Democrats Will Have Secret Ballot Vote to Either Keep Pelosi as Minority Leader, or Dump Her for Tim Ryan

I say they keep her. Identity politics is not just part of the Democrat platform; it is the Democratic platform, the whole of it, the entirety.

"There's a generation of Democratic leaders who have been stymied or held down or even cut off at the knees to keep her and [Maryland Rep. Steny] Hoyer and others in power," the former aide added.

"So you have a number of members who look at the agendas and question why, when the country is worried about the economy and jobs, the Democrats are out talking about women power and some of the core liberal issues that aren't going to play well in the places that Democrats have to win if they’re going to take back the majority."

Sensing that unrest, Pelosi last week proposed to carve out several new leadership posts and make some of them eligible only to newer members. The changes are designed to empower the next generation of Democratic leaders, but there’s been some early pushback, as members of the Congressional Black Caucus are warning they would erode the power of African-American lawmakers. Ryan, for his part, said the proposals "will only serve to further consolidate her power over the caucus."

Although Pelosi is the favorite and Ryan the underdog, Ryan has told people to get ready for a "big surpise" tomorrow.

But that's what people always say, of course. Trying to encourage one's wavering supporters and possible supporters by suggesting there's a big wave coming.

Ah well. Not sure what I'm rooting for here.

posted by Ace at 08:34 PM

| Access Comments