I thought it was a moving piece of excellent writing... with a bit of compositional debris at the end, eventually to be removed, the way I feel about remaining politicians still in the GOP: They were part of the composition but now remain as debris awaiting removal. I actually enjoyed the tiny display of human error at the end of a wonderful piece!
I love Common Cause! They do great work with much joy and passion. I did several days of ballot curing phone banks with them for the GA Jan 2020 Senate run-off election. It is really rewarding work - I highly recommend it. After my last session I turned on the TV to check in on the news and saw Speaker Pelosi being removed from the floor - it was Jan 6th. I will never forget the emotions of that moment: Feeling very fulfilled in helping to secure the election of two Democratic US Senators, to disbelief of what I was viewing on my tv, in real time, then horror at the attack on our Capitol and the realization that a coup was being attempted.
Agape. For hours. This Truman baby, who toured the Capitol as a child and adult, lived through JFK's assassination, the bombings of the 60s & 70s, Vietnam War deaths and protests, RFK then MLK's assassinations, then 9/11--watched agape in horror and disbelief at the violent insurrection that was (I hope) the culmination of the Trump presidency.
Jill and I are appalled at today's attempt to assassinate Nancy Pelosi that sent her husband to the hospital with a fractured skull, at what seems to be the increasing "normalization" of political violence that we attribute to our former president and to comments made by some Republican officials, including our own governor, Glenn Youngkin and the Chair of the Republican National Committee, Ronna McDaniel. As of writing, Trump has been quiet and let us hope he will remain so. Top Democrats, starting with President Biden and his living predecessors, need to come together with top Republican leaders, starting with Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy, plus George W. Bush, and issue a joint statement condemning the attack on Mr. Pelosi and calling on all Americans to reject violence and strive to rebuild a civil political culture here and reunite the United States of America. Enough is enough! Shaun
I am a Virginian and live in a tiny blue town in a vast sea of red down in Southwest Virginia. While I was completely appalled and saddened by Youngkin’s words, I was not surprised. I’m so heartbroken our state, formerly purple trending toward blue, has this man at the helm. I took my 85 year old mother to early vote (we both voted for the better candidate knowing the awful incumbent will win). Please help get out the vote, everyone, as this is our only hope to avoid becoming a fascist country!
Fellow Virginian here, and I share your pain. My Liberal Women of Chesterfield group is credited with turning the seventh congressional district blue against all odds when Abigail Spanberger was elected. Because of redistricting we’re now the first district. Though our odds of getting a Democrat elected in the first district this year is slim, we’re going to get there! We’re working hard. There are some amazing women in this group.
I want you to know that whenever we travel through your very red area with all of the Trump signs, I search for the local Democratic website for your area and am always so grateful for the Democratic presence there. I send positive thoughts your way. Thanks for staying strong in a difficult place.
My husband and I have already voted (against Morgan Griffith!!) We can't fathom how anyone can imagine he has done any good for SW VA. Against these odds I still firmly believe that EVERY.SINGLE.VOTE counts!! We could turn this country around if everyone remembers what a privilege and duty it is to vote!
Up here in District 10, KC, we have Jennifer Wexton on the ballot. Yard signs for the 2020 election looked evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. This election, I am not seeing any signs for Democrats, which may be a reflection of no volunteers to do such. Health issues keep me from doing anything more than donating, postcarding, and voting.
I find that many Democrats here in Blue California decline the offer of a yard sign for their Congressperson because of the rabid Republicans in their neighborhood. They don’t want to draw attention to themselves.
I thought that, too, Angela, for my lack-of-yard-signs situation. That said, I can't say that Rep Jennifer Wexton will be reelected, but I'm pretty sure she will get a significant amount of votes.
Well, I hope the Dems turn out & she is able to keep her seat. We’re in a similar fight here for CA-49 Mike Levin’s seat. Due to redistricting he gained some very Red areas. We’ve been working on his campaign since March and it is a very tight race. He is an excellent congressman. Works hard, gets things done for his district , and takes no Corporate PAC money.
