Breaking: House Democrats Keep Nancy Pelosi as Leader

[Hissyspit]

Source: Associated Press

House Democrats keep Nancy Pelosi as their leader
© 2010 The Associated Press

Nov. 17, 2010, 1:26PM

WASHINGTON — House Democrats have re-elected Nancy Pelosi as their leader in the next Congress.
The closed-door vote Wednesday will let the California congresswoman shift from House speaker to minority leader in January, despite concerns by some Democrats that the party needs new leadership after suffering huge midterm election losses.
Pelosi has refused to take the blame and pinned party's losses on stubbornly high unemployment.
Democrats also quelled a power struggle between lieutenants Steny Hoyer of Maryland and James Clyburn of South Carolina, who vied to be Pelosi's second-in-command. Hoyer was poised to be the Democrats' vote-counting whip, and Clyburn will serve in a newly created position as the House's No. 3 Democrat.

Read more: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/7299153.html

[Ginto]

1. What about Jim Clyburn?

I like Nancy, but to just push him aside gives me a bad feeling.

[Hissyspit]

3. See update. nt

[Ginto]

5. That new position better carry a lot of weight. nt

[DJ13]

4. Last I heard he was getting a new #3 position

[Freddie Stubbs]

9. He wasn't "pushed aside"

Clyburn is tried to use the loss of the majority to go from the #3 spot to the #2 spot in the Democratic Caucus. He didn't have the votes, so Pelosi created a position where Mr. Clyburn can save face and the CBC won't bellyache that there are no African-Americans in the leadership.

[Roma]

16. They invented a new position for him which the racist pig limpbone

characterized as "Driving Miss Nancy".

[Creative]

77. What about Heath Shuler...?

The time has come for some new ideas.

[midnight]

2. Thanks.

[xxqqqzme]

6. Go Nancy!

BTW - Democrats swept the California state-wide offices this year. The last office to be decided is Attorney General. Kamala Harris will take it.

[bananas]

36. Yay!

:applause:

[bananas]

37. Yay!

:applause:

[Mayflower1]

7. What's the definition of insanity?

I thought some fresh, new ideas and tactics would be nice.

Oh well, they didn't ask me.

[catgirl]

12. How about a speaker who has accomplished a ton?

That's what Pelosi has done. I'm glad you didn't vote on this. :-)

[heidler1]

61. I agree. Thar's exactly why the Republicans hate her.

[Dragonfli]

17. What about her leadership do you find ineffective?

I would have liked for her to do her job and impeach Bush, but she did manage to get the most liberal versions of all the bills passed even if deal making in the Senate and White House negated it. She also got several good bills passed that languished in the Senate due to that chambers policy of allowing mere threats of filibusters to stand as if they were successful actual filibusters (much harder to actually do than to just threaten).

Perhaps you were thinking of the Senate leadership or you are aware of something I am not.

I am willing to listen.

[Mayflower1]

23. I was only thinking about

the recent election results.

Just thought new leadership might be good.

[Dragonfli]

26. Perhaps, but the option was a Republican appeaser, that would be bad

for a Democratic agenda.
I am not sure it would be a good idea to change leadership just because Republicans didn't like our choice, they would never change leadership just because Democrats do not like the Boner.

[derby378]

38. I thought Pelosi WAS a Republican appeaser

I've seen too many cases where she bent over backwards for Republicans but brought the hammer down on her fellow Democrats. Remember when she chewed out Jim McDermott for omitting "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance when some House Repukes made a hissy-fit about it?

I was looking forward to a much-needed changing of the guard, but it appears we'll have to wait a few more years for that.

[Dragonfli]

50. I have not forgotten. The alternative was an outright fake Democrat

I hope I don't get banned for saying that, but I really believe that he only registered as a Democrat and it would be like them having a leader on both sides of the aisle. Sometimes she does (and has done) the right thing, that is the best we can hope for right now.

As much as I hate to admit it, we have been trained well to accept the lesser of two evils.
I am disappointed in myself, so please don't rub it in.

[Kyad02]

72. Shuler said he wanted to be the new house leader of the "Democrat" party

He is identical to Republicans in terms of philosophy.

[NeoConsSuck]

46. Curious, who did you have in mind?

[tpsbmam]

71. Her opponent, Heath Shuler, is my rep. He's the worst of the worst. When I was

entering poll data here, 8/10 Dems had terrible things to say about him. Unfortunately, he was elected in a district where there are enough conservatives that really good progressives haven't been able to win that seat....yet. But believe me, Shuler would have been a fucking disaster.

[pinboy3niner]

19. Dumping a leader whose ideas and tactics have been effective?

I don't know if that qualifies as insane, but it certainly doesn't qualify as smart.

