Pelosi hurt the Democrats in midterms?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may wind up doing in her own party in the midterm elections.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/10/14/art.pelosi.jpg caption="Speaker of the House Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)."]
Jonathan Allen writes for Politico on how Pelosi, even more so than President Obama, could be the heaviest drag on the Democrats' hopes of holding onto the House in November.
All around the country, Republicans are using Pelosi's image on billboards, in mailers and in video clips to encourage voters not to support the Democratic candidate.
In Florida, billboards show one Democrat as a marionette with Pelosi as the puppeteer; and the National Republican Congressional committee is airing anti-Pelosi ads in dozens of districts that show how often a Democratic lawmaker has voted with Pelosi.
Midterm elections are usually seen as a referendum on the president, but Allen writes that if the Democrats lose the House, it's as likely to be a rejection of Pelosi, one of the most unpopular figures in U.S. politics today.
One expert says the strategy of demonizing Pelosi didn't work for the Republicans in the past two elections, but this time around it just might. He says the "vitriol" against Pelosi is similar to what Democrats showed against Newt Gingrich.
And Democrats are feeling the pressure. Several of them have already said they will not vote for Pelosi as speaker in the next Congress, that is if their party manages to keep control.
Other Democrats insist the GOP is pouncing on Pelosi because she has been so successful passing legislation such as health care and Wall Street reform.
Here’s my question to you: How much might House Speaker Nancy Pelosi hurt the Democrats in the midterm elections?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Frank in California writes:
I think she will significantly hurt the Democratic Party in the mid-terms. Living in the San Francisco Bay area, I know how liberal and divisive she is as a politician. The Democratic Party made a mistake by having the most liberal politician from the most left-leaning city in liberal California be their Speaker of the House. It is difficult to sell her in California, so it will be nearly impossible to sell her brand of politics in middle America.
Jacques writes:
Pelosi seems to be the face of the enemy for the Republicans this cycle the same way that Bush was the face of the enemy for the Democrats last cycle. She's an easy target, and politicians LOVE easy targets. Much easier to do the guilt-by-association thing than to, you know, debate the actual issues.
Steve in Danville, California writes:
I am a registered Democrat, but she IS the problem. She hijacked the president's guidance and policy direction which resulted in the nationwide disdain for incumbents and gave the Tea Party legs.
Sherri in Indiana writes:
How can she make it worse? Silly to blame Pelosi for what the Democrats as a group have done to this country. She didn't do it all alone. She may have led the sheep to the slaughter, but if they weren't sheep, they wouldn't have followed. The Dems could hear the people saying "no, no, no." They ignored their constituents. Time to pay the piper.
Mike writes:
Has anybody noticed that the very qualities that help somebody become speaker seem to make it impossible for somebody to BE speaker? (Think Newt.) Pelosi seems to be in the same mold.
Al in Delaware writes:
Every time I look at your questions, you've always got something derogatory to say about President Obama and the Democrats. Meanwhile you've got these bat crazy lunatics over in the Republican Tea Party saying all kinds of idiotic crap. Why don't you rag on them once in a while? Is the FOX noise channel paying you under the table?
Jack writes:
Holy moley, Jack, what an idea! If the Democrats want to scare people (in return), how about slapping John Boehner's photo on the nation's billboards? That overly-tanned blowhard is the poster boy for remembering why not to elect Republicans.
D. writes:
Nancy and Harry will put cap and trade on their own party.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
I believe that Nancy Pelosi will hurt Democratic candidates a great deal. Her comments about the American people alone will hurt her and her fellow Dems. She called us astro-turf and unamerican, she doesn't seem to care that a lot of citizens don't like her. She has accomplished alot but she has gone against the will of the people. Even her own little puppets in the House are going against her to save their seats. I think you should ask this question to a Dem incumbent in a tough race.
I am a democrat and I am not happy with Pelosi. Thie first reason is she took the impeachment of George W. Bush off the table, even though it is evident that he had committed crimes against humanity. She has been soft on Republicans in the drafting of our so-called health care reform bill until it resembled a recruitment ad for health insurance with no public option. Republicans should shut up–they've got a friend and ally in Pelosi.
How can she make it worse? Silly to blame Pelosi for what
the Democrats as a group have done to this country. She
didn't do it all alone. She may have led the sheep to the slaughter,
but if they weren't sheep, they wouldn't have followed. The Dems
could hear the people saying "no, no, no". They ignored their
constituents. Time to pay the piper.
