Yes, the campaign to take down Nancy Pelosi is sexist -- not to mention a terrible idea

[workinclasszero]

Efforts to take out Pelosi aren’t progressive, but backward. She’s earned the speaker’s gavel the hard way

AMANDA MARCOTTE NOVEMBER 15, 2018 7:00PM (UTC)

There is nothing progressive about the push to stop Nancy Pelosi from regaining her seat as speaker of the House when Democrats regain the majority in the new Congress that will convene in January. Frankly, the effort to undermine Pelosi is sexist, and not just because of the disdain so many display for the political talents of a woman who has been far more effective at the job than any of the men who've held it for decades. Ousting her would also be a blow to ordinary women and LGBTQ people whose concerns will lose priority status if the anti-Pelosi wing prevails.

All these talking points about "fresh blood" and accusations that Pelosi is a "centrist" seem to have convinced a number of progressive voters that ousting Pelosi and replacing her with someone new is about pulling the party to the left. The wrongness of this assumption is so profound that it's rattling to anyone who actually cares about preserving the Democratic Party's leftward bent.

Not only has Pelosi consistently been in the top third of most liberal Democrats in the House — as Kevin Drum of Mother Jones put it, "Pelosi is a lot more liberal than [Paul] Ryan is conservative" — but the much-ballyhooed insurgency against her among House Democrats almost exclusively consists people who are to Pelosi's right on the ideological scale. Comparing the 17 Democratic signatories on an anti-Pelosi letter to FiveThirtyEight's Trump scorecard shows that only two of those people have voted against Donald Trump's policy preferences more than Pelosi has.

The person from that group who's being floated as a potential replacement for Pelosi, Rep. Marcia Fudge of Ohio, is openly hostile to LGBTQ rights.

Political scientist Matt Grossman explained:

Link to tweet

Osita Nwanevu of the New Yorker argued on Twitter that "the anti-Pelosi stuff in Congress is mostly backed by centrist & conservative Dems who want to cave into the right's sexist & latently anti-LGBT messaging ('San Francisco values') against her."

Paul Krugman of the New York Times concurred, writing that the "anti-Pelosi push is coming from centrists who are still in the old cringe position, buying into GOP demonization (which happens to any strong Democrat) despite a huge midterm victory."

https://www.salon.com/2018/11/15/yes-the-campaign-to-take-down-nancy-pelosi-is-sexist-not-to-mention-a-terrible-idea/

[murielm99]

1. Foster of Illinois? WTH?

He was my Congressman before redistricting. He did a good job.

I am embarrassed. I am going to try to find out why he is in on this.

[DownriverDem]

19. 5 White Guys - Traitors

The 5 white guys leading this have less of a progressive voting record than Nancy. WTF??? We need Nancy for the next two years. Why haven't these traitors put up a candidate? Yes I am beginning to see them as traitors.

[LexVegas]

6. "thats is a hysterical reach".....that's not too transparent. Jesus Fucking Christ.

[boston bean]

9. It never ends does it ir will it?

[whopis01]

8. I see what you did there. n/t

[Honeycombe8]

12. I agree, and the two authors quotes there don't say that, either.

Some of those in the insurrection are women. What the authors are saying is that it's a more centrist movement. Not because she's a woman. They might think that, but there's no evidence that that's what's behind the insurrection. To be clear, I'm against this insurrection and find it baffling. This time in our history is too delicate and important, to start fighting amongst ourselves and leading insurrections against leaders who have done nothing wrong. But I haven't seen anything indicating it's because she's female.

[JHan]

24. The whole argument against Nancy is that she's reviled by Republicans and a lightning rod.

it isn't just that it's time for "new blood" . .. it's that she's reviled and we need a "new image". How did an effective House Speaker and disciplined congresswoman become so smeared? Nancy has constantly outmaneuvered her male colleagues, and Republicans have USED that to attack her -

The fact Tim Ryan basically said we can replace her with some other female, makes it even worse.

For fuck's sake. It's bad enough watching Republicans spin sexist shit but to see Democrats do the same is depressing as fuck when we should know better.

[Honeycombe8]

32. That's not what I've read and heard from them on tv.

They think it's time for new leadership to reflect the new demographics or whatever. It has nothing to do with the fact that she's demonized by Repubs. The Repubs are going to demonize whoever the leaders are.

