UPDATED: Pelosi: Talk of primary being rigged for Clinton 'almost a waste of time'

[DonViejo]

Source: The Hill


BY BRETT SAMUELS - 11/05/17 09:39 AM EST

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Sunday said recent claims by former interim Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Donna Brazile that the partys presidential primary was rigged for Hillary Clinton are almost a waste of time.

I havent read (Braziles) book. I have great respect for her and Hillary Clinton, Pelosi told CNNs Jake Tapper on "State of the Union."

But, not knowing the facts of what it is, I would hope theres another side to the story. But thats neither here nor there. Its almost a waste of time, except for people to put their view of it on the record.

-snip-

Pelosi said on Sunday she doesnt get involved in recruiting candidates for presidential elections, instead focusing her efforts on getting Democrats elected to the House of Representatives. She hopes the DNC will work on getting party members up and down the ballot elected, she said.

Read more: http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/358829-pelosi-talk-of-primary-being-rigged-for-clinton-almost-a-waste-of-time

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Pelosi calls GOP tax plan 'a moment of truth for America'

BY BRETT SAMUELS - 11/05/17 09:30 AM EST

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi on Sunday called the upcoming vote on Republicans' proposed tax overhaul bill a moment of truth for America, saying the plan could explode the national debt while hurting the middle class.

What they do is its a sleight of hand, its a shell game, its a Ponzi scheme, the California Democrat told CNNs Jake Tapper on CNN's "State of the Union."

They spread out this banquet for the wealthiest Americans, for corporate America, and they throw a few crumbs to the middle class and then they take them away.

House Republicans last Thursday unveiled their tax code rewrite bill to much fanfare. The bill, which includes more than 400 pages, cuts rates and eliminates tax breaks on both the individual and corporate sides of the code. It has faced initial criticism for repealing the state and local tax deduction and eliminating a tax credit for adoptive parents.

more
http://thehill.com/policy/finance/358825-pelosi-calls-gop-tax-plan-a-moment-of-truth-for-america

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Pelosi: Impeaching Trump 'not some place I think we should go'

BY BRETT SAMUELS - 11/05/17 09:51 AM EST

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Claif.) on Sunday said impeaching President Trump would not be a priority for Democrats if they win control of the House in the midterm elections, despite calls from some of the party's members and voters to do so.

“It’s not some place I think we should go,” Pelosi told CNN’s Jake Tapper on "State of the Union." “Our election is about meeting the needs of the American people, stopping this tax bill right now, which is an insult to the intelligence of the American people and an assault on their financial security. That’s what we should be talking about.”

Pelosi’s comments come a few days after Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) said a group of Democrats plan to file articles of impeachment against Trump before Thanksgiving.

“I believe that whatever we do, we have responsibility first and foremost to unify the nation,” Pelosi said on Sunday. “Second of all, you can’t go down any path without the facts and the law. If that’s there, perhaps it will come out in these investigations.”

more
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/358832-pelosi-impeaching-trump-not-some-place-i-think-we-should-go

[leftofcool]

1. I dare say Nancy doesn't have time for crap like this

She does indeed work diligently behind the scenes to get Dems elected to the House. Most of what you hear about Nancy these days is "progressives" asking her to step aside for something she said, they didn't like. They have no idea what she really does and if just half of our Democratic House members worked as hard as she does, she would still be in control.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

2. She duz work diligently, Ill give you that. Can we agree, however, that the RESULTS are disappointin

... to say the LEAST?!

[comradebillyboy]

3. What democratic office holder has accomplished more?

You can't blame Pelosi and Clinton for Obama's lack of interest in party building and his lack of support for the DNC after 2012. Obama was leader of the Democratic Party from 2008 to Trump's inauguration. But nooooo, let's kick the people who weren't in charge during the 2010, 2012 and 2014 elections.

[George II]

4. What Pelosi results are "disappointing to say the least"?

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

6. Pelosi deserves some credit, no doubt, especially for shepherding Obamacare through Congress.

I was referring to getting a Democratic majority back in the House. Sorry, but yes, I'm VERY disappointed with the results in that department. If you're happy with the current state of affairs, you're certainly entitled to your opinion... I just happen to disagree.

Does that mean Pelosi can't still turn things around in 2018? Not saying that, but, it's certainly worth debating alternative options. That's simply smart politics.

[George II]

9. The Speaker or Minority Leader of the House has little effect on house elections...

...around the country. Remember, all representatives run for re-election at the same time, including Pelosi. And when she's running in her district, she's running for re-election for her seat as a representative, not for potential Speaker or Minority Leader.

I don't know what people expect Pelosi to do in House elections in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Ohio, etc.

[emulatorloo]

13. It is not her job to get majority in the house. That's the DCCC's

Her job is to hold the Democratic caucus together to either pass legislation or at this time vote as a block against TrumpCo.

