See below for a few reactions, from both national and Virginia politicians, to the news that the greatest Speaker in US history, Nancy Pelosi, is retiring at age 85. Just reading through her bio and accomplishments is almost mind boggling. Also mind boggling is that Republicans hated her so much, demonized her as some sort of commie (which obviously she wasn’t), tried to tie every “swing district” Democrat to her (Earle-Sears tried it against Spanberger this election, even though Spanberger actually voted *against* Pelosi for Speaker – and it totally failed to move any voters Earle-Sears’ way). Those constant attacks by Republicans showed how warped the entire MAGA movement is, but also how obsessed they were by (and afraid of) Pelosi, who mostly ran rings around these incompetent buffoons. On a related note, who can forget the deranged sh** many Republicans (including Glenn Youngkin) said after Pelosi’s husband was brutally attacked in his home?
Meanwhile, the fact is that Pelosi was arguably one of the most significant – for all GOOD reasons! – leaders in American history. That includes her *massive* legislative accomplishments. As former President Obama puts it:
“For almost four decades, Nancy Pelosi has served the American people and worked to make our country better. No one was more skilled at bringing people together and getting legislation passed – and I will always be grateful for her support of the Affordable Care Act. She made us proud to be Democrats, and will go down in history as one of the best speakers the House of Representatives has ever had. Nancy, thank you for your leadership and your friendship. Michelle and I wish you and Paul the best in this next chapter.”
And as Pelosi’s successor as House Democratic Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, puts it about this “iconic, heroic, trailblazing, legendary and transformational leader”:
“Her giant and historic legislative accomplishments are too numerous to mention, but include the Affordable Care Act, Inflation Reduction Act and American Rescue Plan. Whether providing healthcare to millions of Americans, protecting people with preexisting conditions, tackling climate change, investing in education, cleaning up corruption, securing democracy or saving Social Security, Speaker Pelosi has made a profound, powerful, permanent impact on our country. She has been a brilliant and bold leader, voice for the voiceless and authentic champion of the least, the lost and the left-behind.
During her 20 years leading House Democrats, she fiercely navigated many trials and tribulations, including a once-in-a-century pandemic, a horrific attack on the United States Capitol and a violent attempt on her husband’s life. Through it all, she led with strength and dignity. Like Esther, she was Speaker and Leader for such a time as this. Personally, Speaker Pelosi has been an incredible mentor, trusted friend and awesome colleague who has profoundly blessed me with her insights, perspectives and leadership values. “
Also, see below for reactions by Virginia leaders. For instance:
- Sen. Mark Warner: “Decades of service, tenacity, and notching win after win for Democrats. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement, @SpeakerPelosi, and on your historic tenure as one of the most effective Speakers in American history.”
- Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA03): Nancy Pelosi “will go down in history as one of our nation’s most consequential legislative leaders. Thanks to her leadership, we passed the Affordable Care Act, the American Rescue Plan Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. Her legacy will endure for generations. Thank you, Madam Speaker!”
- Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA04): “Thank you, Madam Speaker, for all you’ve given to our nation. You will be missed as a trailblazer, a leader and a steadfast figure in fighting for the American people. It’s been an honor to serve with you.”
- Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA08): “Nancy Pelosi is a major figure in American history. She’s more than a barrier breaker, she is one of our most brilliant and accomplished leaders, who repeatedly overcame steep odds to deliver results that changed people’s lives for the better. Happy retirement, Madam Speaker.”
Oh, one more point: just consider that we went from arguably the greatest Speaker in US history – Nancy Pelosi – to almost certainly the worst, most disgraceful, disastrous Speaker in US history – Mike Johnson. Of course, we also went from a good, decent, effective president in Joe Biden to…yeah, the current disaster. I mean, do nearly half of US voters have a death wish or what???
P.S. Here’s a montage of reactions to Glenn Youngkin’s deranged comments “making fun of the Pelosi assassination attempt. Youngkin really showed his true colors right there – cruel, sadistic, no-class, etc.
