First Eric Cantor and now Fox Noise on who should lead House Democrats.

[ProSense]

First Eric Cantor and now Fox Noise.

Pelosi and the Secret Letter

Josh Marshall

Fox is running a blaring story about a letter from House Dems, possibly sponsored by a number who were defeated last Tuesday, asking Speaker Nancy Pelosi not to run for Minority Leader in the next Congress. I don't have any doubt that there are a lot of Dems who'd prefer that Pelosi stand down, even though I suspect she'll be elected to the role almost unanimously. And I suspect that that's sentiment runs particularly strong among lost who just lost their seats, both because they tend to be more conservative and also because they just lost their jobs.

I got suspicious though when I didn't hear any details about how many Reps had signed it or even any particular members who'd signed it. So I looked at the actual article. And there's a reason. Apparently no one has signed it. If you dig really deep you find out that it's only being 'circulated' -- apparently no one has signed it yet.

Now, like I said, I don't think for a minute that there aren't members who don't want Pelosi as their leader, a handful have actually said so. But when you read the text of the letter supposedly obtained by Fox is sounds more like an elaborate exercise in 'concern-trolling'. Read the 'letter' after the jump.

Letter from Defeated Members:

Many of us want the chance to run again and reclaim the seats that we lost on Tuesday. With you as the leader of House Democrats, the hangover of 2010 stands no chance of subsiding. Many of us have run our last race but remain committed to our party; we want to help recruit successful candidates to run in our stead. Unfortunately, we fear that Republicans will further demonize you, and in so doing they will scare potential candidates out. The prospect of having to run against their own party leadership in addition to their Republican opponent is simply too daunting.

This is a difficult letter to write, because we admire your commitment, your drive, and your conviction. You have been an historic figure in our great nation, and for that we are all proud, as should you be. Nonetheless, we each experienced how Republican demonization of you and your leadership contributed to our defeat.

It is impossible not to judge the results of November 2nd as anything but a profound loss. We want to recover. Recovery of our majority in the House necessitates new leadership at the top of our party. We believe that you can and will play an extraordinary role in our party, and it is extremely unfortunate that Republicans have taken away your ability to lead as effectively as you are able. Nonetheless, one mark of a strong leader is the ability to discern when it is time to pass the baton. As defeated members, whose party needs to rebuild, we are counting on you to show the strength of your leadership in this dark hour. We ask that you step aside as leader of our party in the House.

With utmost respect, we are..

(emphasis added)

It's amazing the leap of logic by these people: Most of the Democrats who lost opposed the President's agenda (the Democratic agenda) because claiming it was too far left.

Now, Fox Noise wants to convince Democrats to be even more afraid of Republicans.

On edit: It's probably being circulated by Heath Shuler.

Also worth pointing out: Progressives Caucus remains intact, becomes a plurality of House Dems

The winners include Congressman Grijalva who won in McCain country.

[emulatorloo]

1. Either a Blue Dog leaked it, Or Eric Cantor fabricated it. Blue Dog most likely n/t

[ProSense]

2. It's always the blue dog way

Republicans are always right. Nevermind that the majority of Democrats, specifically those who still have their jobs, support Pelosi, these confused souls want to cave to Republican spin.

[jaxx]

3. The pubs fear Nancy Pelosi.

Good.

[flamingdem]

4. Nancy is going to kick Eric's azz - nt

[ProSense]

5. Chris Wallace's first question to Eric Cantor

Chris Wallace's first question to Eric Cantor

by Jed Lewison

So let's say you host the pre-eminent Sunday talk show for conservatives and your guest is the incoming Majority Leader for House Republicans just days after they recaptured control of the House of Representatives in the 2010 midterms. The elections are over, and the time to govern has begun. So what would your first question be?

If you were a serious journalist -- or even just a regular citizen, or a conservative activist -- your first question would be something that concerns the actual substantive priorities of the new Republican House. There's a million different ways you could ask the question, but it would center around the issue of what comes next, right?

Well, here's what Chris Wallace asked Eric Cantor on Sunday:

CHRIS WALLACE: Nancy Pelosi announced Friday that she is going to run to stay on as the leader of Democrats in the House. Now, the Republican National Committee, which had a sign on -- outside its building here in Washington that said "Fire Pelosi" during the campaign promptly changed that to "Hire Pelosi." Why are Republicans so happy that Nancy Pelosi will likely remain as the face of the House Democrats?

Wallace's second question?

WALLACE: So what are you saying, it's a thumb in the eye to voters if she becomes the House Democratic leader?

Are you fucking kidding me? That is what Fox asks the incoming Majority Leader? And they call themselves news? What a joke. They are a political attack network. Nothing more, nothing less. They will never, ever hold Republicans accountable for anything.

[11 Bravo]

6. Coming up: Mitt Romney on who should be the next Pope.