Nancy Pelosi NN10 Keynote Q and A

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by rfall
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/7/24/887135/-Nancy-Pelosi-NN10-Keynote-Q-and-A

My attempt to liveblog the questions asked of and answered by Speaker Nancy Pelosi during the NN10 Saturday keynote.

Questions were submitted in writing, by email, Facebook and by tweet.

Any errors in transcription are mine, not the Speaker's.


Q) Congrats on passing DADT repeal in House. Majority of Americans support ENDA. You and Obama have been strong advocates but ENDA has been stuck in committee. When do you see it passing?

A) ENDA has been a part of my being since going to Congress. This is an absolute priority for me and Dem caucus. Working very hard to clarify language to remove some opposition. It's sad that such a bill needs to be passed to prevent discrimination in the workplace. We passed hate crime legislation, which was fully inclusive. DADT was passed, hoped there would be moratorium on discharges--sadly not. I need your help. When I arrived at Congress, there was not inclusive language in legislation for GLBT. Can't tell you when, but it is a priority. I hope to do both this year.

Q) Who is blocking ENDA passage?

A) I prefer to to take a positive approach. Some opposition comes from business community who do not understand how it will be accomplished. We won DADT by 40 votes. Your impatience is justified--let's make it positive.

Q) Youth Promise Act has not been brought up in Congress. Education is top priority for Americans, but low priority in Congress. Why?

A) The Promise Act was introduced by Bobby Scott of VA. Nothing more important than this for kids. Bobby has many cosponsors, but not yet at 2/3's as I want. We don't know what can pass in the Senate. Repub Senators have held up job creation, and we don't know what the fate of this would be. Thinking about putting pieces of this into legislation that will pass, in order to get some of it in place. (Mentioned changes to student loan program to reduce cost to borrowers and the government.) The DREAM Act--there is a difference of opinion of how to proceed. Don't want to leave undocumented behind as immigration reform takes place. Others want it passed regardless of immigration reform, but Dem caucus doesn't feel that way. Arizona is a lesson to be learned. Must keep heat on for immigration reform.

(snip)
Q) Fair Elections Now Act? Voting on it this year?

A) Need your help--been trying this for a while. Can't show weakness. Must make it clear to members that this is important to us. Fundamental to confidence in government. Urge you all to make your voice known on this. Visit to representative is important. "Make us do it"--FDR. We passed DISCLOSE Act--horrible decision by Supremes. Foreign companies have impact on our elections. DISCLOSE Act helps and is in Senate--Chris Holland taking the lead there. Tell Senate to pass it. Very important to have you in charge. Let's run with it.

Adding: with 2008 elections, leverage changed. Rachael Maddow (in intro taped message) was right. Financial reform legislation most important legislation ever. Health care reform--important--never happened in Repub administration. Reigning in big oil--required great courage. Imagine how important the elections are 100 days from tomorrow. We want to have no regrets in the outcome. Jobs, education--we must talk about these. The leverage has changed in favor or working families. When Repub chairman of House Election Committee: we will have exact agenda "as before"; "People will look with fondness on Bush admin". Pelosi--"We are not going back".

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