Sherrie
Morgan County, IN
just remember nance pelosi, harry reid, and the president obama is all one package of damage to us the american taxpayers
Probably the tactics of the Republican Party, using Speaker Pelosi as their focal point in the bad mouth campaign against the Democrats will be effective and will hurt the Dems in the election.
But that really is because, sadly, many voters rely on what the campaiogn ads say, more than the truth. Many voters don't really have a clue about any of the candidates.
Personally, I think we shoudl ALL be ashamed of how our political system functions. None of the antics of the candidates can be good for the country.
The democrats should thank their lucky stars they have Nancy Pelosi. Nancy and Harry Reid took all the flack for getting Obamas health care and other reform passed. Now they are supposed to be a negative to the democrats. The Democrats are whimps and should learn something about sticking together from the republicans.
Every time I look at your questions you've always got something derogatory to say about President Obama and the Democrats. Meanwhile you've got these bat crazy lunatics over in the Republican Tea Party saying all kinds of idiotic crap. Why don't you rag on them once in a while. Is the FOX noise channel paying you under the table?
Pelosi is the Democratic Party's undoing. Time for her to go.
I don't know where you live Jack but out here in Arizona Nancy Pelosi is the butt of all jokes. She is, indeed, heavy baggage for all Arizona Democratic incumbents and my guess is when they're on the street in January "Queen Nancy" will have been instrumental in putting them there and, no doubt, the same applies nationwide.
Gary in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Has anybody noticed that the very qualities that help somebody become speaker seem to make it impossible for somebody to BE speaker? (Think Newt.) Pelosi seems to be in the same mold.
She will most likely hurt alot. I'm really not a big fan but I must say she gets smacked too much. She is a self made, vibrant, strong woman and i guess that bothers some people. A bit of sexism is going on here.
She will not help. I don't think the trinity could help the Democrats. Father, Son and Holly Ghost. Ken Krieger Cape Coral, Florida
So long Pelosi !
She is a fool. She wants to tax us to pay for illegals benefits.
I don't think so. If you like the Democratic agenda, you like Pelosi. If you don't, you don't. I don't see her hurting any Dem's chances.
I am a registred Democrat but she IS the problem. She hijacked the President's guidance and policy direction which resulted in the nation-wide distain for incumbents and gave the Tea Party legs. GW Bush talked and acted as if he had a mandate, she acted as if SHE had one too.
She and Harry Reid are going to the democrats quite a bit. The American people are tired of the excess spending. Nobody is too happy with passing a 1000 page bill in 24 hours. How can you justify this to us? I bet they still haven't read the whole bill yet. Her CIA comments were juvenile at best. She's not a leader and the democrats who elected her are going to pay for making a poor choice...
"we have to pass this bill to find out whats in it." enough said
Pelosi will not hurt the Dems, we American like to blame others while we sit at home complaining about everything that goes on in the World today. I believe the real problem is racism now more so than ever. We are a group of non-caring people. If you have money we hate everybody that's beneath you.
Doris in New York
Why do they hate her? Simple. She did something. She organized the Congress to pass legislation that addresses key national problems. Left or right, she got something done. This is, of course, directly in conflict with the Republican approach.
Pelosi makes the House about as far from bipartisan as you can get. She likes to make things personal, to gloat and to rub it in. The mere sight of her makes me cringe.
I do not feel she will have much impact if any in the mid terms. For years no one really cared about what the house speaker says or does and I do not think anything has changed. We will continue full speed ahead even if we run into an iceberg and sink.
Nancy Pelosi is no longer an asset to the Democratic party. As speaker, she is one of the most annonying Representatives. She has lost her ability to lead.
Birmingham, ALa
Absolutely she will hurt the Dems. I can't stand her attitute or demeanor and she needs to get rid of her FREE plane rides across the country every week at OUR expense. Congress is a joke and she's one of the main problems!
Pelosi embodies everything that is wrong with politics these days. She has NO idea of what it is like to work for a living. If we were living in the age of the dinosaurs she would have been food long ago. I am a registered republican, however, I do not plan to vote for ANY incumbets in this election. It's time for a new slate!!
If Democrats vote she will not be a drag on anything. We must wait a couple of weeks to see for sure. I for one still support President Obama and I remember what Bush and his gang allowed happen to our economy. Do you really think anyone should be voting them back? Tea Party, Negativism and the like–Not Me, Not ever. Here is hoping, really hoping Democrats are going to get thinking and voting Nov 2! Independents and thoughtful others might just come to their senses as well.
I think she's done enough damage.... time for someone new. We need new
blood in there.
