NOT the right leaders for the Senate or House. My choice for House Leader would be Dennis Kocinich, since he shows a lot more "spunk" and brains; for Senate Majority Leader, Reid is too wishy-washy in my book, you need someone who is not afraid of his shadow. If Hagle was a Democrat, he would be perfect.
Reid and Pelosi and the right for "CHANGE." President elect Obama should not fall for their agenda.
He was elected to change the direction of this country. He should carry out the agenda he talked about during the campaign.
God speed.
Harry Reid's position in the Senate is similar to the managing partner in a law firm...he handles the business aspects i.e. Joe Lieberman's situation. Nancy Pelosi, I believe is the one in the most tenuous position though she has to be relieved that Rahm Emanuel accepted the Chief of Staff position. He very possibly could have challenged her successfully for the Speaker of the House. She has not shown the leadership that she promised from the Democratic majority....and I believe will be on a short string for the next 2 years. "Obama has set the table....now they must serve the dish."
With Obama's pick of R. Emanuel I don't think we will have to wait another 2 years to find out if Reid and Pelosi are the right leaders.
Jack,
Leadership starts at the top. The job is theirs and Obama will make it work. The difference will be that Obama's signature, and not the Bush veto will set the tone for the Senate and the House to 'get er done'.
NO–we need NEW leadership in both the House and the Senate-they have shown very little if any leadership the past 2 years even though given a mandate by the American electorate in 2006. We need new young progressive leaders who will govern for the people and not the corporate and military complex special interest groups. It's time for leadership that gets results and not filibuster.
pelosi and reid just want to get things done..we may disagree with them for not prosecuting bush but this time with an obama administration, they better do right and stay strong at all times.don't give in to the gops because they wasn't helping the dems for most of the bills to pass..obama will make them tougher to fight back and start thinking about the working class voters who put them in congress or else they will voted out by the voters..
Jack,
In a word, No! I think both of them are very ineffectual. Before the Senate left for campaigning, Reid half-heartedly threw in something about extending unemployment benefits, and the Republicans said simply no. No fight–nothing. Both Reid and Pelosi could have fought to extend unemployment benefits during the Wall Street bailout, but they threw millions of unemployed Americans under the bus.
We won't forget their actions. There are lots of other more capable Dems that can do the job.
When Pelosi took impeachment "off the table" she lost all credibility. Who could have known that the daughter of Tom D'Alesandro would turn out to be such a wuss!? Harry Reid seems no better. OK. Bush vetoed everything for the past two years so we do have to take that into consideration. But it's different now. With President Obama at the helm maybe the wuss and the wimp will get something done.
I think they will do better under different circumstances.
I bought your book Jack. Congrats on being a modern PRevere. Loud and clear! This is the job of the patriots! Not to bend submissively at every bend, but to question and wonder relentlessly. Without this we slowly sink into the deceitful quicksand and abiss of national comfortableness.
They were unable to accomplish much because the Republicans would not let them. They did not have the control they needed to put through the change they desired. If the Republicans really want to do something, perhaps they can forget their God, Guns, Gays, and Bible mantras and become rational agents for decent government. It is just too hard to pull the wagon when there are some many mules trying to go the other way.
Jack,
They will do just fine. The wind is at their backs. They have more members who will help the country and our soon to be President successful. I say forget this partisanship and move this country forward. GO BARACK, NANCY AND HARRY!!!!!
NO! I understand the Congress had a hard time even getting bills passed by the Senate and then the veto threat of GWB, but let's get real, neither one were very effective in not caving to the republicans' pressure and I will never forgive Nancy Pelosi for taking impeachment off the table. She is not everyone's representative and if Bush and Cheney had been impeached, we may not be in as much of a mess as we are in right now.
At this point thats the best we can do.. The Republicans have blocked so much legislation in the past, Obama will need them to push his agenda through..
Can they get rid of Pelosi? I thought she had it for as long as she was voted in by the people of her district. I remember Tip O'
Neil. He had it for half of my life. Harry Reid's OK. He helped Obama get Nevada. Either way, I'm hopeful for the future.
By getting rid of George W. Bush and his henchmen,narrowing the number of republicans to a smaller group of extremely conservative partisans and vastly increasing the number of democrats,Pelosi and Reid ,along with President Obama,will finally able to bring the United States out of its long and disastrous nightmare.
We don't know enuf about them yet. I am concernd about them. Too rich to know how we live.
All they have to do now is craft laws that the President won't veto.
With a new president and with realistic direction, it will be a piece of cake. All they have to do is follow the plan and not act like Sarah Palin. What could be easier than that?
Not Pelosi, she seems to have her own agenda. Her smiling ear-to-ear after giving up 7mil of our money, that just burned me. Maybe Reid can be put on probation.
Jack,
No they aren't. I voted for Barack Obama and am a lifelong Democrat but these two are not the sharpest tools in the Democratic shed. We have so many brilliant, talented minds in the Democratic party for these two goobers to be the leadership in Congress. We need leadership in Congress that will be commensurate with the level of intelligence and competency that Obama and his cabinet will have. It is time for CHANGE in Congressional leadership as much as we needed it in the White House. Rahm Emanuel spearheaded the 2006 successes we had to take back the majority in the house and the senate but Reid and Pelosi have basically squandered that opportunity much like George Bush squandered world support after 9/11. Again, my answer is a resounding NO!
Pelosi disappointed me when she "took impeachment off the table."
They were the first to start this Democratic uprising, so yes, they are the right leaders.
They aren't any better or worse than other leaders and those who are complaining the loudest are the ones who lost that position. They stepped in when we were lacking the leadership we expected from the White House during a critical crisis, due to a lack of leadership and oversight. I believe that as long as Obama maintains a firm leadership role, they will be fine. As with any organization, whenever others have to step in because the boss isn't doing their job, the new boss has to let them know who is now in charge.
Absolutely, Jack! It's about time we have some strong Democratic leadership in Washington. If the Republicans never rule again, it will be too soon!
Roland
St. George, UT
Perhaps after January 20 with no Bush and his veto power to turn back everything Democratic, the congress will again be effective and Reid /Polosi will rise to the occasion.
It doesn't matter if they are the right leaders, they are the heirs to those positions. Let's hope they change their partisanship rhetoric.
No! It's time for them to step down from there leadership roles. Apparently, they don't know the meaning of the word.
Bob
I can't tell..I'll give them a chance under a new President and answer this question later....we gave Bush 8 years..it hasn't been that long for Reid and Pelosi.....
Jack,
The sight of the two of them standing together sends chills up my spine. I cast my vote for McCain/Palin simply because of the fact that I believe we need to keep these two knuckleheads in check. God Bless the President Elect,..but God help us as well.
Neither one of them have done anything positive for the country, in my opinion. We should definitely find a way to remove them from power.
Absolutely not ! Reid and Pelosi broke all the promises they made to the American people in 2006. In the past two years, they have done nothing to rein in a tyrannical president or his administration. Both voted to continue to fund the illegal war in Iraq, voted for the Bailout for the super-rich, and refused to even consider impeaching Bush. American voters proved, once again, that they have short memories regarding important political issues so they just re-elected most of those in Congress who are responsible for this gigantic mess.
Brownwood, Texas
I think Pelosi and Reid are the perfect people for the job. THEY HAVE COMMON SENSE and are practical people who aren't strangers to hard work. I think this is a brillant combination. The cabinet as a whole can't mess it up as nearly as much as our 43rd president!
