Nancy Pelosi for the win
All the pollsters, Republicans, and especially Donald Trump were dead wrong about the midterm elections. There was no “red wave,” and memes at Facebook are instead calling it a splash of ketchup on a wall at Mar-a-Lago. Some races remain undecided, and it is speculated that even if the Republicans do manage to take the House, it will be by an even slimmer margin than Democrats have held the last two years. A lot of the credit for the Democrats’ surge is going to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. The Hill posed a question and answer: “What will Pelosi do now? The choice is hers to make.”
Democrats certainly seem to be rallying around Pelosi following the elections for good reason. She played a pivotal role. According to the Hill, many believe that because of the party’s strong showing Tuesday, Pelosi can and should remain as leader. Pelosi’s former communications director Ashley Etienne told the Hill: “She’s in the power position. We overperformed, and the wave never materialized. So, the choice is hers to make.” Pelosi has withstood a lot, and she has done a lot. She should have the option to remain in power if she so chooses. The Hill reported that Pelosi “blanketed the country, showering enormous amounts of campaign cash onto vulnerable lawmakers” to the tune of $276 million.
Some people look at Pelosi as a troublemaker of sorts, but we all know troublemakers are often a good thing. John Lewis comes to mind with his mantra of “making good trouble.” They get things done with their “trouble.” Pelosi has never been afraid to speak her mind, regardless of who liked what she had to say regardless of party. On top of her steadfast goal to do what she thought was right, she has been the largest fundraiser in Congressional history, raising over $1.2 billion since entering leadership. Of course, everything about Pelosi’s future is speculation, as she has yet to say what her plans are. Even if Republicans take over both chambers, the minority will have leadership, and Pelosi is the woman for the job. She won’t make it easy on Republicans, and that’s exactly what Democrats need if they lose power. One consideration for Pelosi, however, is the attack on her husband, who is recovering from his injuries.
Some believe Pelosi will step down in favor of her family, but others think she should stay and “send the message that no act of political violence can push her out.” On top of that, no one can honestly deny that Pelosi had a huge impact on the outcome of Tuesday’s elections. Instead of vocalizing her plans, the Hill reported that Pelosi announced that she is leaving for a climate summit in Egypt. Can you imagine how Republicans are feeling right now? They can blame Pelosi for their own lackluster performance; she worked overtime to help Democrats win elections in battleground districts, and that work should not go unnoticed. It’s up to Pelosi what she does next, and she will let everyone know when she’s good and ready. She has earned that right.
Shirley is a former entertainment writer and has worked in the legal field for over 25 years