Lots of support from other areas in NVA. Wexton as well as Luria and Spanberger are all solid, moderate, hard working Representatives. Lots of support from all 3 in Alexandria and other parts of Blue NVA. Attended fundraising event for all 3 hosted by Rep Don Beyer. All 3 deserve support and thanks for all Virginia Dems.
Bless you, Marlene! Just can't seem to get out and about like I used to. But since I can't, I was heartened to get an email to help sponsor others this election who can do so for me!
I have made donations to Rep. Elaine Luria's campaign for re-election and sent 30 letters via Vote Forward to people in her district. VA has more Dem congressional districts than GOP ones. Let's keep it that way.
As a resident of VA I was also appalled by Gov Youngkin's comments (& the crowds reaction). This is NOT who we are as a country, and is yet another example of why this election is critical!
So sad. But this IS who we are as a country. We are a combination of the caring and the hateful. Keep working to be the kind, smart, caring nation we are capable of fully being.
Never thought he was, but agree that Terry McAuliffe helped him win (inadvertently). Dismayed by the notion that Youngkin has interest in running for president. YIKES This comment section ought to be devoted to Nancy Pelosi, but I fear that what has happened in VA is once again symptomatic of the wrong direction this country has been heading, and a reminder of the critical need to VOTE and turn things around. I feel certain that a midterm "upset" (which would not upset me at all!) would do wonders to encourage Pelosi...
Shaun, Your comment has brought me to tears on this Saturday morning in Virginia. The vision you offer, of the people who do or should lead us, from McConnell to George W. Bush, coming together to speak clearly against this attack on everything we say we reject, is so unlikely in today's America and such a powerful, obvious, and simple action that I weep for the loveliness and the impossiibility of it.,
As for Governor Youngkin, he is a snake. I'm not sure I believe he tricked the voters. Most of those who bought his campaign to give more influence on children's education to their parents knew darned well that was code for eliminating anything they didn't like from the curriculum, banning books, controlling what goes on in classrooms, actually getting teachers fired.
Democratic leaders certainly need to do something that gets attention about this terrible near-murder intended for the Speaker, which is the result of Republicans' acceptance of the violence on 1/6!
Also, we haven't done a good enough job highlighting Biden and the Democrats' accomplishments this close to the election.
I pray that some ambivalent voters have realized that only one party in this country supports our democracy, and the other espouses violence, lying and trying to prevent voting in blue areas. I'm completely horrified today, but still hopeful!
I have always thought that Nancy Pelosi was a remarkable person, but the video of her on the phone on January 6 asking urgently, but calmly, for public officials to take actions to preserve the Capitol and the people trapped inside by a mob of insurrectionists showed her true worth. This phrase gets overused sometimes, but here is richly justified: she is a national treasure.
This is exquisite. Nobody’s perfect, but I agree with you completely. At some point my grandson and I were speculating President Pelosi. She has what it takes.
He lives in a dorm, high school, is 16, sent this to me today:
The night before Paul was attacked, Marjorie Disgrace to Barbra's Evergreene tweeted "Just wait until tomorrow."
Now what was that supposed to mean?
------
(His wacky way of saying Marjorie Taylor Greene harks back to Randy Rainbow’s stupendous piece on the topic.)
Such a talent, and so gifted, to create all those episodes himself! Phenomenal! I hope he lives a long life and has in an awesome career, that this is just the beginning!
I had the privilege of meeting the Pelosi's when I worked in San Francisco politics and they were the younger brother and sister-in-law of my boss' main ally on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the late Ron Pelosi. During the 1974 Democratic primary for State Controller, we had a fund-raiser at the Haas Mansion. All the SF Movers & Shakers were there. Nancy, merely the wife of the younger brother of the candidate's good friend and ally, ended up in the back of the room near staffer me, while we awated Bob's arrival and speech. We were chatting (I think I had been introduced and met her maybe twice in passing), and I made a comment about either one of the Movers or the Shakers, I forget which. She proceeded to point out and name everyone there, why they were there and what they wanted, and what value their support brought to the campaign (in the majority of cases, not that much). It was a master performance. For the ones I knew of enough to know something of them, she was dead on, so I figured if she was right there, she was right everywhere (I later found she was)e. When she finished, I said "Mrs. Pelosi, you ought to go into politics!" She smiled.