Pelosi demanded that the Democrats vote her way or the 'highway'. I guess that she didn't figure on America disagreeing and wanting to show all of them the "highway' instead because of all of the lousy progressive legislation that Pelosi shoved down our unwilling throats.
GOPers are very good at smear campaigns, but they suck at running things.
I think she will significantly hurt the Democratic party in the mid-terms. Living in the San Francisco Bay area, I know how liberal and divisive she is as a politician. The Democratic party made their mistake by having the most liberal politician from the most left-leaning city (SF) in liberal California be their Speaker of the House. It is difficult to sell her in California, so it will be nearly impossible to sell her brand of politics in middle America.
Pelosi seems to be the face of the enemy for the Republicans this cycle the same way that Bush was the face of the enemy for the Democrats last cycle. She's an easy target, and politicians LOVE easy targets. Much easier to do the guilt-by-association thing than to ya know, debate the actual issues.
I hope alot......
None Jack, if you consider the alternatives.
Would you be happier if Christine "witchie poo" O'Donnell or the nutcase who's "wild about Harry" in Nevada took over the job?
Just what I thought your answer would be: A resounding hell no, Jack.
It's their agenda that's killing them. Stop making excuses and blaming the person. IT'S THE AGENDA!!!!
She wont hurt thr Dems at all. If anything she will show those spineless Dems that are not backing,what is is to be a strong Leader
Based on logic, it shouldn't hurt Democrats at all. the logic being that we vote for the person, not any associations. But we all know that is false because we don't vote on issues, how could we? None of the candidates ever talk about a solution, they just attack their opponents character. Having said all that she should hurt them badly based on her record.
Jack,
No Pelosi won’t hurt the democrats the only thing that can hurt them themselves.
The Republicans is putting such a fear in the American people and to know they are falling for it.
People have forgotten where they were just two years ago, but why worry the shy isn’t falling anymore so give the drunk back the keys to the car he look sober now.
Whatever hurt Pelosi causes will be offset by the numbers of Women voting, that is, Women angered by what they feel are attacks based in sexist undercurrents. Whatever one can say about Pelosi's tactics, she is strong & she's NOT supporting a political party with a sexist and racist agenda; i.e., the Republicans.
I don't think so Jack. Even democrates have a sense of humor.
Nancy Pelosi is an excellent speaker. She rules with a switch-blade and a smile. Republicans have long played the corrupt partisan hard line, so we merely reciprocate by utilizing Speaker Pelosi’s talents. Those whom do not conform are left bleeding in the gutter along with any Praetorian Republican within range….where they belong. Speaker Pelosi will go down in history as a fierce and courageous Speaker of the House. A true heroine of the American people. LONG LIVE SPEAKER PELOSI!
OK... now lets ask... ' Will the Great Orange One, John Boehner, hurt the repubs with his insensitivity towards the ordinary citizens looking for hope during this recession ?'... or will that be ignored, and will Boehner rise to save us all from banks being regulated, and then leave us in this bankrupting morass ?
Jack, I think the "let's pass the bill and then we will see what is in it" will be her legacy. That is like my wife saying "just give a blank check and I will fill it in later."
No one democrat will hurt near as
much as the actions of the democrats
as a whole irresponsible group for the
last two years.
This is overt discrimination against a qualified woman.
Pelosi will be the "poisoned pen" for the Dems. She has consistently proven that she remains so out of touch with "real" America that nothing she does can be considered surprising. This is just another cycle that we can hope does NOT repeat itself.
Is Pelosi bad for the Democrats? I dunno jack, this question is akin to asking if Anthrax is bad for your health.
I am a lifelong Democrat. I voted for Obama. I intend to vote for all the Democrats running in my home state of Connecticut. However I can't stand Pelosi. She is just plain Toxic. She is way to far to the left. And yes, I think she is hurting us in this race.
Bill in Connecticut
She is a radical with her own agenda! She rules by "Do as I say, not as I do (i.e. going on a trip to Italy on tax payer money to get a certificate of her great grandmother's birth certificate).
Past news, she already hurt them a long time ago!
Miami, Fla
Nancy who?
I don't think Pelosi will hurt the Democrats at all. President Obama has already done enough of that...
She can not hurt it any more than she already has.
Thanks to her, Reed the Demo's will probably loose their majority. I doubt the Prez being able to control them even if he wanted. They both need to go.
We can only hope.
I'm afraid when we vote Reid and Pelosi out that they are going to flip out like that Emperor in Star Wars.