It seems to me to be a fabrication that sexism is involved. To the contrary, women are involved in wanting new leadership and a woman's name is being floated as a possibility (I don't remember who she is). If I were to jump to a conclusion and infer what they really mean, I would think it's partly because of her age. I don't know that for a fact, but that would be the conclusion I'd jump to, based on what I've seen in the work place.

I agree that the timing is bad and there are legitimate reasons to oppose an insurrection. I'm just saying the facts are not that it's sexist or that they don't want her because the Republicans don't like her. I just haven't seen any of the insurrectors say or imply that. Just the opposite, actually, since women are among the insurrectors and replacement possibilities.

I think it's fine to recognize their concerns, but be against installing a new leader at this time.

[JHan]

33. Uhm, they have said in the past that her image is also an issue.

the sexism is not a damn fabrication.

[Honeycombe8]

34. Do you have some links supporting your claims?

If so, I stand corrected. I'm just stating a fact: I have not heard any of these insurrectors state that it's because she's female (to the contrary, a possible replacement I've heard them put forward IS a female) or that because the Republicans don't like her.

[JHan]

36. I am not going to do that work for you,

Because this is standard knowledge and not mysterious.

Nancy's perceived high negatives are used as justification to get rid of her ( her negatives made zero sense given her accomplishments and that is where the "sexism" is tied in ) She was singly blamed for Democrats losing the house, even tho the reason behind it was the successful passage of the ACA and the tactics of the Tea Party. Now that Dems have won, how on earth can the same excuse be she "needs to go" , were voters unaware that Pelosi might be Speaker again? The Democrats itching for this change right now probably sold the idea they'd get rid of her to their constituents, but by and large, the possibility of Pelosi being Speaker was always there... she was a strong fundraiser during the election as well. Understand that the Republicans failed to make an Anti-Pelosi case this midterms. Yet, we have all this craziness which is coming across as farcical.

And if you can't pick up on the disingenuousness of "Oh we'll find a female to replace her so that's not so bad is it" I can't help you. They came up with a name when the optics looked bad, so far yet the detractors have demonstrated they are not serious about this, yet I am supposed to take their theatrics seriously and in good faith.

For the record: No I don't believe Nancy should be there forever obviously.

[Honeycombe8]

40. I rest my case.

I've heard a couple of these insurrectors speak. I heard one on Morning Joe this morning. So I'm speaking of facts, not innuendo and inference.

The FACT that a woman's name is being floated as a possible replacement is proof in and of itself that it's not a sexist move.

FACT: None of the insurrectors have stated they want Pelosi replaced because they think she's evil, as the Republicans say, or that the Republicans don't like her.

There are good reasons for supporting the House reps keeping Pelosi, without ascribing unstated nefarious ulterior motives for the insurrection. They aren't enemies. They are still Democrats who simply want a new leader. I think it's misguided, but I don't see any evidence that it's for the reasons you state.

[JHan]

42. Their reasons are not serious, so there is no "case" here.

Because the "case" is flimsy at best. If a vast of Majority of Democrats were backing them it'd be another story. The most they can hope for is to cause trouble with their minority.

Pelosi ALREADY stated before the election, that should she be speaker it would be transitional.

This is kabuki theatre we don't need.

[Dorian Gray]

14. OMG

To prove it's not sexist... let's call it hysterical.


LOL

[Doreen]

3. You stupid shits.

We have just barely made a blue wave...not done yet and you already want to out someone. We are still on touchy ground and you want to start digging now? We need a pit bull who will mot back down or be intimidated and you want an inexperienced lamb. If you think you want her out at least wait until 2020 and let her train someone who is not docile.

[joshdawg]

7. Yes!

Pelosi is the only one who can handle republicans. Don't need an upstart who knows nothing about the inner workings of the House.
Keep the experience where it matters most...............in the capable hands of Pelosi.

[ewagner]

26. Agree....and another reason...

The GOP has been villifying Pelosi for years....they've painted her as PUBLIC ENEMY #1 and crowed loudly and incessantly over her "defeat" when tRump was elected.

What better revenge than having Nancy lead the blue wave of oversight to Trump...making him subservient to her and the Dems in the House of Representatives...????

How better to humiliate tRump and his loyal band of crazies in the Senate?

Can't think of anything better than Donnie Rotten being humbled and embarrassed by Nancy!

The Repubs like to "drink liberal tears"....

I think I might grow a taste for WINGNUT TEARS!