[leftofcool]

5. Name the "disappointing results"

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

7. I did above... AND I'm certainly willing to give Pelosi another shot this

given her wealth of experience and the 2018 elections being only a year away.

But, can we at least agree that if we don't make significant gains in the House in the 2018 mid-terms, it may be time to, at least, CONSIDER alternatives? I'll wait to those results are in, but, sorry, my patience is wearing just a lil bit thin. That's just how I feel (hope that's okay).

I JUST WANT TO FUCKIN' WIN!!!! (Assume we all want the same thing.)

[emulatorloo]

14. Except you are totally wrong.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

15. Wouldn't be the first time... in this case, I would LOVE to be wrong.

Sure hope Pelosi proves it a year from now... I'll be the FIRST in line to give her accolades for improving our numbers in the House... indeed, if we get the majority, she can be Speaker for LIFE!! Would be awesome!!

[emulatorloo]

16. ...

[ehrnst]

20. You do know that's the job of the DCCC, not the Minority Leader, right?

However, she has way, way, over achieved in Fundraising to help the DCCC do the job you are describing.

Most of Pelosi’s $25.9 million haul was directed toward the coffers of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which will be leading the party’s quest to take back the House in 2018. Pelosi has sent the group $24.7 million this year as opposed to $14 million she raised for the DCCC in the same period two years ago, in the last congressional “off year.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/07/31/nancy-pelosis-fundraising-breaks-25-million-for-2017/

Her peers keep on selecting her to be the leader. I think they have a good idea of how effective she is - way more than you or I do. And her constituents keep electing her. Whether you think she "can be speaker for life" or not isn't really relevant.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

22. NO, actually I did NOT know that... I stand corrected.

Assuming that's true - and I have no reason to doubt you on that - then, unlike many here, I'm not ashamed to admit I made a mistake.

Thanks for your helpful comments.

[ehrnst]

29. Glad that you are open to the information.

That takes some heart to admit that.

I have replied to so many who simply slam Pelosi for "her lack of performance in getting Dems into congress" with the information that it's not the job of the Minority Leader, but the DCCC to do this.

You are the first to reply that you were without that information. I think that if you are going to criticize someone for their job, you need to make sure it is their job, and if you are informed about what their job isn't, and it doesn't change your view, then you weren't really interested in learning anything that didn't validate your dislike of the person.

Thanks for working against confirmation bias.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

31. I appreciate your comments erhnst.. I'm ABSOLUTELY open to others views.

Indeed, I thought that was one of purposes of this website... the free exchange of ideas to influence fellow community members and, yes, even change minds, for the betterment of our party.

But, please, don't confuse my honest disagreement with some of the views and/or strategies of some of our party stalwarts with dislike of the person. Speaker Pelosi is absolutely a delightful, hard-working, decent politician (and person), one for whom I have great respect and admiration. That doesn't mean, however, we have to agree on EVERYTHING related to policy, strategy, etc.

In this particular case, I misunderstood the Speaker's role and my disappointment in her on that basis was clearly misplaced. My thanks to you and others for helping to straighten me out on that point... especially without injecting invective into the conversation, as is often the case when others try to "mind read" the intentions behind certain comments.

I certainly meant no harm and your apparent recognition of that is also appreciated.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

[LenaBaby61]

27. I JUST WANT TO FUCKIN' WIN!!!!

HOW are we going to win if the GOP is continuing to voter-suppress and gerrymander us? The ruskies are still interfering and meddling. While it's true that our party has problems that we have to overcome, but Dems are not going to win the Senate in 2018 let alone the presidency in 2020 if our votes don't count or if the ruskies are STILL meddling in our elections.

THAT'S what I'm more worried about, and little to NOTHING is being done about it. But then again, CAN anything be done about it since we're the minority party and STILL bickering amongst ourselves about the 2016 GE.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

30. I hear ya, but why can't we wage battle on TWO fronts??

We can't wait to mobilize the troops until the Russian-hacking is dealt with... indeed, we will prolly need the majority if we're ever to get to the bottom of it... sort of "chicken or egg," which comes first conundrum.

[ehrnst]

18. Not sure how she has disappointed. She keeps on getting chosen by her peers.

Are you familiar with the House Minority leader job description?

Doesn't appear so:

The minority leader is responsible for (1) developing the minority position, (2) negotiating with the majority party, (3) directing minority caucus activities on the chamber floor and (4) leading debate for the minority.

http://www.ncsl.org/legislators-staff/legislators/legislative-leaders/leadership-positions-roles-and-responsibilities.aspx


On top of doing so well at those things she keeps getting chosen to do by her peers, she brings in money that is sorely needed by the DCCC, headed up by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) to do his job of getting Democrats elected all over the country.