Right now, Nancy Pelosi hurts a lot. She's very unpopular and she's being used as a figurehead by Republicans for the failure of the Democratic-controlled Congress. There is actually one way that she can turn this around from hurting Democrats to helping Democrats–by promising to step down from her leader position. Can you imagine how much that would take the potency out of the Republicans' message that Congress is failing? If this election is all about changing those in Congress, the first place to do that is at the leader's level.
Not enough. She is the epitome of the Democatic parties arrogance toward, misunderstanding of, and care for the majority of Americans. She should go back to San Francisco and bake Mary Jane brownies for her constituents.
Its a 3 legged stool. Obama, Reid and Polosi. Please name one thing they did not all agree on? If one falls they all fall.
Pelosi, Obama and Reid are the best thing that have ever happened to this country. These three buffoons have shown the entire world what a dictatorial and leftist USA might look like if the psycho crazies of the far left have their way.
My hat goes off to them for showing Americans exactly what the heck this wonderful country doesn't need or want and hopefully everyone will remember these times, for at least a few years so that we don't see crum packers like these again in public office.
Gingrich eventually really hurt the Republicans also.
I dont have a clue, except to understand that it is the norm for the party in power to loose seats in mid terms.....many men don t like powerful women, especially the Grumpy old Men of the REpublican party..
I predict she will not get a SINGLE Republican vote!
The only Democrats that will be hurt by Nancy Pelosi, or President Obama for that matter, are those who are running away from them. We Democratic voters supported both Obama and Pelosi as they fought for health reform (which WE wanted), Wall Street reform (which WE wanted), cap & trade (which WE wanted), etc.
The so-called Dems who shy away from standing up for the very agenda WE, their supporters, voted for, are so busy jumping at shadows that they are losing not only the independents and undecideds, but their Dem base as well. But it's not because of Pelosi or Obama – it's because these candidates need to grow a spine.
Nancy Pelosi is not the one hurting the democrats this year, it's the fact that the GOP establishment has a far better and more well-equipped Public Relations machine. If the democrats could simply demonstrate to the nation in succinct ways all the good things they have done, I feel that this election would not be so widely contested. Simply put, the democrats need to hire the same professional marketing staff that the republicans are using this year.
not as much as Harry Reid
christine may not be a witch, but nancy pelosi is forsure!
Not at all. She has worked very hard to get things passed for the good of the people. She doesn't do things to help herself, only for us.
She is 100 per cent better than Behner was. He is 100 per cent for tax cuts for the rich, to heck with helping us.
The party of NO are trying to get their puppets in and will tell them how to vote, no brains needed.
We are now going in the right direction. Vote for Pelosi and the rest of the Democrats to keep from going back to the Bush mess.
Nancy is a definite liability to the democratic party and an asset to the republicans. She is narrow-minded, refuses to listen to opposing side, has no flexibility to consider others views or opinions, and is so attached to our president, she cannot be relied upon to have a single thought of her own - what Barack wants, he gets. Has she even bothered to listen to the public. How much money must she spend flying cross country with her entourage before the taxpayers of this land put their foot down and say "NO MORE". We have thousands of people out of work, and unemployment benefits have stopped, benefits supported and paid for by our tax dollars, but Nancy can fly around the country thinking nothing of the cost to the taxpayers.
DUMP HER BEFORE WE ARE SO DEEP IN IT WE CAN'T GET OUT. Let her spend her own money on these transcontinental trips with all her staff and support staff.
I think she'll hurt the party a lot. She's an incompetent idiot and a poor politician. "Pass the bill then we'll see what's in it" really? That's how we get things done? She's only contributing to the polarization of the US, and that is not a good thing.
From day one, Pelosi should have prepared the budget eliminating every earmark. I know it is a small percentage of the budget, but the symbolism would have been enormous. The opposition would have reeled, and while they were off balance, she could have pushed the progressive agenda through. Instead, Republican amendments were accepted no matter how silly, and they knew they would vote against it anyway.
EJ Mounsey Granville, Ohio
Yes, and the dumbocrats deserve her sinking their ship for their sheep -like following her socialistic dreams. Bedfellows get the same stench.
Jack...
Nancy P will be a great asset for the Democrats when she needs help boarding up the windows in her "Speaker's Office", turn off the lights, and close the door behind her when she is "whisked" out of the office by a GOP landslide! Good riddance!
Ken from Norrh Carolina!
Pelosi and Reid have been deceptive in most all they do. They shove bills through without the openness that Obama promised. She has lied to everyone, regardless of whether you supported her or not. People are tired of this.She has no integrity, and it is obvious of all. She represents everything most people are against.
