Rep. Kathleen Rice, in her opinion piece in The Washington Post and in a recent article in the Port Washington Times, asserted her opposition to the potential election of Rep. Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House when the new Democratic majority takes office in January. While I have long admired Ms. Rice for her service to the constituents in her district, and before that as Nassau County’s district attorney, I feel compelled to take issue with that decision.
While some of her opponents have contended, not incorrectly, that the Democratic caucus would benefit from the addition to the leadership of younger members, there has been absolutely no hint of criticism for having done anything to damage or undermine the party’s campaign efforts.
On the contrary, it is absolutely beyond debate that Rep. Pelosi has been a huge asset to the Democrats during her three decades in Congress, particularly as both Speaker and, more recently, as minority leader.
She was a prodigious fundraiser in the 2018 campaign and was deeply involved in the organization and implementation of the triumphant strategy that generated a record gain of 40 Democratic seats in the House.
She was highly effective, in her roles as minority leader and as speaker, in advocating Democratic Party policies and averting many Republican initiatives that most Democrats agree were objectionable.
Indeed, it could be argued that the passage of the Affordable Care Act was attributable to her outstanding efforts in support of President Obama’s signature achievement.
In point of fact, it was her very success that led Republicans, from President Trump on down, to demonize her by citing her to the crowds at campaign rallies and evoking the choruses of boos at the mention of her name.
Given her considerable contributions, it would be a travesty to remove her from the Leadership. It could justifiably be seen as a punitive measure for having become a Republican target — in effect, making a concession to the opposition which, thanks in large part to her yeoman efforts, suffered a severe electoral loss.
Furthermore, at a time when Democrats should be working together — despite some acknowledged differences — to achieve legislative objectives that will improve the lives of many Americans who voted for Republican candidates in 2016, it could damage the Party’s public image and its ability to implement its agenda to descend into squabbling among factions that appear to be seeking power and influence for themselves rather than unifying for the purpose of effective government.
It certainly ought to be possible for all members of the enlarged Democratic caucus to agree on a procedure that will bring young, energetic, publicly engaging members into the House leadership.
A struggle over the speakership, when Rep. Pelosi’s leadership skills and demonstrated contributions to the party’s success, would be akin to cutting off the new majority’s nose to spite its collective face (some pundits have referred to the classic circular firing squad).
I consequently urge Rep. Rice, and her fellow Democratic members of the “No Labels” caucus, to endorse Rep. Pelosi for Speaker of the House and then, under an expanded leadership, to work together in implementing Democratic policies that will benefit the nation.
Robert I. Adler
Port Washington