Pelosi's ascent to the role of Speaker was historic, and she deserves at least one more Congressional term to prove herself, as her first term was bogged down by partisan politics and a president who finally found his Veto stamp. Reid, on the other hand, while an effective Senator, has always come off as a wishy-washy leader, to the point that not many would recognize him as the face of the Senate. It would behoove the Democrats to elevate someone like Chuck Schumer, Hillary Clinton, or Chris Dodd to a leadership position.
Both need to be replaced.
When Polosi took impeachment off the table I lost all respect for her & her abilty to lead.
As a lifetime Democrat, I feel these two have to go. We need change across the board. For two years they did nothing but create problems. We need leaders to reach across the aisle and get things done. These two have proven they lack in that area.
Obama needs to revamp everything. He is for "change" right?
Tanya, NJ
Jack,
I don't think so. What the Country needs now is reconciliation. We need a congress that works together and can find common ground to solve the Country's problems. Partisan politics on either side will not help. That being said, Rep. Boehner must go as well...someone needs to tell him his side lost.
Lieberman, Pelosi, and Reid all need to be shown the door. They are spineless jellyfish.
First lets give them a chance. The last 2 years they were unable to get anything passed because King George vetoed nearly everything they trieds to pass. They may have had a majority but did not have enough to override a Presidential veto Now they have an accomodating President, so lets see what happens.
I would like to see Hillary replace Reid. I think she would be more effective.
Jack
HOW will the lawsuit that is before the Supreme Court effect the outcome of the election? Justice David Souter has ordered Obama to respond to the lawsuit by December 1, 2008, and if he does not respond what happens then??
Jack,
No they aren’t. I voted for Barack Obama and am a lifelong Democrat but these two are not the sharpest tools in the Democratic shed. We have so many brilliant, talented minds in the Democratic party for these two goobers to be the leadership in Congress. We need leadership in Congress that will be commensurate with the level of intelligence and competency that Obama and his cabinet will have. It is time for CHANGE in Congressional leadership as much as we needed it in the White House. Rahm Emanuel spearheaded the 2006 successes we had to take back the majority in the house and the senate but Reid and Pelosi have basically squandered that opportunity much like George Bush squandered world support after 9/11. Again, my answer is a resounding NO!
John W. Scott
Fort Myers, FL
No, they're not.
They weren't the right leaders for the old congress either – check the record
The replacement of these two is the first change we need.
Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi shouldn't be trusted running a gas station, much less the United States Congress.
Jack, anything at this point beats a bush supporter
Two word, Jack. BUSH VETO. Bipartisanship is a two way street.
Yes, I think Pelosi should definitely return. Listen, she was stuck in the worst administration and Congress that we can remember. The issues started at the top. The very best representatives could not get much done because of this current administration. I think she will be effective given the right support in the next administration.
No!!! Need new blood
I think that Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid are the best leaders for the Democrats in the House and Senate. Having those people are great expecially with the speaker getting legislation passed.
John
Canada
No. I agree with what you said in your book. Who is she to take impeachment off the table? It's my table too.
I do believe that President Elect Obama is cerebral enough to see that she does the right thing for all of us Americans though.
C'mon Jack, I know you know better than anyone else that the Republicans blocked everything they could just so the Democrats would look unaccomplished. They were never going to allow us to enter the '08 race with serious accomplishments. You can reach across the aisle all you want but if the Republicans don't return the favor nothing will change. You are starting to sound like Lou Dobbs and I know you are smarter than that. You understand process but it probably sounds better to be black and white even though you know better.
If they earned it, then they should be.
If Obama's the Commander in Chief, then Pelosi and Ried are the Capitulators in Chief. We need to get some Democrats like Webb or Feingold who have some personal integrity to lead our party, not these weak kneed people. I'm not saying go to the base...I'm saying get people who you can be proud of
Hi Jack,
Give Obama some time to work with them, and if it doesn't work, boot them! I'd hope with a Dem at the helm, they might get their acts together.........I can only pray!
i think they deserves another chance to see what will happen
andre
Jamaica
Pelosi is good, but Reid STINKS. His insistence that they can't do anything without 60 Democrats is an excuse – it means he's not doing his job reaching across the aisle issue by issue. The House passed tons of legislation in the last two years that died in the Senate because he's unwilling to make waves.
Jack, Nancy and Harry are definitely NOT the right people to lead this congress. They own the record of the worst approval rating of congress in history and are some of the most partisan and divisive figures in recent memory. You can't teach an old dog new tricks, and I think we've seen all the tricks we need to see from these two. We know for a fact that they'll not be able to unify and progress this country.
We need some new leadership in the House. We have had the ability to have corrected a lot of the issues we are in right now, if we had had someone in there that knew that they make the laws, they pass the budgets, they determine whether the dingbat that is in the executive branch gets to do all the things he/she wants to do. NO.... It is time to clean house, these guys are worthless.
Clearly there needs to be a bipartisanship attitude in Congress. I am a Democrat and realize that great changes must be made at the top. I agree that these two must go as they will hold back a bipartisan Congressional bent.
Pelosi and Reid need to go. They are two wimps who couldn't get anything done the way the people wanted.
It matters not who is at the top of the pecking order, but rather who can work closely with the white house. It would be foolish to think that just because the democrats control both houses and the white house, that they are all going to get along. Reid, and particularily Pelosi, both have further political ambitions, and Obama has to be strong and wise in keeping their egos in check.
Absolutely. Though these two have thus far led an unsuccessful Congress, their charisma and leadership skills will be much more effective when dealing with an administration that will not veto every bill that is not in their best interests. I believe that Bush Administration was largely responsible for the ineffectiveness of Congress, and that the Obama Administration will be much more capable of accepting the advice and criticism of Congressional leaders like Sen. Reid and Speaker Pelosi.
Hi Jack,
If President Elect Obama and the now increased Democratic Congressional majority really want change and accomplishment replacing the House and Senate leadership would go a long way towards getting things done and improving the image of Congress.
Dicky Neely
Corpus Christi, Tx.
They are not the right leaders for this new era and there are many of us that want to see the support of 18 million people expressed by electing a new Senate Majority Leader, Hillary Clinton.
Jack,
While Pelosi and Reid are formidable, neither is right for leadership at a time when reason, compromise and work for the greater good is so sorely needed.
Jack,
No, they are not the right leaders. They had a two year chance to pull the plug on the war (with proper safety for withdrawal) and they didn't. It's time for a clean sweep and elect new leadership in both houses.
Reid and Pelosi are the right leaders for the job. With President-elect Obama's choice of Emmanuel for Chief of Staff, he sent a clear message to them both that he will push back when he feels it is appropriate and not be an automatic yes man, and he will be the leader of the country.
It would be appropriate for the new expanded democrat congress to ask for a new vote on its leadership and for those two to acquiesce for the good of the party. Mr. Obama and the american people might see a sea change in such a process.
Sen. Reid is the right man for the senate, despite his unpopularity outside of congress he is immensely popular in the senate and that is what you need in there because he can better organize and get members to go with the plan if they like and respect him. Speaker Pelosi I do not think is the right person for the job since she doesn't appear to be able to get everyone going to the same tune like Reid does.
Get rid of them both. Pelosi is polarizing; Reid is ineffective AND polarizing. We need leaders that have a record of bipartisan success; not liberal failure. I wish I lived in CA and NV so I could vote them both out. AND I'M A DEMOCRAT!
I don't particularly care for either Pelosi or Reid. But in all fairness what has harnessed the recent "do-nothing" congresses has been a record number of filibusters by the republicans. But you're right, they didn't reach across the aisle as much as promised... hence the filibusters.