Jack-
It wouldn't matter who was Speaker of the House. I believe history will prove her leadership to be amongst the best. I't s just the old story of men can be forthright and women who are, well, let's just say they're not looked upon too kindly. And lastly, if Speaker Pelosi is considered "toxic", what in the world does one consider Sarah Palin?
Nancy Pelosi does an excellent job for her many supporters. That is exactly why the the reactionary republicans dislike her. It isn't really a question of her hurting Democrats, it is a question of whether the voters who want to go back to the 1800's outnumber the voters that want to progress into the 21 century.
Jim, Craig, CO
Pelosi may be the single most destructive force that does the Democratic Party in, but she gets a lot of help from Harry Reid and Barack Obama...
The GOP makes her out to be the cause of all our problems, but I admire her. You yourself said Obama was ready to give up on health care after Scott Brown, but she got it done. She’s gutsy and an incredible public servant, who so far it seems, can’t be bought. That’s a rare quality, and one the GOP hates with a passion. They always attack what they can’t own.
No more than Newt hurt the GOP way back when Jack .
Oh thats right they got thrown out too didn't they . Just seems the pendalum swings both ways just never seems to stop in the middle where it need to be! So yes Nancy hurts the Dems but no more than the tea baggers hurt the GOP. It is a toss up.
Holy moley, Jack, what an idea! If the Democrats want to scare people (in return), how about slapping John Boehner's photo on the nation's billboards? That overly-tanned blowhard is the poster boy for remembering why not to elect Republicans.
All the Republicans need to do is run the photos from Speaker Pelosi's misguided trip to Syria. Her willingness to surrender her dignity, as well as that of our nation, had no limits including wearing a veil.
Jim, Cranford, NJ
I have never donated money to any campaigns ever in my 74 years but Nancy Pelosi has made me donate this year to the Republican war chest.
Speaker Pelosi will tremendously hurt the Democrats. If you agree with the measures that were passed or not, the methods that she used illustrate everything that is wrong with our federal government. Buying votes for bills that are opposed by a majority of voters, using procedural technicalities to bypass other representatives right to vote. What is there to like about Speaker Pelosi. If you believe the end justifies the means then she is your kind of politician.
The democrats cannot lay their problems at Pelosi's door. She did and is doing what she was elected to do. She is an effective speaker and there is lot of jealousy from both parties.
I am a Republican who can see that this woman is doing her job and is the victim of a host of jealous men.
Scottsdale, AZ
You think Pelosi's bad now??? .....Wait 'til Boehner is in......Watch who you vote for....you just may end up being worse off than you are now...Then who are you going to blame???
Next to our lying leader who now denies his "shovel ready programs" exist she is the next reason why the Democrats will lose in 19 days . I'm shocked that she has not been asked to step down months ago for all her bumbling and stupidity.
If Obama and Pelosi could rid themselves of the pathetic, spineless, weak, cowardly, fearful, and loathsome Democrats in the house, they might be able to get something done. But these cowards roll over the minute someone raises their voice at them. I wish all of them would be voted out of office so they would realize that even when you're a cowardly dog, you're not going to engender any feelings of love from the Tea Party or Republican crowd.
After hearing her say that passing out more food stamps will stimulate the economy, I don't see any way she could help anyone win an election.
Not too much Jack – I think those on the fence including independents and tea partiers who recognize Michael Steele as a tool of the lying dying GOP machine, will also realize that Pelosi is clearly not the demon they're pretending she is.
From a family of long standing Democrats, I refuse to stand by this woman. How dare she tell us what is good for us, when she has no idea from it means to live paycheck to paycheck. Want some real progress? Then by all means vote Pelosi OUT.
She is the main reason I am apposed to the Democratic party. Main reason earmarks for her husbands company.
Strong women scare Republicans. And unfortuantely I think even some Democrats. Pelosi represents activism at it's best in our government. For better or worse, she has remained true to herself and her principles.
Jack,
I hope there is a big difference. All those Democrats who supported Pelosi should be ousted. She is an extreme detrement to the Democratic Party and would be well advised to sit in the background and keep that smirk off the face and her opinions to herself. I once voted Democratic but can't do it with her and Obama at the helm. She is safe in being elected because she lives in an extremely high Democratic District which is full of hispanics most of which are illegal and many of which work for her family. God help us if she spends another day past January 2011 as Speaker.
Brent from Idaho
pelosi hurt dems? I HOPE SO.
Although a Democrat myself, we need a Speaker who can talk to both sides of the isle and reach compromises; not just shove one partys agenda down the others throat. Tip O'Neil is turning over in his grave.
