House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was in a determinedly good mood when she sat down to lunch with reporters yesterday. . . . But her spirits soured instantly when somebody asked about the anger of the Democratic “base” over her failure to end the war in Iraq.
“Look,” she said, the chicken breast on her plate untouched. “I had, for five months, people sitting outside my home, going into my garden in San Francisco, angering neighbors, hanging their clothes from trees, building all kinds of things — Buddhas? I don’t know what they were — couches, sofas, chairs, permanent living facilities on my front sidewalk.” Unsmilingly, she continued: “If they were poor and they were sleeping on my sidewalk, they would be arrested for loitering, but because they have ‘Impeach Bush’ across their chest, it’s the First Amendment.”
Though opposed to the war herself, Pelosi has for months been a target of an antiwar movement that believes she hasn’t done enough. Cindy Sheehan has announced a symbolic challenge to Pelosi in California’s 8th Congressional District. And the speaker is seething.
“We have to make responsible decisions in the Congress that are not driven by the dissatisfaction of anybody who wants the war to end tomorrow,” Pelosi told the gathering at the Sofitel, arranged by the Christian Science Monitor. Though crediting activists for their “passion,” Pelosi called it “a waste of time” for them to target Democrats. “They are advocates,” she said. “We are leaders.”
She hates us. She really hates us. But by all means, let’s coddle the Dem leaders in Congress. I’m sure she’ll lead us somewhere. Suuuure she will.
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People who are against war, against killing, who want to *deal* with what’s going on ARE like the *scummy poor*! They are MUCH MORE of a problem than the war itself, than the crimes the Republicans are committing because, let’s face it, those aren’t really crimes since they don’t hurt anyone much.
And Nancy has a point, a very strong point, when she reminds us of how much she is LEADING.
She’s doing it all! Good job, Nancy!
I do think this outburst by Madam Speaker explains a lot about her failure to listen to voters and heed the polls.
My opinion of Ms. Pelosi just went deeper into the crapper and I didn’t think that was possible.
She’s not leading anyone; she’s following George W. Bush.
Maybe we should be howling to impeach Pelosi instead. This is very sad.
The alledged “opposition party” refuses to “oppose”.
Disappoint me – yes.
Surprise me – no.
You could see the anger in her eyes when Wolfie asked her the question about us the other day. In the video you posted here.
I never read that as anger towards Wolfie. I read it from the start as anger towards us.
Poor woman. I feel sorry for her.
Or perhaps I fib, just a little.
has a different plan
living in the so-called liberal bastion of Palo Alto. The liberal city council of one of the communities (either Palo Alto or Menlo Park – I can’t recall which) voted to outlaw sitting on sidewalks. Of course, you and I don’t sit on sidewalks. But homeless people do. Affluent liberalism at its best.
…are you going to drop me a line about tonight/tomorrow?
Pelosi called it “a waste of time” for them to target Democrats. “They are advocates,” she said. “We are leaders.”
Arrogance. She’s having trouble hiding it now.
Pelosi just sent four messages.
1) She has absolutely no intention of listening to the American people and ending the Iraq Occupation, and never did.
2) The whole campaign in 2006 running on ending it was deception and lies.
3) War opposition is getting to her. She’s getting nervous and afraid that activists are having an effect, and jeopardizing next year for Democrats.
4) She’s begging for people to ease up and give her a pass.
Excuse me? Called on who to heed the will of the American people?
Understand This, Nancy:
Pelosi needs to take Iraq War Funding off the table. Just like she did with Impeachment and an Iraq War Surtax. (hat tip to Bob Fertik)
Just like she just did with her own political future…