I'm hope that they can change they got everything to be successful.
Change is the new name of the game, so no.
Adrian Iowa City, Ia
If Obama really does want to unite the people, he needs to pull these two aside and ask them to change their tune. Otherwise, they need to be left behind so they can continue on in their endless bickering with the right.
Jack - Of course they're not. She's insufferably arrogant and he's weak (BTW, I'm a diehard Democrat). But what would it take to get them removed/replaced?
Rick in Denver CO
I believe that they are exactly what we need to secure the change we need as a nation. With these democrats in the driver's seat its smooth sailin'!
One word sums it up: Change.
PS- Im a Democrat.
NO
Reid ? Verdict still out. Peloski ? No but duct tape works wonders. Does anyone understand a full sentence she ever uttered ?
Reid and Pelosi are wrong for the job. I voted for President -Elect Obama for many reason but right now we need NEW leadership in Congress. They got nothing done when they took power 2 years ago. I think Hillary Clinton would make a great leader of the Senate.
Change has been the whole theme of this election on both sides Republican and Democrat. Well, here we are with Change, and we have a Democratic President. Now we need to change Pelosi and Reid. We should get a complete change in the government so that maybe we can move ahead and leave behind what the past years have given us. Goodbye Pelosi and Reid
I believe with President Obama, that yes, they are going to do great! Remember, they came into office on the wings of the Republicans and Bush. After years of damage...by the Bush team. There was not much to work with! I think with a new boost of democrats....we are going to see positive action!
I think that Nancy Pelosi is fit for the job of Speaker. She is flexible enough to work with a President Obama.
Harry Reid needs step down, however. He is too old school and partisan for the job of the Leader of the Senate.
The Senate needs a younger and more centrist leader who will shepherd the Senate in the direction that will allow President Obama to accomplish his goals.
As a mother of a 20 yr navel officer, who is as democaratic as his mother is I quote, "Mom, Obama will be just fine, but what can we do about 'that' woman, she is an embarressment to all of us."
Doris
Florida
No. Pelosi is divisive and obstructionist. She needs to go. Reid is the lesser of the two evils, but perhaps it is time for someone else at the helm. Congress needs to complement Obama, not be an anchor on his Presidency.
I feel the Democratic party leaders are too entrenched in their own idealogies. If Senator Obama wants change he should start with them.
NO. We need a new start in every branch of the goverment. Let change begin,
Both Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid had the ability to make major impact on this country by the Democratic control of both houses. However, neither of them were able to lead their party properly to get down to business and pass legislature for the betterment of both parties. Thus, why should we believe that either of them would be the right leader under Barak Obama? I would like to see a change in both the house and Senate. Let's see if our elected officials agree with me.
Yes, they are the right leaders for now. Since they gained their current position, they havent been able to do much due to President Bush. Now with Obama and a much stronger democratic Congress, alot more will be done and achieved. I say give them 2 years.
If you say the Pelosi/Reid leadership was part of the worst Congress in recent memory, what difference would this "new" Congress make? Good leaders should be able to work with both teams to make things happen in the interest of the country, not the party.
No, Neither of them have taken the responsibility to hold the representatives acountable for mistakes and removing them. If they cant keep their house clean, how can we expect them to step up and clean ours up?
Paul,
Fulton Missouri
No!!!! Pelosi and Reid are far too partisan. They each hold resentments towards the other party and will be worried about their own legacies. Neither are effective leaders of the party or effective politicians.
They should be replaced by Freshman congressmen so that there will be know grudges towards the other side. It's time we left the old ways of doing business behind us and started with fresh faces.
I like, admire and voted for Obama but I think Pelosi and Reid have been disastrous leaders for congress. They accomplished little, stoked partisan bickering in Washington, and seem more interested in personal power than the good of the country. I would like to have more centrist, less partisan, and more pleasant people running congress.
As much as I love the Democratic Party and everything they stand for and extremely excited about Barack Obama being elected President, Speaker Pelosi and Senator Reid are the worst persons to lead the new Congress. In my opinion, Pelosi is as partisan as they come and seems so fake each time she gets out there to speak about "coming together," and Reid is too passive for me, he needs to be understanding yet when things need to get done, he needs to make sure it does forcefully. I am glad that he seems to have taken a more serious tone with Lieberman, the scum of the Earth, and wouldn't mind seeing Benedict Joe losing his committee chairmanship.
Hello Jack-
I agree that Nancy Pelosi could have done a better job presiding over the 110th. As a Democrat, I would like to see a less polarizing figure step up to the position of Speaker such as Rep. John Larson of CT. Larson has served well as the vice chair of the Democratic Caucus and would make a more effective Speaker of the House.
Both show why we have a leadership crisis in this country at all levels of government, business, and non-profits. Leadership involves making hard decisions, going against the norm, doing what is best come what may, and being a visionary. Based on this past year, I do not see either one showing the leadership this country needs to get past all of the problems ahead for this country. In fact, you cannot solve a problems with the same behavior that caused the problems. It is time for both to go.
Pelosi, at the very least, needs to be replaced as Speaker. She has seemingly done nothing aside from picking fights with the Republicans since the moment she took over the Speakership. She is far more intent upon attacking and belittling the current administration than she is on looking towards the future and figuring out how to help the American people.
Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi are not the right people for the job. After their poor leadership, especially through this past year, both need to be replaced. I fear what they will do together with Barack Obama in the White House.
I support, and hope to see eventually, Hillary Clinton take over for Harry Reid. She has proven to, by a small margin, be the second most popular person in the Democratic Party. I feel with her in that chair, she can continue some of her dedicated work since she arrived in the Senate. With a more well-known name leading the party, I feel more, and better, things will happen.
Jack:
I have been writing to every Democrat for two years regaqrding the positions of Pelosi & Reid.
It appears that they are Republicans dressed as Democrats because they have endorsed every illegal piece of legislation Bush & Cheney passed.
These two need to go immediately,
Thanks
Paul
Miami
Pelosi and Reid are two mediocrities. I would be delighted to see them replaced. Maybe that's one of the reasons why hyper-attack-dog Emanuel was selected for chief of staff.
No, Harry Reid and Pelosi should not be in charge. I have been a tried and tested democrat since thinking about politics, and never before have I seen power used so uselessly as during this Democratic controlled Congress. They can't even manage to get bi-partisan efforts through. Yes, mistakes were made in the last 8 years, but isn't it about time we go about reversing the damages?
Get rid of both of them and everyone else. Put a complete Obama stamp on the NEW US government. Obama needs to stand up and say NO MORE OF THE SAME.
Awe.... Come on Jack. There were simply too many republicans taking direction from a highly partisan White House, to get anything done in Congress – can you say GRIDLOCK?
Let's give them a chance before we throw stones.
No Pelosi and Reid are not right for the future; they are too old school and not too ready for change–big spenders. I am unsure about the House but I think HIllary deserves to be Majority Leader for the Senate; she is moderate and can control spending and I would like to see another woman with more clout than Pelosi!
Certainly not this time around. They tried their best, of course, that is appreciative and commendable. However, this new administration theme and main goal is CHANGE, this also apply in both Chamber of US Congress.
I have been a Democrat my entire life, and these two clowns should get the boot. Pelosi and Reid are so moderate I don't know why we call them Democrats at all. America voted for change and that means new congressional leadership. I would love to see a Senate Majority Leader Hillary Clinton, at least she has an opinion. As for the House ANYONE but Pelosi will do.
