It is possible that the end of the current session of Congress might turn out to be Nancy Pelosi's last days as Speaker of the House. If Democrats wind up not holding the house, which, in spite of some good news over the past few days still looks like a possibility, then this last session prior to the holidays might be the last days of her service.
There is no question in my mind that she is one of the best Speakers I've seen in my lifetime. She has had to endure serving during a time when the other side has become increasingly hostile, ramping up hateful rhetoric, personal attacks that have nothing to do with politics, and behaving in a way that discredits their integrity. Speaker Pelosi has always been gracious in her responses. maintaining a professional demeanor in the face of some ridiculous behavior. She distinguished herself with her leadership during the Trump Insurrection, with her personnel choices for two impeachments and the January 6th investigation committee, and in the way she has handled the legislative agenda, party factions and all that goes with it. She will go down in history as one of the best Speakers of the House ever to serve.
Her response to the shooting of Representative Steve Scalise is quite a contrast from the hateful, coarse jesting of Andy Biggs, and other Republicans who want the mantle of leadership but aren't qualified because of their lack of civility. His despicable joke following the attack on her 82 year old husband is quite a contrast of character which she demonstrates, and he doesn't. The way many Republicans have handled this event, and the lack of other Republicans calling them out for it is an indication of their moral bankruptcy.
But part of Speaker Pelosi's legacy is the strength she has shown in the face of the spewing, vitriolic hatred that now characterizes her political opposition. I think a lot of the anger we are seeing is the result of sheer resentment of a woman's success in politics, and the fact that she has beaten them so many times. Win or lose control of the House at this moment, Nancy Pelosi was as much of a victor on Tuesday night as anyone who won an election. Only a few members of Congress ever have the distinction of getting over 80% of the votes of their constituents in 16 re-election campaigns.
A Victory Lap
I provided a contribution to Rafael Warnock's runoff campaign today, in honor of Speaker Pelosi's service to the country. Noting that the Speaker was overwhelmingly re-elected to her seat by the people of her district who clearly admire and trust her, I hope there are plenty of opportunities for her to take a victory lap before this session closes. She has helped get some landmark legislation passed during her time, and it would be great if a bill having to do with women's rights could be named in her honor. I would also suggest that a room in the Capitol, perhaps the speaker's office, could be named after her. If a room can be named after Strom Thurmond, surely there's a place for doing that in honor of the first woman ever to serve as Speaker of the House.
I hope the President is already figuring out how to honor the Speaker for her service and loyalty to country.
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