You reported on the wrong witch...
She's got the hat and the broomstick...
She's gonna be melting from the "water" vote next month...one way or the other...politically speaking...
Jack,
There's no disputing the fact she's not helping. But, republicans need to be careful what they ask for. Do conservatives really want to be in control of congress when the dollar tanks and massive inflation inevitably rears it's head? Collectively, Americans do nothing but complain and blame. People are angry now with unemployment at 10%. How 'angry' do you think the masses will be when the dollar tanks, the bond bubble bursts, and we're living in a virtual welfare state? Republicans will get the blame no doubt, and they will find it hard being elected garbage representative, much less any government office.
Speaker Pelosi will be every bit as much a hinderance to the Dems keeping control of Congress as President Obama will be...maybe even moreso. She's just not very popular with the majority of the voting public, at least not down here in Dixie from what I can tell. Not only are her politics unpopular but she just so dawgone irritating to listen too. Now that's just my opinion though...I could be wrong...but I'm probably not.
The real Nancy Pelosi won't hurt the ticket but the straw man that the skillful Republican spin machine created in her image will. The ability of the republican Party to keep all its politicos on message, whether it is factual or imagined, never ceases to amaze me. An example: No GOP politico will ever call the opposition by its name, the "Democratic Party." They will say instead the grammatically incorrect, "Democrat Party."
It is the Republicans who are hurting the Democratic Party by their accusations and the billions they can use for false advertising.
well there is only one reason for that, it is because the republicans use pelosi so many times in political ads. but even if the republicans didn't use pelosi, the dems would still be hurt because of the bad economy and the dems are the incumbents.
I don't know a single person that thinks she compenent...She has done an excellent job in distructing this country....If I could vote in California, I would, myself, be on the streets with signs to get her OUT and gone.
She is a JOKE.....
Name a more successful Speaker. No Member of the House deserves more credit for the Health Care bill than Speaker Pelosi; endless efforts, NOT to enrich a Pharm or Banker, but to protect the American people from a system that was about to bust...Just a few short years ago the we were asking if the incumbents of the 109th "do nothing" Congress should be thrown out...Thank God for the Dems – this is what progress looks like – Go Pelosi!
Jack...
She is the GOP's greatest asset...hurt the Dems? She is the symbol of what is wrong with the Democratic perspective! She is the gift that keeps on giving...we'll miss her! HA!
Ken in North Carolina
What difference does it make? When has congress done anything to benefit anyone other than themselves?
Despite having the right to vote, the Speaker usually does not participate in debate and rarely votes on the floor as such any comparison of voting records with Nancy Pelosi is a misrepresentation to the public.
Nancy may be a shrewd politician and certainly did get things done but she has not played up to the "reach over the line" which was what I heard to be the President's objective. Her November 2008 speech was very aggressive, divisive and certainly not constructive. Too bad. She should have known one never kicks somebody who is on the ground.
Hopefully, quite a bit. You could fill a book with her blunders. Two come to mind. The statement about getting the health bill passed "so we can see what's in it". And that we should move away from fossil fuels to other energy sources such as natural gas!!! She will definitely be a boon to the Repubicans in this election.
I think Nancy Pelosi is an honorable woman and one of the few people in Congress that actually stands by her principles and she deserves respect for that. With that being said, the GOP has done an excellent job of demonizing her and the Democrats proved once again that they are bad at politics by having someone who is to the left of middle America on most issues be the Speaker, giving an opening to the Republicans to use her to attack the whole party. I believe the Democrats have proven they are better at governing and have better ideas, but the Republicans have proven they are better at politics. The better politicians always win in this country, regardless of their ideas.
Well Jack-Boehner has voted with the Democratic leadership 52 percent of the time in 2010. So has Rep. Mike Pence R Ind. If she can get those two "rebels" to vote with her over half the time she must be doing some thing right. The right likes to paint here as being the devil, so what?? they vote for the devil half the time???
First things first, Jack.
Voters better make real darn sure that the Regressives don't slither their way back into control, because we are permanently screwed if they do. Then, once the Progressives maintain their foothold, they can assess whether Nancy Pelosi is the best choice for that role or not. She has not done badly, in my opinion, but that's not to say that someone else couldn't do better. But, again, first things first...
Pelosi and her sidekick Boxer are career politiicians whose egos are out of control as evidenced by Pelosi's outlandish travel expenditures and Boxer's "call me Senator" comment. I'm listening to Boxer ramble on CNN about made up numbers and Fiorini shipping jobs overseas. If the enconomic climate in California wasn't so anti-business companies wouldn't be forced to move work overseas to make a profit.
