General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: So, let's say Pelosi gets replaced by (insert name here). Do you think that will stop the . . . . [View all]EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)And I'm correct. The Speaker's PRIMARY job is to be Leader INSIDE the House, notwithstanding her position in the line of succession - just as the Secretary of State's PRIMARY job is to handle foreign policy, even though they're also high up in the line of succession.
But you raise an excellent point that fully supports what I've been saying. A position second in line to the presidency shouldn't be filled by someone whose main attribute is their youth and new blood but who has no experience in leadership. Yes, we've had successful presidents who have never run anything - most recently President Obama - but they became president after a lengthy and grueling vetting process in which they convinced a majority of voters they could handle the job - and they were selected by millions of Americans across the country.
On the other hand, a Speaker is chosen by 218 House Members out of a pool of people who were elected by a few hundred thousand voters in one district in one state in the country.
For that reason alone, we need to be very careful about who we put in that position and should not put just anyone in there because they "represent new blood."