Most of Pelosi’s $25.9 million haul was directed toward the coffers of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which will be leading the party’s quest to take back the House in 2018. Pelosi has sent the group $24.7 million this year as opposed to $14 million she raised for the DCCC in the same period two years ago, in the last congressional “off year.”

Her peers keep on selecting her to be the leader. I think they have a good idea of how effective she is - way more than you or I do.

How has she "disappointed?" Not clear on that.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

21. All those things you mention are good points... you'll get no disagreement from me.

I just thought it was Pelosi's job to come up with a winning national strategy to get Democratic representatives elected across the country and take back the majority in the House.

I stand corrected. If that's Rep. Lujan's job, I just haven't seen what his strategy is... looking forward to hearing the details.

[pangaia]

12. Sounds like disparaging progressives, progressive Democrats, whathaveyou.

I feel I am quite progressive.
I am also a registered Democrat.


they

?

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

17. I said Pelosi works DILIGENTLY... no one can dispute that...

That's hardly disparaging her.

But, can one not be disappointed with the low number of Dems elected to the House, creating a huge legislative gap? Are we sposed to be HAPPY about that?!

I just wanna know what the plan is TO DO SOMETHING about it!!! And, sorry, a "better deal" is not going to cut it.

I haven't heard a clear cut strategy for the 2018 mid-terms, but it's possible I missed it.

[pangaia]

24. I was replying to leftofcool.

Unless i blew it typing with 1 finger on my tablet. ☺

I think you and i are in agreement.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

25. Oh okay, gotcha Pangaia... you're good. I'm makin' all kinds of mistakes today, sorry.

That's what happens when you drink too much on Saturday night!! haha!!

I also stupidly thought Pelosi was responsible for getting House members elected and talking back the majority in the House, which was the ONLY thing I mentioned being disappointed in... my bad. I certainly would NEVER accuse her of not being diligent... from what I can tell, she works her azz off.

Of course, there's working hard AND also working smart. If we ever hope to win back the House, obviously, Rep. Lujan, who, as head of the DCCC, and the person I've been told is responsible - NOT Speaker Pelosi - for putting together a national strategy for winning House races and getting our majority back, better do BOTH.

I'll be honest, I never heard much about the guy until now, but maybe he's been out there pushing just such a strategy and I missed it.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

23. ... further to my point above, if that's Rep. Lujan's job as head of the DCCC, then, as I stated...

in another response, I stand corrected, my apologies.

I'd still like to know what his strategy is to win back the House... I've started lookin for it, so we can discuss its merits.

[mcar]

8. She is staying focused on fighting Rs today

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

19. Yes and I agree Pelosi has done an excellent job stopping the Rethugs

legislative agenda. There can be no disputing that.

But, to get our OWN agenda through Congress, we need the numbers to put up legislation and pass it. We need to focus on that too, with a clear-cut strategy... perhaps, now that the 2018 mid-terms are a year away, we'll be hearing more about that... I sure hope so.

[StevieM]

10. If it was the truth it wouldn't be a waste of time. The problem is that it is a blatant lie. (eom)

[LeonardShelby]

11. Her leadership style is consistent

http://www.nytimes.com/cq/2006/11/08/cq_1916.html

Pelosi: Bush Impeachment `Off the Table’
By Susan Ferrechio
Published: November 8, 2006

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi promised Wednesday that when her party takes over, the new majority will not attempt to remove President Bush from office, despite earlier pledges to the contrary from others in the caucus.

“I have said it before and I will say it again: Impeachment is off the table,” Pelosi, D-Calif., said during a news conference.

Pelosi also said Democrats, despite complaining about years of unfair treatment by the majority GOP, “are not about getting even” with Republicans.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

26. This is one area I disagree with Speaker Pelosi on, but then, she's the expert on such matters...

and why they pay her the BIG bucks.

I see nothing wrong, however, with telling voters what you plan to do if and when you win back the majority. That's exactly what you do when it comes to laying out your legislative agenda, spending priorities, etc. as the minority party, with hopes of becoming the majority party.

[tonedevil]

28. Those were some of the saddest words...

When she said that it demoralized a big chunk of Democratic voters. Impeachment didn't need to be the first thing out of the gate, but there was no reason to drop it like a hot rock. President Cheney and his sock puppet George the Lessor were more than impeachment worthy.
I expect her to be Speaker again and I am happy that at this point she at least said it would depend on where investigations went. Investigations seem to be showing donald and everyone he has brought in to be downright criminal. So we have that going for us.

[keithbvadu2]

32. Donna is building up the speaking fees. Publicity and controversy. Make hay while the sun shines

Brazile is building up the speaking fees. Publicity and controversy.

Make hay while the sun shines.