Every time I see her face or hear her speak I am repulsed by her policies and her arrogance.
Nancy Pelosi along with Harry Reid and President Obama have been really effective these past 21 monthe. PLEASE people remember that this team has only had 21 months. During Bushs era when he had a surplus within his first 21 months he took us into a war where we all now know was not a valid war. Give Pelosi, Reid Obama a chance , things are moving in the right direction, slower than even I thought, but Please we must not go back to that Bush era. I have 0ver 50 college student friends of my sons voting DEMOCRAT. REAL CHANGE TAKE TIME PEOPLE DO NOT BE TRICKED BY THESE REPUBLICANS AND TEA PARTY PEOPLE.
She's been turned into a symbol by the right. I frankly find her undeserving this honor as she seems rather silly.
The heavy lifters are often attacked in Washington Politics Jack. Obama ran on Health Care Reform & Wall Street Reform. This is a heavy lift for any politician in power. He couldn't have done without Nancy Pelosi making this heavy lift. Her and many other Democrates sacrificed their political standings to do what was right. I am actually proud of her for taking one for the team.
Please, she's is doing exactly What Obama and his buddies want her to do – does she like what she's done? Absolutely.
A day is coming soon.
Jack J
Nevada
Jack:
She was a good reason for me to give up wine no matter what the consequences will be for the Democrats.
I think she will, because every time Obama says somethng she the first one to say yes sir. If you know what I mean.
She is one hell of a woman to put up with all of those men, and get things done despite the fact that she is a woman in a man's world, I have much respect for her and would love to at least meet her before I die Good luck to ya Nancy
Nancy is fine. It's the wet noodle Dems that can't pull together to achieve the needed changes put forth by Obama. Those needed changes that the Dems have allowed the Reps to successfully block. For example, Dems allowed the Reps to postponed the positive effects of the health care reform until AFTER the Nov elections. Jobs? Wait until December/January when the owners of the large companies (Reps) will start hiring – no matter who wins in November. They clearly have been holding off hiring, a great sacrifice, as they need the workers to create the profits they think our nation was founded upon. Can't blame the Reps because that is what they believe. It is the whimpy self-serving Dems that I disrespect the most.
Nancy Pelosi is the worst thing that could happen to the Democratic party. It is no surprise at all that the Republicans are targeting her. She is like fingernails on a chalk board and if she leans any further to the left she's going to topple over. The best comparison I can make to the way Americans feel about Pelosi is the way we feel about George W. Bush. Both have dealt their respective parties serious blows. If the right and the left can't find some middle ground, perhaps they should all go home and let the vast majority (who think they both have it wrong) find some people who can work together to fix this country's problems. We will never get.out of this hole if we can't work together. The way the two parties are going at it is an embarrassment to the country.
Whar hurting the demoncrats is that they don't listen to the people they were hired to respresent. They pass ridiculous policy through bribary and graft. Pelosi is just the face of this ridiculous party. I will watch the fall of the DEMS in NOV with great happiness
Jack, I'd say she's at the helm of the Titanic. Peter in VT
Obama's downfall has been Pelosi. She has her own agenda and treats the President as just a figure head. Gingrich predicted this before Obama was elected because he knew she would hold the purse strings.
Jack, this woman is evil. They talk about O'Donnell being the witch – ha that poor woman is just lacking in knowledge, charm and charismatic instincts – but Nancy – good Lord, just catch her kitty cat smile and you will understand evil from the base level. How anyone could vote for her as speaker or otherwise beats me.
How many commercials can special interest run to direct the message Jack? Oh, that's right, according to the Supreme Court it's limitless.
Those voters hoping to bring back Republican control of Congress, along with all the single minded corporatism and greed that represents, deserve what they get should they succeed. As we now know from the leadership of Chief Justice Roberts of the Supreme Court, Federalism is alive and well in the United States of America, which is no longer a Democracy. Officially, we now have the best government that corporate money can buy! " The people" are regarded as serfs, and therefore expendable!
Obama and Pelosi as a team will cost Democrats for the next decade. Those Dems had a pitch right down the middle, and struck out. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to get back in the door!
Pelosi had her turn, vote her out.
Does she represent me in the district in which I live? Nope. Will her presence change the way I vote? Nope. I won't be voting for her, I'll be voting for the folks asking for my vote in my district. If they don't convince me THEY'RE worth my vote, they won't get it.
Only if the American people. as a whole, are dumber than a box of rocks. Anyone taken in by the GOP lies and scare tactics deserves what they get.
