The Huffington Post article Can Anyone Take Down Nancy Pelosi? considers whether Nancy Pelosi could win a contest for Speaker of the House, should the Democrats regain the majority in this year’s midterm elections.
First, a bit of background:
- To hold onto her current position as House Minority Leader, Pelosi only needs the support of a majority of the Democrats (about 97 of 193 Dems).
- To become Speaker, she would need a majority of the entire House (about 218 of a 435-seat House). In other words, she would probably need the support of every single Democratic representative.
Given the coolness towards Pelosi shown by a number of Democrats currently running for Congress (i.e., the people who might return the House to the Dems), Pelosi’s election to the speakership is by no means assured.
But would Pelosi be the best person for the job?
MrMild doesn’t think so, pointing out that under the leadership of Pelosi and Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Democrats have lost the presidency, the House and the Senate. Ouch!
Your Bitemaster has a different take: I’m concerned about her age and that of the other Democratic leaders in the House and Senate.
| Office | Office holder | Age |
|---|---|---|
| House Minority Leader | Nancy Pelosi | 78 |
| Deputy House Minority Leader / Minority Whip | Steny Hoyer | 79 |
| Senate Minority Leader | Chuck Schumer | 67 |
| Deputy Senate Minority Leader / Minority Whip | Dick Durbin | 73 |
Sure, these old folks are still capable of performing their duties, but in order to raise up the next generation of leaders we have to let them do some leading. So, Nancy, hold on to your congressional seat if you like, but please pass the leadership baton to the next generation.
[hat-tip to C. Northocote Parkinson]