[Larry Ogg]

44. We need leaders, ideas and tactics that stop...

the Corporations, Banksters, warmongers, the Conservative Party and their insane subservient agenda to the elite predator class. Unfortunately - the things just listed, as well as impeachment, prosecuting war criminals, restoring sanity, the rule of justice, Democracy and fair trad etc... it's all been left off the table because we don't have... Let me rephrase that. Someone is effectively stopping and or making ineffective leaders that will fight for such things and giving power to those who wont. And it is no measure of sanity to be well adjusted to those who think this is a good thing.

[KamaAina]

43. And where would we have gotten the fresh, new ideas and tactics?

From Hoyer? Not bloody likely.

[demwing]

65. In this administration, and Democratic environment

someone with a spine offers exactly what you seek.

[Wabbajack_]

8. Who challenged her?

?

[Hell Hath No Fury]

15. Jackass Blue Dogs.

Heath Shuler for one.

[paparush]

70. Yep. My Rep. Heath (not Health) Shuler. Ugh..

[sally cat]

10. Best news I've heard in a long time.

[wordpix]

78. +1 and it says a lot about what her colleagues think of her

:applause:

[still_one]

11. It wasn't her fault, it was the Senate's fault, and to some degree the administration for playing

too many compromising games

[earthside]

14. Then there is Reid.

I simply do not understand why Democrats in the U.S. Senate will/would/have decided to keep Harry Reid as Majority Leader.

At least Pelosi was effective in passing progressive/Democratic legislation -- Reid turn-out to be the dead-letter-office for the House-passed bills.

If Reid stays as Leader and the filibuster rule isn't changed, then I predict that the U.S. Senate in January 2013 will be something like 65 or 70 Repuglicans (I'm guessing to make a point).

[still_one]

58. You're right /nt

[pacalo]

13. I'm very pleased to hear that.

:thumbsup:

[lobodons]

18. It nice to see Democrats elected "Their" leader

And not the leader Faux Noise believed they should elect.

[ixion]

20. That's unfortunate

[Dragonfli]

22. Why so? (willing to listen) nt

[ixion]

29. My opinion is that she was derlict in her duties, and should not be rewarded for that

I'm not willing to forget that she refused to investigate the neocons for war crimes. That's the biggie, but in general I don't think she was a good leader.

[Dragonfli]

35. Understood, When faced with crimes it was dereliction of duty to

ignore those crimes, it was her responsibility to impeach regardless of potential success.

I was concerned however that the competition for the role this time around was a C street Republican posing as a Democrat.

We have been trained well to accept the lesser of two evils as evidenced by my current support for her.
At this point I feel that there is nothing to vote for anymore, they all appear to have disdain for the rule of law and the interests of the poor and working people. I plan to work hard for a primary for president in 2012 for the sake of the Democratic party before giving up entirely.

Being an FDR Democrat I can say I barely recognise my party anymore since they have gone corporate and anti rule of law from the very top down.

[mvd]

39. I understand

She could have taken the lead on impeachment issues. She had a chance before with Bush still in office. With Obama unwisely looking forward, it has now made it harder.

Still, I see her doing pretty well in her minority role, as she has been an advocate for progressive issues.

[Purveyor]

21. I just threw-up a bit in my mouth. Stupid, just plain f'n stupid. eom

[rayofreason]

25. ????

It seems to me that she has been an effective legislative leader for the progressive agenda. Those who want to continue to advance that agenda voted for her. 'Nuff said.

[ixion]

30. Yep, you said it....

[NBachers]

60. Now, you didn't really just throw up a bit in your mouth, did you?

[Little Star]

24. I'm glad. Harry Reid is the one who needs to be replaced imho.

[JudyM]

49. Right on! I'm glad Nancy was assertive about her effectiveness. n/t

[happygoluckytoyou]

27. GO NANCY ---- (try to send Obama some of your BALLS)

[catgirl]

48. Enough already

Those who can't see the courage Obama has, are asleep.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x525352

He's the first president to tackle many unpopular issues (to help fellow americans) in spite of the fact that it could hurt him politically.
I'd call that having balls. This "man up" type of shit is ridiculous.

Obama and Pelosi are both courageous. Harry Reid is another story.

[laughingliberal]

28. K & R nt

[KeyserSoze87]

31. Excellent news!

Hopefully, she'll win back her place as speaker of the house. It's unlikely, but it could happen.

[BlueState]

32. I am glad the dems did not cave in this time

Let the Republicans demonize her. The way I look it, she is not really as polarizing a figure as her opponents
would like to think. Like Ted Kennedy, she is hated by folks who were never going to vote Dem anyway,
loved by the base while moderate Dems and Independents respect her.

[RagsAndAtoms]

33. Nancy is a strong leader

[Wednesdays]

57. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[RagsAndAtoms]

59. thanks!

[mulsh]

34. But. But, But

will the TV news readers and other self appointed pundits refer to her as "LEADER PELOSI"? They kept referring to Boner as "Leader Boner" but in my 50 years of paying attention to Washington news I don't recall a single minority leader being refereed to in that way in any TV news broadcast. Maybe it's only modern republican leaders who get that appellation. we'll see.