Jonathan, TX
Are you kidding? Pelosi and Reid are my heros. I've been watching live on C-span many of the debates and hearings in Senate and U.S House of Rep. I see the bickering, and watched The Republican party block alternative energy legislation approx. 4 (maybe 5) times. Pelosi and Reid have tried their hardest to do the right thing...but we NEED 60 seats!
No, Pelosi and Reid need to be replaced. They are part of the Bush, do-nothing era. Where have all the leaders gone? Surely, the Obama era will bring forth "real" leaders in Congress!!
I think a change, though it would be largely symbolic, would be appropriately symbolic of Change We Can Believe In. Pelosi, in particular, has an abrasive public persona and a change of leadership in "the peoples house" could send a helpful signal that it's no longer going to be partisan business as usual.
Their legacy of hate has to end. We need leaders who are Americans first, party members second. Some good candidates: Matthew McDaniel, Sam Bennett-Williams...
I do not believe that either of the two leaders should continue – they just have not demonstrated any special leadership or collaboration skill that jumps out. Can anyone name some thing they did that helped the country in any big way ?
They will continue to play politics again and might even harm Baraca.
They should resign and have others who have the ability to collaborate should lead in this new regime.
Ben R
I think that Nancy Pelosi is fit for the job of Speaker. She is flexible enough to work with a President Obama.
Harry Reid needs step down, however. He is too old school and partisan for the job of the Leader of the Senate.
The Senate needs a younger and more centrist leader who will shepherd the Senate in the direction that will allow President Obama to accomplish his goals.
Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi are perfect for the democrats because just like all democrats they take no responsibility for their mistakes and failures, always place the blame squarely on others and feel that anyone that disagrees with them are morally inferior. They have been the majority power for two years now but instead of taking responsibility for this train wreck of a congress they continue to lay it all at the feet of the republicans.
Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid are incapable of bipartisanship. They have demonstrated this over and over again. That's really a shame because of Pres. elect Obama wants to bring this country together bipartisanship is mandatory. Obama should make one of his priorities to set Pelosi and Reid straight so everyone is one the same page.
No, they are not the right leaders for Congress. If the new message is change, those two need to go.
The slate needs to be wiped clean. The house and senate should elect their own leaders, but we need leaders who can work with Obama, and across party lines. If congress fails, it must be because the republicans failed to work for the common good, not because of past fueds.
I would like to see Hillary Clinton take Nancy Pelosi's place. Harry Reid can also be replaced. Aren't these positions up for grabs with a new congress?
Vickie in Mason, OH
No. Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Harry Reid have proven to be unpopular and ineffectual in the Congress. Time for change. It is imperative to get things on Obama's agenda accomplished beginning January 20, 2009, if not before.
Pelosi and Reid , like their politics or not, are seen by most Americans as extremely partisan. The best move Obama could make would be to ask them both of them to stand aside, so new moderate leadership could be elected. If he really wants to govern from the center, this would be a real eye opener to all and maybe even get the far right off his back for awile.
While on a recent trip to visit family in Europe, I was subjected to "Bush-bashing". My response to this was to tell people that in my opinion, Bush is not totally responsible for everything that has gone wrong. People should also look to the leaders of the "do-nothing" Congress. In my dictionary if you look under the word, idiot, you will find a picture of Nancy Pelosi. And to find Harry Reid, well, you can find that under, pompous windbag. As long as these two clowns are in charge, even Obama will be hard pressed to actually do anything for the people.
Katja
Bradenton, Florida
Welcome to the era of incompetence. Change in Washington, except for the fact that majority leaders in both houses remain the same. Oh, and those republican minority leaders are both sure to be fine as well. Until there is enough mainstream public interest in fixing what has been broken, rather than the current apathy, expect this ridiculous mockery of the system to continue.
Pelosi and Reid? The right leaders for Congress? Their hateful behavior towards Pres Bush told me all I needed to know about how they are as people and as political leaders. I would not trust either of them to do right by Pres Elect Obama, If Obama wants change he needs to get new leaders in the House and Senate...leaders that show decorum, humility, candor, integrity, and most importantly polite and civil conduct in the business of government. These two political hacks will make trouble and not triumph for Pres Obama.
I think we all need to give Pelosi and Reid a chance under the new administration.
As much as everyone would like to blame them,they are not the only ones at fault.Remember,George W Bush played a game with congress and "we the people" have suffered as a result.Now with a majority of democrats controlling the government it will be much easier to push legislation through without a power struggle.
I think they should both be replaced. As a Democrat I don't think Pelosi should be Speaker at all. Let Reid get rid of the Joe "the oppurtunist" Lieberman first. Lieberman should be booted before anyone. This guy is a waivering oppurtunist. He rides the coat tails of those who will better him.
No, No, No, It's time for a real change!!! Pelosi & Reid should step aside and let new people be elected to that position. Let's have an all new– clean house & slate to start our New Hope Years in history.
While I'm venting, Senator Stevens needs to step down, let Palin find someone else or have a run off in Alaska.
I feel ANY Senator that gets accused & found guilty for while in office Needs to step down, and let go of their " expensive Pensions" let that money go to help the people of this country
jack
the pres-elect said it all, change, change change.
that applies to all areas including the HOUSES.
jas
Pelosi and Ried have lost there directon they think they can just write a check any time,hopefully obama will get them under control
Jack –
Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi have been harnessed by a mostly right wing agenda and president. Give them a chance now that power has changed hands. Reid is a great senator. He quietly gets things done behind the scenes without grandstanding. Let him show what he can do now that he has the power to get it done.
Since it seems that it has taken this country two years to melt down, no, they do not deserve the job.
Destin, fl
No, I don't think either one should be in a leadership position, Both failed to show a bipartisan attitude when it was needed. Pelosi in particular seemed more interested in basking in the lime light than in getting things accomplished. Even though I am a democrat, I would like to see both replaced.
I would like to see a change of leadership in both houses of congress, since Pelosi and Reid have not proven themselves thus far. I think that Russ Feingold would be a wonderful choice for Senate Majority Leader,. Although he is a progressive, he has also demonstrated proven bi-partisan leadership. Since he has worked well with McCain, he seems to be an ideal choice at this time.
Jack,
people who criticize these 2 for not being able to do much in the first 2 years, dont know how it works. they tried to get a time line to get us out of iraq and Bush threatened to veto and dems couldn't get enough repubs to come to their side to pass it. Remember the 1st 100 days they got alot of their smaller things passed but dems have not had enough of a majority to get anything passed that the repubs did not want to let through. I think it's great now that they can get the peoples work done now.
A better question, –should republicans change leadership? Our country really is tired, and does not the same old thing from Washington.
As far as Ried & Pelosi, if they can't work with the new President, they should go too!
They are OK, it was a huge Republican pretense to keep claiming they controlled the Congress and should have done great things. The Congress was stalled out and the Republicans had the President's veto power, no Democrats could have accomplished much in that Congress.
Reid is against the pro choice movement, protects gun companies, and was then discovered buying gifts for his neighbors with campaign funds. I am not even sure why he considers himself a Democrat.
Nor do I think he should be the face of the Democratic senate. Pelosi makes alot of noise, promises everything, but has never really delivered. I say toss them both out.
Clearly, Nancy Pelosi has proven herself to be a hands-down negative in the history of democratic leaders, and Reid can boast the same record. We have a strong, clear voice in the White House now, one that deserves the support of cogent, effective communicators in Congress. They both must go.