[grantcart]

15. Sanchez has never been accused of over working her brain

[DownriverDem]

20. Traitors

Nancy is an excellent leader. My hope is that all the folks who say she will win are correct. We don't need clueless newbies. The repubs are loving this.

[workinclasszero]

5. The effort to stop Pelosi is a reactionary move to the right

The GOP would love to see her lose the Speaker's chair

[Honeycombe8]

13. Maybe. But some, like OAC, are to the left. I think it may be an age thing.

I think it may be just that newer, younger reps want someone newer, younger. I've seen this in the work place often enough. There's a feeling among young people often, that older people need to get out of the way, are out of touch, etc., etc. I don't agree with that at all (I'm a "mature" person myself), but I've seen this enough times to know that that's part of any movement to oust an older person.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

16. AOC and Sanchez support Pelosi

See this post by Cha:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=11437197

and this OP by blogslut:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100211429374

[Celerity]

28. +1

[DownriverDem]

21. Exactly

Why do we have traitors now?.

[RandiFan1290]

10. 'Centrists' nt

[workinclasszero]

38. F centerists!

We need to be as ruthless for the left agenda as everyone in the damn GOP is for the fascist agenda!

[cate94]

11. I will be calling Fosters office

This is bullshit.

[thinkingagain]

25. Yes everyone who lives in the areas above

Should be contacting those above and say
“We want Nancy! keep Nancy”
Experience means something you have to earn the right to be in charge.

[hughee99]

17. I get the ideological differences, but is trying to replace a woman with

Another woman really a “blow to ordinary women”? Is it really sexism? Is the former chairperson if the CBC really a danger to women?

Look, I’m not saying I support the opposition to Pelosi (In fact, I don’t), but is this author perhaps going a little over the top to attack the motives of democrats we were supporting for office just two weeks ago?

[DownriverDem]

23. What woman?

I haven't heard anything about a woman?

[hughee99]

31. Is Marcia Fudge, the alternative candidate mentioned in the OP

Not a woman?

[mcar]

29. What woman?

Or should I say "female," like Tim Ryan did?

Why not support the most qualified candidate and avoid feeding into the "Dems in disarray" narrative the media loves. What do the #fivewhiteguys and their few supporters have to gain from this? They aren't helping the party or the country.

[hughee99]

30. Marcia Fudge is the candidate they seem to be supporting.

But I think you already know that... and while I can’t think of any good reasons to support Fudge over Pelosi, the author is making this out like Fudge is some sort of teabagger.

[mcar]

35. Fudge isn't nearly as liberal as Pelosi, also calls Pelosi racist

Link to tweet

?s=19


Josh Marshall
✔
@joshtpm
Marcia Fudge, stalking horse candidate for Pelosi foes on the right of the Dem caucus, says Pelosi is a bit racist, an elitist and a rich person who just raises money from other rich people. https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/slash-and-burn-2 …

[hughee99]

41. Odd, I just read the article the tweet links to

Last edited Fri Nov 16, 2018, 05:26 PM - Edit history (1)

And didn’t see where Fudge called Pelosi a racist. She did say according to the link, “Just as there is this undertone of racism in the country, there’s also that in our caucus.”

Are you saying there isn’t an undertone of racism in the caucus, but there is an undertone of sexism?

You know what I’d like to see, an honest discussion about what’s best for the country, or what’s best for the party with out it devolving into democrats calling each other racists, sexists, and homophobes. The DU actually has a sometimes-enforced policy about bashing Dems in this way.

[dalton99a]

18. It's inane. They're trying to hijack the gavel

It's important to ask why, and why now?

[Johnny2X2X]

22. These people made campaign promises not to support her

The fact that forces want to shut down any vigorous debate is troubling. That's not who we are. Pelosi has been very effective in the past, doesn't mean she is the default speaker, let's debate it and consider all of our options.

Many freshmen candidates made promises to their voters that they wouldn't support Pelosi for Speaker, I expect and want them to keep their word.

[mcar]

27. ...

[So_Blue]

37. I just got off the phone with Higgins' office

I just got off the phone with Higgins office in DC. I asked if they'd confirm that he is opposing Pelosi as Speaker and they did. I told him that I’ve voted for Higgins his entire career but if he votes against Pelosi, I would actively campaign for anyone who opposes him in any future primary and that a vote against her is completely unacceptable. I’m disgusted.

[workinclasszero]

39. Thank you!

[Cha]

43. They just look ignorant.