[craigmatic]

40. I'm glad she's staying. She's the only dem in government who won't cave to repubs.

[Romulox]

41. That House Democrats are satisfied with the current state of Party leadership is troubling

to say the least. This was another opportunity that is now lost.

[howmad1]

52. So I'm still waiting for a suggestion from those who want to replace Pelosi.

C.mom guys, give us a few names. Maybe Heath Shuler or some other blue dog bastard. Have not heard a single name other than a bunch of complaints about lack of leadership. So who's going to lead in your estimation? Some folks on this board need to have their heads examined.

[Romulox]

55. That she had no credible challengers is only further indictment of this generation of "leaders"...

:shrug:

[disillusioned73]

69. Amen..

it's just another division game. They have bought the Repub/Faux arguement, it's sad actually.

[wordpix]

79. me, too---"Let's get rid of one of our top progressives"---riiiight, good idea

:sarcasm:

[politicalmajority]

42. Great! America Still Has a Great Future with Nancy Pelosi

Nancy! Nancy! Nancy! Nancy! Nancy!

[mimitabby]

45. good

ah, i wanted to see my star :)

[Harry Monroe]

47. So Nancy, is impeachment still off the table?

Wait, better ask the Republicans that one. I'm guessing, um..given that the Repukes are in charge and we have a Democratic President, the answer is no. Too bad Nancy, we lost our chance 2 years ago. Don't expect the 'Pukes to play nice. Did you get the memo yet? Didn't think so!!

[blondeatlast]

51. Good news. She pisses off the ReBPublicans; I'd vote for her on that

basis alone.

[eridani]

53. Good. That means more help fighting the catfood commission

I'm including a reference to that in my note of support.

[blaze]

54. Excellent!!

The fact that the repubs hate her so much speaks volumes to me!!

[onehandle]

56. Fantastic! nt

[deacon]

62. Better than a blue dog and the GOP didn't want her there. So two thumbs up. n/t

[ProgressiveLiberal]

63. I actually like her lot better than I do Reid in the Senate ...

I'm glad she still gets a leadership position in the House.

[DallasNE]

64. The Weak Leader Was Harry Reid

Not Nancy Pelosi. She delivered time and time again. Every thing broke down in the Senate where it took 60 votes for passage. Hell, the Senate couldn't even pass the defense authorization bill as only a continuing authorization bill has passed. The few things that did pass were all watered down just to get the 2 Maine Republicans vote. Example, the Stimulus bill where tax cuts that increased the deficit were the largest single item. Harry Reid did a terrible job of messaging that issue (as did President Obama).

[wordpix]

80. Exactly

[ElsewheresDaughter]

66. I'm just happy she is there as a slap in your face rethugs!

[4dsc]

67. Corportions WIN again nt

[disillusioned73]

68. Here is the simple reality...

Repugs & centrist blue dog corporatist are against her.... so I proudly stand with her..

Unfortunately, it seems like she is our (Libs/progessive) token leader, and all the good legislation she was able to pass through the house was DOA @ the Senate where it was gutted (by design). Allowing the good old "we tried, now STFU" that we've been hearing for almost two years...

note to centrists; when the bluedogs loose seats in extrordinary fashion in comparison to the Lib/Progressives YOU don't get to take over the "leadership" - do the math & turn off the faux

[panzerfaust]

73. God Help Us

More "Impeachment is off the table" spineless Democratic "leadership"

Truly, I do not know why I remain a liberal: Being an old, white, well-off, male Texan I would suffer fewer sleepless nights, have more friends, and possibly just be overall happier if I simply gave up and became a church-going "compassionate conservative" Republican.

The hardest thing about being a Democrat, is that everyone assumes that one is the same sort of hand-wringing wimp that the vast majority of Democratic politicians daily show themselves to be.

America wants CHANGE: That's why the country elected Obama. Not getting it, Americans elected a bunch of complete nutters simply because they too promise CHANGE.

Sadly, the baggers are much more likely to deliver on their promised change - which is to basically take the country back to the 1800's.

Actually, the hardest thing about being a Democrat is watching the party become Republican-Lite: The Democratic party now seems simply to be Republicans without balls.

Social justice, individual freedom, non-aggression ... there are few to stand up for these values.

It was not always thus.

[lame54]

74. that's great

[BlueIris]

75. Thank God. nt

[24601]

76. In January, the House will pass it's rules for the 113th Congress.

Those rules are binding for the entire House. In the House, rules are passed by majority vote unlike the Senate where rules changes take 2/3. So what if the pass the following?

1. No Representative who has served as Speaker may serve in any Caucus leadership position until 4 years after the date he/she leaves the Speakership.

2. Committee Chair and Ranking Member positions are to be determined only by secret ballot of a caucus.

[savalez]

81. Good. She kicks ass.