Pelosi and Reid are heros, and are taking a lot of undeserved heat. They wanted to impeach Bush, but could not because they did not have Republican Party support...therefore, not enough votes to be successful.
I can live with Reid – we'll never know what he would would have done if an impeachment resolution were brought from the House before this time,
But Pelosi's refusal to give those resolutions any chance tells me not to give her a second chance with the gavel.
Latham. NY
I don't have a problem with them, nor do I blame them for the failure to deliver. They do not have a 2/3 vote to override a veto, but I am sure that they will be much more effective with Obama at the helm.
Harry Reid is ok–I'd like to see someone like Evan Bayh take over if there is a change. Someone young and willing to apply himself or herself to writing serious legislation. Nancy Pelosi is another story, maybe. Some of her actions around the bailout seemed kind of petty and partisan. I think a more pragmatic Speaker would really benefit Pres. Obama if he really wants to get a lot done early in his term.
Pelosi believes that her job description says: Raise Bush Bashing to its finest art form. Once Bush is gone, I don't think Pelosi will know what to do with herself much less how to work with Congress.
Obama and Biden had better duct tape Pelosi and Reid's mouths and let others who are more in contact with what they are trying to achieve and what this country desperately needs ( unified results) rise up to lead the congress.
PS Maybe Obama and Biden can also lock Pelosi and Reid in a room with 24/7 Reagan/Nixon and Bush speeches. This way they can be out of the way of real progress and have payback for focusing on labels while the country is drowning.
I am a moderate democrat and I question whether Nancy Pelosi or Harry Reid will be effective in Leading their respective Houses. They are both too partsian to lead effectively. I suspect that they will not step aside but I wish they would considerate it.
Bob, GA
Reid and Pelosi are not right for the congress now, tomorrow or anythime in the future. they are mean spirited and very very partisan. it takes now someone like Evan Bye of Indiana in my opinion. with regard to congress, i have no idea who is the right person there. the only way that President-elect Obama can be successful is if there is total non-partisan leadership.
Absolutely NOT! We need congressional leaders who can COMPROMISE in order to enact needed legislation. Reid and Pelosi have headed up the most ineffective congress in at least the past 20 years. They have been obnoxiously partisan and have done nothing but egg the Republicans on for nasty fights. President elect Obama needs new leaders in Congress who can truly work with the Republicans to create solutions to our country's problems.
Kimberly R., Yakima Valley, WA
They are dreadful leaders. Democrats need a clean sweep of leadership. They have had some good opportunities the past 2 years, but have been too busy posing, and acting outraged (or just whimpy ala Reid) to get much done. Hillary as Senate Majority leader may actually be able to achieve the bipartisan approach people want, and is well respected among collegues. Let's actually get something done. We need Obama to get off to a good start and to show what he is capable of, but he cannot do that with the current leadership. He needs to take charge on this as party head and make it happen.
Obama promised change....I dont want to see too many former Clinton people in his administration.
No. Pelosi is a joke. Reid is no better. The country has voted for a new tone in Washington as well as change. Pelosi and Reid need to go.
No, they are great disappointments. They were caught up in hating President Bush....not taking care of the people of the United States. They stalled the progression of legislation that could have avoided this economic crisis because they didn't want Bush to have any victories under his Presidency. They thought they could wait until there was a Democratic President....but the markets fell apart before the election. They put their hate before the people's needs. This new President needs new fresh leaders. He does not need to drag the old conflicts with him. If we are embarking on change....let us wipe the slate clean.
Reid, Pelosi, Franks, Dodd and Schumer all need to be thrown out of office, or better yet tried for treason.
This Fannie/Freddie fiasco along with the rest of our problems falls squarely on their shoulders.
Pelosi and Reid absolutely should NOT be in the same positions - as Speakers - particularly Pelosi. She lost my respect when she refused to consider impeachment of the most corrupt Administration I can recall. And,. I'm 80 years old so I have seen a lot of Administrations come and go!
No, we don't want pelosi-reid; if we really want to get anything done; if Obama wants real action...get rid of them...two of the most inactive dead beats in the houses, I don't think even Obama could light a fire under those two. ....NO, NO, they must GO!!! I
NO! How do you spell unimpressive–Pelosi & Reid. Change has come to the White House and it needs to come to our Congressional leadership.
No.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Harry Reid have proven to be unpopular and ineffectual in the Congress. Time for change. It is imperative to get things on Obama’s agenda accomplished beginning January 20, 2009, if not before.
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Yes they are the right leaders. They managed to hold the democrats together, get a democrat elected President and increase the majority. You try leading a congress with the republicans sabotaging you and a George Bush as President. If you worked under those circumstances you would look bad too. With Obama in the White House, they can only get better
No, they are the worst representation of fair and balanced leadership I have seen. They are all too quick to blame everyone else for failurews in which they have had more than a passing part. Pelosi in particular proved her true stripes when she let the House go on vacation without addressing the oild mess in August. (at least the Senate stayed into douvble overtime when it became their turn). The past 2 yeasr of their leadership has produced almost nothing constructive (read: collaborative solutions to real ALL AMERICAN problems). They will be an embarassment ot Obama.
If Obama want to reach across the aisle and get things done for the economy and for Americans in distress as he says,he should get rid of both Reid and Peloski. For the last two years, they have done nothing but bicker partisan politics. The American people do not like either nor have any expectations of help coming from them.
No, these two are not the right leaders for Congress as evidenced by the last two years. If the new message is change, they need to go.
No, I do see them capable of bold, futurist approaches to this nations formidable problems. They are too well connected to the past and our current problems. I believe their debt owed special interest will continue driver their participation in turning this country around.
JQ
I feel that both leaders have been very devisive during the past two years when our country needed leaders that would be unifying. I don't have time for any politician who is more concerned about infighting or themselves when we have so many problems in our country.
The past two years in Congress haven't been any better than the previous six years with the Republican majority. Our country's problems transcend the careers and popularity of those in Congress. As voters, we have just sent that message.
Hopefully, the Congress will listen to us. Isn't that what they are there to do?
Let's give them a free pass here. They operated under a beligerant executive branch and a unresponsive Republican side to congress. Reid did not have a filibuster proof majority in the Senate which set the pace (or lack there of) in the House. Neither of these two were working under ideal conditions and they deserve credit for working hard despite limited chance at any substantial success. If Obama/Biden feel that they can work with them, then that should be the final nod.
Why does the Leadership have to stay the same? Both Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi have failed to bring together Congress, albeit not completely their fault, and they should be removed from their positions. There are other more qualified people that can lead the new Congress and Congress should make it their priorty to reassess their choices. President-Elect Obama wants to begin anew and cleaning up, starting at the top, would be a good start!
I believe Nancy Pelosi is the right Speaker for America and will be much more successful under President Obama's administration. I am proud of her move to the center in the last two years, disagree with some of her San Fran views, and strongly defend her work in the last Congress, when everything she tried to do was either blocked by stubborn right-wingers or vetoed by the President. However Reid has got to go. I don't remember a worse Senate Leader in my liftime and as a Democrat I found his dubious actions and vicious attacks on McCain/Palin in this election were alarming. He should be replaced ASAP by Clinton or Schumer or Feinstein-or even Kerry if it stops him from being Secretary of State. I still can't realize why both parties have leaders who are so far right/left from the average party member.
If President Elect Obama is as smart as he seems he will keep them. They have kept some semblance of control over Bushes out of control policies, and spending.
