Nancy Pelosi Says She Should Remain Minority Leader Because She Is A Woman

With all of its losses over the last decade it should be clear that the Democratic Party is in need of new leadership at all levels. Nancy Pelosi has a rather weak argument for remaining House minority leader–her gender. AP reports:

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Friday she must retain her leadership position in Congress so there is a woman at the table when key decisions are made.

After more than a decade leading House Democrats, Pelosi has faced demands from some lawmakers for leadership changes, particularly after Democrats failed to win back House control last year. A fellow Californian and member of Pelosi’s leadership team, Rep. Linda Sanchez, said earlier this month that it was time for Pelosi and other veteran leaders to step aside and make way for a new generation of party leaders

Pelosi said in an interview on ABC’s “The View” that she was ready to leave had Hillary Clinton become president, putting a woman at the top. But Clinton lost, and so she must remain, Pelosi said, as she recounted a White House dinner last month where she was the only woman at the table.

“And that’s why I have to stay there, to be one of the top women, top people at the table,” said Pelosi, 77, adding that she views one of her mandates as protecting former President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act, which she was instrumental in passing as House speaker at the time.

“I was ready to go if Hillary won, have a woman at the top of the table, protecting the Affordable Care Act, which is to me similar to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid,” Pelosi said.

Keeping Nancy Pelosi as Minority Leader because she is a woman is fallacious as was nominating Hillary Clinton because she is a woman. People must be judged for their qualifications and record beyond their gender. Would a party leader in any parliamentary system in other countries maintain her position after so many losses?

If female leadership is needed, I can think of another female member of the House to consider–Tulsi Gabbard (although there might be better positions for her than House Minority Leader).

3 Comments

  1. 1
    Janet Goodman-Clarke says:

    What?!? Firstly, gender has zero to do with qualifications. That's the essence of feminism. And Pelosi's qualifications are – shall we say – nil?

    Secondly: If a female is absolutely a requirement (and it shouldn't even be a factor, pro or con), then certainly: put Tulsi or Nina in her place. I'll cheer that on passionately.

    And – if it needs to be highlighted – this is a female stating that.

  2. 2
    Ron Chusid says:

    I didn't include Nina in the post as she was not in the House. While technically someone who is not in the House can be elected Speaker, that is unlikely to happen.

  3. 3
    Gerald Hinton says:

    What leadership position is guaranteed a person based on gender? If she can't get Democrats across the finish line then she needs to go. Taking bribes from lobbyists and throwing that money at campaigns for so so candidates is not working. She hasn't got a clue about how to get Democrats elected. She has been a disaster for the Democrats. 

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