Speaker Pelosi is to be commended for having the fortitude to promote legislation to better the country. I'm glad she makes no apologies for the congress doing its work and its accomplishments to make life better for all Americans. We Americans have too short a memory and will get what we deserve if the Republicans gain control.
Kevin
Miami Gardens, FL
The democats are not going to believe what havoc Ried and Pelosi have brought to their party; and they will NEVER admit the error of their ways.
Jerry in GA
No one individual will hurt the Democrats, they self destruct on their own because they are gutless and show no loyalty within the democartic ranks. Most blue nose democratic are more republican in their thinking and are brought by corporate greed. Forget about our two party system, and realize your government is control by financial greed.
It's interesting in the space of two years how the comments here have changed. They used to be predominantly pro-Obama/pro-Democrat and anti-Bush/anti-Republican. Now, it's the exact opposite. If the comments are indicative of a seachange in thought within America, we're going to see some major changes come November 2.
LOVE the photo, Jack! How long does it take to find these things every day?
Another Democrat here, and I have to agree with Frank and Steve. From the outset, I was disappointed that we'd have to deal with Nancy Pelosi as a Democratic Party leader. She's the wrong face for the party, and in an administration that touts finding common ground and working together, she is a cancer.
It will be a good day when she is out of politics and drinking the juice of Obamacare she help shove down Americans throats...
OH...thats right, she's exempted with her life long benefits package provided by the sweat blood and tears of Americans paying taxes...
VOTE THEM ALL OUT IN NOVEMBER!!!!
Let her fly coach.
I think the question should be will Boehner hurt Republicans. When I listen to him and and look at him I am ready to run the other way. God forbid he should become the speaker of the house. We need to prevent that at all costs. Vote Democrat unless you want to help the wealthy.
Do you really want John Behner back again? I think the Republicans are afraid of Pelosi. She is very good at her job withour cussing and going on like the hateful old Behner. I think she is great.
Who's life is really better now?
VOTE THEM ALL OUT!!!
Jack,
When Peolsi tells her party that they will have to pass a trillion dollar health care bill WITHOUT reading it to find out what is actually in it, I would say absolutely she has hurt hr party. I voted democrat in 2006 and 2008 and it is the way this administration, along with Reid and Pelosi, has treated the voters and spent our tax dollars like a bunch of drunken sailors that will lead me to vote republican in November.
Dear Jack, While it's probably true that Nancy Pelosi will probably hurt the Democrats chances in November her drag on the party should be more than offset by the two-empty headed monster of the Republicans-O'Donnell and Palin. At least Pelosi is knowledgable of the issues facing our nation. The other two are just fodder for SNL.
Pelosi is just one of 547 people in DC that are screwing up the country
Have a great evening.
Don
Looks like the pot and the kettle is fighting it out. The people are an embaresment to the american people.
Nancy Pelosi?? – on the scale of 1-10 she's an 11!!! We as a nation are soooo fortunate she is on duty!!! It is so refreshing to have someone on the job who is actually willing AND able to do the hard work to get the job done. I'm sure most of us have forgotten that wonderful image on the day of her inauguration. She invited all the children in the House chambers to join her – the FIRST female Speaker of the House of Represe ntatives!!! What a powerful image. Children have no money. Children can't vote yet Ms Pelosi said very clearly that even these little ones matter very much! For the sake of us all but especially the children Keep Selosi on the job!
Overbearing. There has been too much of these primar donnas cramming their opinion down the American public's throat. We had enough of Gingrich and we've had enough of Pelosi. We have a Speaker that is pushing for more taxes, cap and trade, clean renewable energy while she's married to a Venture Capitalist worth millions, herself invested in the 'clean coal', and is jet setting around the globe is nothing short of hypocritical. If Pelosi and the rest of the blathering gaggle wants our hearts let them take up a shovel and dig in with the rest of us. Take Jefferson to heart vote out all of the incumbents and give this country a fresh start.
Pelosi is out of touch and thinks she knows better what's good for me then I do. A long time Republican I almost voted democratic for the first time in my like over things like Guantonimo and Dick Chaney's leading George around by the nose, but thank God i did not. Folks talk about everything that has been pushed through in the last two years and time will show how poorly they were thought out and ineffective they are.
Well, one big problem is that Pelosi has worked directly against Obama's government reform agenda. Obama asked for cooperation and bipartisanship to effect positive change (whatever that is), and Pelosi gave him exactly the opposite by deliberately excluding Republicans from the legislation drafting process.
Pelosi is getting NO votes from the Republicans, and that's that.