I am not impressed with Nancy Pelosi's leadership. A particular point was the ill-timed scolding of republicans right before the bailout vote. That was not a time for that speech. It was a vote no one wanted to make but needed to be done. The House needed a leader to bring people together at that moment but Pelosi drove them apart. She could have easily saved that speech for after the vote.
I would like to see new faces, But I don't think Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi are going anywhere. Obama picked Rahm Emanuel to keep them in line; it will not be the republicans that he will have to worry about.
Absolutely not. If Obama is sincere about bipartisanship, the very first thing the Democratic Party needs to do is get these very divisive people out of their current leadership roles. Does anyone really think that either of them is capable of anything even approaching a truly bipartisan operation of Congress? There are many, many better choices in the Democratic Party.
Both should be replaced, they both have been a great antagonizer and caused much of the past few years gridlock. It is obvious to me and many Americans that Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House is not the Thinker of House. New Blood is needed. This coming from a true Conversative Democrat.
Edinburgh, Indiana
Jack,
Whe Pelosi said that impeachment was "off the table", I knew that she was "off the rails". She and Harry Reid are useless.
I'm a progressive democrat, and I think Pelosi should be replaced. Her refusal to pursue impeachment, and lack of leadership to bridge the gap between dems and reps left me wanting. She didn't respond to Americans who demanded that Congress fight back against the Bush Doctrine. It didn't matter whether she would've succeeded at impeachment, it should have been raised to show Bush and Republicans how serious they were. At the same time, there were Republicans who were backing away from Bush who might have helped some bills pass if they had been acknowledged as parting ways with Bush. To keep funding this war was a travesty. She's just not right for the job. Harry Reid? I'm on the fence there. At least he openly criticized Bush and his policies. But again, I think there was only so much he could do without partnering with Pelosi who I don't think was willing to make the hard decisions.
Bottom line: If it's perceived that they will in anyway prevent or hinder the stimulation of the economy then they need to be removed. Jobs and the ability to make a living are more important than party affiliation.
Give them a chance to work with a more favorable congress. The Republicans certainly practiced the politics of ignoring the Dems when the Republicans held significant power. When the Democrats held power recently, the Republicans were determined to derail at every opportunity. Let's see what happens now that there are fewer Republicans.
Jack, I believe strongly that both the leaders, should be replaced. There are far too deep wounds already inflicted thus far, in these two years. I say start fresh when OBAMA takes office. Al Franken would be a start!!
Donna Cincinnati
Pelosi and Reid may be different people under the leadership of Obama. I am hopeful that he is able to bring Congress to terms with the fact that most Americans are tired of the ugly, partisan, do-nothing behavior of both sides of the aisle and that we want responsible, adult action from our elected representatives.
As a democrat from a conservative state (South Dakota) I believe if we are going to put partisanship aside. I think the caucus should pick one of the conservative blue dog democrats to lead the party in congress, of course, I'm kind of partial to Rep. Herseth-Sandlin in the House.
I think Nancy Peiosi and Harry Reid are the worst Senate and House leadership in the history of the country. We need to dump these antagonistic pseudo leaders.
Yes, and I do like what their doing. But the only thing that I do not understand is... "Why no inpeachment" on President Bush?
No. They are political game players. Congress needs real leadership.
Absolutely not! Neither represents the tone or demeanor of president -elect Obama. Both have adopted a strident persona not appreciated by an American Public looking for the elusive UNITY of action. Are they not voted into these positions by their peers – are the other congresspersons blind to the Public's disapproval of these two.
Let Congress start showing their bend to the peoples will by electing a Majority Leader and Speaker more in tune with the spirit now alive in the Nation.
Pelosi? My God, talk about partisan and arrogant. If this is to be an administration of bipartisianship and working across the aisle to do what is best for our country, both of them should go and especially Pelosi. I was ready to be proud that a woman was third in line for the presidency, but no more. She promised an ethical House, yet she held up issues that were important and wouldn't let them come up for a vote. And after she drove the vote for the bailout through the House – even though we the people were against it and were to pay for it, – I lost all respect for her.
No - I think more moderate members of the Democratic Party will take control of the House. These Democrats will not want the brush of Pelosi and the Ultra-Liberal Lefts taint their control of Congress.
The new Democrats in the Senate will find a more forceful leader, it is not Harry Reid.
I recommend that President-elect Obama select both Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid for appropriate high-ranking positions in his administration. This will accomplish 2 valuable goals- placing competent individuals in positions of great responsibility and accountability, as well as making room at the top of the Congressional hierarchy for new leadership. [I have confidence that both Speaker Pelosi and Senate Leader Reed would not refuse such appointments and that the House and Senate will be able to select replacements who have broad-based support from Democrats, Independents, independent-minded Republicans and especially, President-Elect Obama.) Such moves will symbolize the "Change We Need" which received a popular mandate in the election.
Absolutely NOT!!! They have proven to be ineffective leaders with no backbone. It's time for them to be replaced!
I believe Pelosi and Reid are too divisive to head the Congress. They just seem to drive folks away when we need them to FINALLY work together.
They can be the right leaders with Obama as President. The main reason the congress has the lowest rating is do to having a very partisan President Bush not signing bills and putting a stop to many bills that could have helped America over the last 2 years.
If Reed and Pelosi are given instruction from Obama as to how to try to include Republicans in the discutions and bring partisanship. They can and will be the leaders we need during our very difficult economic time.
I think the two of them should be watched my making there votes posted on the net. This and all senators and congress should have there votes published so that the voters can see what they are doing ,for the people who put them in office.We need to stop listenning to them tell use what they have done ,we could see it for ourselves. Then vote them out if needed, this to would let people know what all this pork is and if it is needed in the areas they say need it. This would hold them accountable for there action. Our schools need help our children need a good educations and they learn better if they can be proud of ther schools. They seem to ask for money for everything except schools and saving our youth. They are the next generation,they are the future.
Yes, I do think they are the righ leaders. However, I hope they both learned a valubale lession from the McCain-Palin ticket. generally speaking, Americans do not respond to negative partisan politics. We just want the facts.
I am excited and filled with hope given President-Elect Obama. His biggest detriments, the detriments for his Party, and his excellent plans, are Reid & Pelosi. Send Reid to a cheap rest home in Wendover, Nevada, and hire Pelosi as his caregiver — and keep them both as far from Washington DC as possible.
Give them the first two years of President-Elect Obama's first term. If they can't perform under a Democratic president, then ship them out.
They are definitely NOT the right people to lead congress and set the direction for the country. Both parties are guilty of having Congressional Leaders to the extreme right or left. Where is the moderate ... the voice of reason??? President-Elect Obama will have enough real issues to address without having to deal with the extremes from both parties.
Jack;
They need to step down from leadership positions. Congress will only work if the old guard 60's infighters of both parties step aside. It is time for the leadership to come from moderates that have more interest in solving our long-term problems and a willingness to work with each other. I have been watching the last two elections, there are plenty of moderates to be found.
This is coming from a 62 year old man, tired of seeing the left & right politics of a few governing the many.
Jack,
Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi are the right people to lead Congress.
But how are they going to achieve bipartisanship with John Boehner and Mitch McConnell fighting everything they try to do? The Bush administration and the Republican party have tried to block everything the Dems have proposed, Bush through the veto threat and the GOP marching in lockstep. The Republicans are the reason this Congress has accomplished so little and the voters have shown who they hold responsible.
Jerry
Ohio
Pelosi and Reid are perfect if everyone wants the same old do nothing, hypocritical, do it my way attitudes experienced over the past 2 years. If the House and congress want to show they really want, and truely support change, Pelosi and Reid is the place to prove it.
Failure to change them will prove it's the same old bull as always from the Washington elite.
How could you say Yes to this, their progress this far has been nilt to none and Bush and company have yet to answer to anybody for the crimes that they have committed, I guess the cowboy will just get to walk off into the sunset, with nothing to worry about except how to spend all the money he made off of us for oil. He will walk with two legs, unlike many of our soldiers who were wounded in Bush's Lie of a war. No they are not right.
If Obama's to stay afloat, he needs to cut the anchor! Pelosi and Reid!
Hi, Jack I have followed American politic's wth much interest over the year's especially since the senate got the Democratic majority two years ago. When Reid, Pelosi got the leadership function the democrat's appeared to have gone to lunch. They have not shown leadership in these difficult time's and if there is a possibility Barack or the democrat's should replace them with competent (of which there are plenty) people to support Barrack policies at the first opportunity without the 'Sissy Approach" tthe two of them have taken the last two years.
Pelosi is not the right person, she cannot work with the republicans and seems to say things to agitate them. For example her comments before the stimulus voting which was a big part of why the first vote failed. I think its time for some real leadership. Its kind of scary to not have a checks and balance between the executive branch and the congress.
Reid hasn't been effective either. It would be great if we could replace them both.
Jake, It occurs that the REPUBLICANS have to be in on this change, and they hate the very site of them. Frankly, I am annoyed at their arrogance, and I use to like Pelosi when she was in CA.. Show BOTH of the the door!! Rather the back seats!!
Dear Jack,
I live in San Lorenzo California which is right accoss the bay from Mrs. Pelosi's district in San Francisco. As a Californian I was so excited when she did became the Speaker of the House, but over the last 2 years I have become so dissapointed in her job performance because she has done nothing what she promised to do when the Democrats
took control in Jnauary 2007. I am 47 years old and she has been the worst House Speaker in my lifetime!!!!!!
To answer your question, I would say a "BIG FAT NO!!!!".
Bryan McNulty
San Lorenzo, California
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have been the "wrong people for the job" since they took power and have proved the fact over and over again. President-elect Barrack Obama started his run for the White House from the "Left" of Bill and Hillery Clinton, and moved with alacrity to the center. History shows successful Presidents have governed from "Left of Center" or "Right of Center" and the test will be whether, or if, our new President can bring to heel the likes of Reid and Pelosi.
Pelosi proved she is in the wrong place during the 'Bailout" voting. She should go. She is way to partisan. It seems that some of your contributors think Democrats are non-partisan and Republicans are partisan. Kind of silly, don't you think?
President-elect Obama said he wanted to put partisanship aside. If Pelosi and Reid cannot work on a bipartisan basis then it is very simple. They are not the right leaders! This is not about congress it is about the American peiople.
John, MI
the simple anwser to your question is NO .Those two as you pointed out have presided over the worst congress in my 43 years they are too partizan all they care about is what will get them reelected they forget that they there to service this nation but not themself
yes I really think they will do a great job, I think they will become a part of the change that is comming to washington.
Jack, I believe that when Mr. Obama becomes president, when he says he will be "president for all the people" that means Pelosi and Reed as well. He will also be their boss ! This guy is nobody's fool . Any one who thinks that they can advance their own agenda, is in for a surprise I think !
Leiberman needs demoted. Dont give him unemployment. He could clean up dog poop at the White House or another important job.
Right or wrong they should leave for the good of the country. Their image has been tarnished and it is the perfect time to give us true hope that business as usual is no longer possible. We need new faces with new ideas and true bipartisanship. That is what this country voted for.
This congress has been hampered by an unwilling president who has refused at every oppurtunity to work with Democrats.Now that he is gone a true measure of the Democratic agenda can be asessed.
I've been a Democrat for 30 years, and NO...I don't think Pelosi should lead the Congress. She's a Democrat extremist and this country needs more moderates to get America through this crisis period. Someone who is able to work both sides of the isle. She's not it. I would say yes for Sen Reid, but apparently his concern over Lieberman is also marking him as someone who can't deal with anyone who speaks their own mind and doesn't walk the 'party' line. Sen. Lieberman should keep his chairmanship. Is the Democratic Party so worried about vindictive punishment? Apparently so. I would think that they would have more to worry about right now...like the economy...the jobless rate...energy..etc. But not only is this Congress a 'Do Nothing' Congress...they are also a Congress that doesn't believe in free speech. Leiberman has the right to support anyone he wants to and not be retaliated against. Isn't that why this is America?
Jack, Pelosi and Reed have accomplished what they have been allowed to do, remember that it takes a majority of more than just 2 or 3 to get something pass. Let's see what happen now?
cb
I think they should be replaced. Congress should have "term limits " placed on them, similar to the President. Our government needs to be refreshed and this would be a good tool to enable that to happen on a consistent basis.
America has long seen itself as the defender of democracy and has involved itself in many such struggles worldwide. They say however that in order to help or heal others you must first heal yourself. Tuesday night America took a big step in healing itself. Let's see where it leads.
I am excited and filled with hope now that we have President-Elect Obama. However, Reid and Pelosi will be depressing detriments to his each of our new President's plans for change. If Reid and Pelosi love their country, both should step down immediately.
The reason that the democrats in congress were not able to change much is that the Republicans in the Senate were more willing to obstruct than to work through differences. In 2007 alone, the Senate Republicans broke a record with 72 filibusters. Republicans always accuse Democrats of 'not reaching across the isle' when they themselves turned the entire 110th congress into a dead weight. They should have lost more seats!
Reid and Pelosi are disgrace. As a descendant of the generation that fought the American Revolution, I can tell you that they are a major part of our country's problems. They can not and will not provide accountability and have ignored their responsibilities to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States.
If they follow the same old partisanship, let lobbyists and pacs run the show, and continue to lack self-discipline then they are the wrong leaders.
M. Scott Peck the psychiatrist/author defined self-discipline as 4 criteria:
1. delaying gratification
2. accepting responsibility for self
3. telling the truth at all cost and being dedicated to reality
4.bracketing ego needs for the sake of spiritual growth
If they finally learn self discipline as all humans must, then yes let's keep them. Besides who in Washington has self-discipline by this definition?
NO! Pelosi and Reid's refusing to permit impeachment hearings to be held makes them unfit. We are a country of laws. We need to know for a fact, if Bush, Cheney or any other person in this incompetent administration broke any laws. Pelosi and Reid's failure to allow hearings will haunt our country forever!
Of course they are the right leaders, if of course the original objective still stands, To put themselves above the people that voted for them and to take this country in a direction that can only be further described as a circling the toilet. They are the problem the have driven a partisain wedge so far between this country that we will never recover no matter how hard President Obama tries!
His first matter of business should be to relieve them of their higher responsibilty!
The congress approval rating justifies this by itself!
I don't think that it's fair to judge Pelosi and Reid on the lack of accomplishment of this last congress. They were not able to get much done because there was not yet a workable majority especally in the senate. And president Bush often got in the way. Now if under president Obama they still get nothing done, I'd be the first in line suggesting to kick the bums out. But at the end of the day, their time is in this next congress. Let's wait and see.
jack these two should be on that movers truck out of town with bush/chenney.despite the record 92 filibusters they've endured from the obstructionist repbs, they've loss the perception war with the public. the weakness of the dems to fight in the arena of public relations is pathetic.
ALFO,
CHICAGO,IL.
No, neither are good leaders, I have emailed them both and suggest they step down and allow some younger, more intelligent member be leaders. We must have politics step aside during this time in crisis. Ralph Addison, Tucson, AZ
I think that Nancy and Harry are the best leaders. They could not get anything accomplished for the last 2 years because we had stubborn, ignorant republicans in the mix. Lame duck Bush was the chief ignorant one in charge. Now that we have a democrat in the white house and a bigger democratic majority in the senate, they would be able to accomplish alot.
These two poeple are some of the most partisan influenced members of congress. If Obama really wants to appear as the bipartisan and as "the Unifier" then he would do well if these two were replaced.
Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid have lead the worst Congress in the history of the United States. Even with the democratic majority behind them, neither one accomplished anything of substance. They have proven to be incredibly partisan, untrustworthy, stubborn, and ineffective since day one. It is time for some new blood to take their spots. They should be replaced by responsible leaders with bipartisan attitudes, as it is the only hope to help fix our beloved country.
Jack I think they need another chance, For two years they tried to pass legislation, and at every turn they were obstructed by republicans with filibusters, and veto's from the White house. Thats why I voted democrat strait down the line. The republicans were working for what was best for themselves, and they forgot they work for us. I did not say anything to anybody except my wife, and it was just like mental telepathy across the country, almost everybody knew what needed to be done at this last election and I say Bravo to everyone who voted Jerry Iowa
While Pelosi and Reid both pledged to be bi-partisan there was no way they could Bush to do so. As long as the White House was a polarizing force there was going to be gridlock in the Congress. I think with the majority in the Senate being under sixty and with the blue dog Democrats in the House there will be a better sense of bi-partisanship coming.
It would be very interesting if we could get new leadership in both houses of congress and on both sides of the ailse. Congress is stagnated. We need new people and new ideas. sometimes we needmore than just experience. Some good old common sense might not hurt anything.
Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi should make room for leaders that have the same kind of temperament as our new president elect, Barack Obama. They have not shown the leadership or temperament to rally behind them a bi-partisan Senate or Congress.
Pres. Elect has pledged to be the president of all. That means he will lead the country from a more moderate position. Given the strong left leaning philosophy's of Pelosi and Reid, the complection of the congressional leadership needs to be changed. The country has spoken clearly their preference for moderation. The congress needs to listen.
Jack:
No. It's time for a clean sweep. Both have shown a complete lack of leadership in doing what is best for the country rather than what is best for their party. We must have new blood, new ideas, and new hope for bi-partisan cooperation.
I am excited and filled with hope now that we have President-Elect Obama. However, Reid and Pelosi will be depressing detriments to each of our new President’s plans for change. If Reid and Pelosi love their country, both should step down immediately
Let give them a fair chance, like we gave the republicans for six years. At least the dems care more about the middle class and minorities than the republicans do! They need to get rid of Liberman- I know that much..he is the weakest link!
I think Hillary Clinton should be Majority leader in the Senate. She's definitely more tough than Harry Reid, and she'd do more to get things passed, re: health care, jobs and the environment...
Shiva,
Dearborn Heights, MI
This congress has been completely hampered by an unwilling president who simply would not work with Democrats and we've seen the disatrous results of that stubborness.Now that Obama is in we should be able to get a true assessment of what this congress can do.
If they are to return and be successful, they need to follow Obama's lead and put aside partisanship. Let Lieberman kept his chairmanship, and maybe even let some experienced republicans chair some committees. That would certainly shake things up a little bit...
Mark
North Carolina
Sadly, the answer is NO! They have proven themselves to be completely ineffective in the last two years. Obama deserves better and they should step aside . . . but they won't because "egos" still rule the day in Washington.
Not quite sure. If President Obama plans to unite the country and the Congress, Pelosi and Reid's divisive politics won't help. No one can tell me that Pelosi's speech before the first bail out defeat was not the catalyst for the defeat. They ended up having to eat $150B worth of crow in order to get it to pass. Wasteful spending!
Crestview, FL
Democrat
They were ineffective for 6 years in opposition and ineffective for the past 2 years in the majority. Their bad handling of the fiscal bail out last month should have been the end of the road. I'd like to see Hillary in charge of the Senate, and Henry Waxman or Frank Palone in the House.
As a Democrat,I am very worried about the leadership of Pelosi and Reid. We need people who can be in power and still work with Republicans. I'm concerned that Pelosi and Reid are more concerned with flexing their muscles and governing with a "my way or the highway" attitude.
Jack, Pres. Elect Obama swept this election because of the swift and dramatic collapse of the economy. Leaders Reid and Pelosi have performed well, but most Americans did not care until our country crashed. So Yes, the team of Reid, Pelosi, and Obama will be amazing.
Pelosi and Reid are setting the stage for the Democrats to lose the next presidential election. Never too late to lose.
Denis
Upper Saint Clair, Pa.
Absolutly not. Even though they are democrats (and a great disservice to the party) their actions proved to be an extention of the Bush administration, full of lies, deceit and false promises. They should change parties. Mike Gilmer, Texas
I think that the Speaker and Sen. Reid should stay the course but be more receptive to the Republican leaders across the isle. I think they will be more willing to use more moderate solutions to the issues now that a Democrat will soon take the White House. Yes they are very liberal but they had to take that platform because of the Bush White House and their agenda. I think you will see the Speaker and the Majority Leader reach across the isle with a new spirit of bi-partisanship now that they will have support in the Obama White House.
My sense is if Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid were interested in working across the aisle they would have done so before the current Congress became the worst in history. They need to go.
Yes of course, or you rather have Bill Frist and Dennis Hastert like we did the past 6 years before the Democrats took over in 2006?
Salt Lake City, Utah
Just look at that these tow clowns have done for the past 2 years. nothing! The market is in the tank, people are losing there jobs, and businesses are closing! Nice job!!! Put a tent over them!!
Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid got a bad rap because they could not get things done with Bush in the White House. They will be able carry out legislation that is right for the country with Obama at the helm.
Out with Pelosi and Reid. They are devisive personalities, at a time when we need souls who can pull people together to make the changes our country desperately needs!
Wow, it was very refreshing to listen to the emails that were read onair in response to this question. It's not too often I feel as though my opinion is in the majority here.
We need new leadership in the congress. Pelosi and Reed are ineffective, overly partisan, and completely devoid of any statesman like qualities. Pelosi makes me embarrassed to be a woman almost as much Palin.
Jack maybe if we remind them of which citizens and country they are representing. Yes lets focus on United States people not United lobby for United Monopolies of the World of Globilzation.
If the new President wants changes, he needs to get leaders to help. Pelosi and Reid are proven weak leaders. America needs better.
They both need to be replace.
I'm part of that 9% who loves the way a little woman like Nancy Pelosi strikes fear in the hearts of republicans and democrats alike. Bush and Cheney hate her and made if very difficult for her to get anything done. I think she is a credit to the party and does a wonderful job. It's ironic how everyone thinks Rahm Emanuel is so great because he's tough, but think the same trait is unbecoming in a woman; especially when she's even tougher!
The GOP needs to realize that the United States population is made up of more than rich W.A.S.P.'s and hillbilly plumbers. Once the light bulb goes off, they should begin immediately to try and be more inclusive. They will have enough time to get it right....... "til circa 2016.
Arnetta, IL.
Think they could be under Obama Yes. Rite now they are a bit weak.
I think they should be changed out as well. I don't care for either one of em. Both are all talk and no action.
They are if they can reach out to the Republicans , solving problems and moving the country forward. There must be cooperation and action must move much more quickly than previously.
Pelosi and Reid should be replaced. They are awful!