After that I found out who she was, daughter of one of the most powerful Democratic mayors in America, who had learned her politics from the day she spoke her first word. She waited till her kids were grown, and I have never been surprised by anything she's done.
Up until the Rise Of Trump (ROT), I had her tied with Thomas Bracket Reed, creator of the modern Speakership, as Greatest Speaker. But then she became Greatest Speaker for the Ages, because none of her forebears had to confront the Subversive Threat of Trump and Trumpism (and hopefully never will again).
She's my favorite American politician and has been since before she was a professional politician.
She has shown more courage, grit, heart, and determination of any politician out there. And she has shown it over and over again. The Republicans have lost their soul along with their minds.
Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, I woke up to the news of this sickening violence with a sense of dread. Then the sadness welled up--for our country--but even more for Nancy Pelosi and her family. She is one of the bravest, strongest leaders in our country's history. I am grateful for her leadership over her long career as a public servant but particularly for being the Commander-In-Chief on January 6th, the worse day in our country's history.
This tragedy stayed with me all day, but with 9 days to go I just got back to the work I am doing to win the Midterms--leading phone banks, canvassing, recruiting volunteers, and voter protection.
I can attest to the fact that taking action really is the antidote to despair and anxiety. Working alongside the dedicated, determined group of people I share this work with seals the deal.
We have 9 days left and millions of voters to turn out to make sure this is not the last free and fair election this country has.
Thank you for your comments about Speaker Pelosi. I am in complete agreement. And thank you for the many hours and days you have been working to get out the vote for this election. We all need to keep doing whatever we are able to do to make sure as many people as possible can vote in this election. So much depends upon it. With much support from the coast…
Thank you for this and thank you for all you are doing. This cowardly attack on a brave public servant should only further our resolve to win as many seats as we can.
In politics for 40+ years, protection of Nancy's SF house was never needed. Her house is not even in the "exclusive" cul de sac that Dianne Feinstein lives in that is almost a gated community.
To date, the worst that ever happened before this was graffiti on her garage door.
If ever an American deserved the Medal of Freedom, it is Nancy Pelosi. She was the embodiment of courage in the service of protecting our nation, our freedom, keeping focused on Jan 6th on protecting our seat of government and seemingly unflappable at that time of chaos. I too get telephone pollsters asking me how I would describe Nancy Pelosi, and I welcome the chance to gush with enthusiasm.
Thanks for opening the comments, and for your great work this week, Robert. Have a good and restful weekend.
And don’t let fear stop you, the reader, from what you believe. This was domestic terrorism and fear was this guy’s goal. The thugs outside ballot boxes, fear is their goal, too. Stand up to it and confront it, or fear will control you.
Stay strong and move forward. Hugs and love to you all!
I’m really sad that Republicans have demonized Nancy Pelosi so much. For whatever reason, the pollsters call me almost every Sunday night on my land line. I can always tell when the poll is sponsored by a Republican candidate when they attempt to gauge my attitude towards “NANCY PELOSI”. That’s the best I can convey how that comes across when they ask.
I often think about this in the context of women’s journey. Until Kamala Harris was elected VP, Nancy was the most powerful elected woman ever as Speaker of the House. I remember her recent predecessors and there’s just no comparison as to morals and ability to legislate by holding the Democrats towards the common good of the people. She deserves our praise and gratitude, but has to endure the outright demonization of the Republicans.
And Madame Speaker Pelosi also says, ‘Don’t agonize, organize!’ She is a true leader during these trying times. May her husband heal fully and quickly and regain a sense of peace and serenity in their home eventually. My heart goes out to them.
Now is the time to vote every Republican out of office and bring about the end of the MAGA infested Republican Party which no longer believes in democracy or integrity or empathy or peace or doing the People's work. Perhaps my favorite photo of our time is Nancy in the Cabinet Room standing wagging her finger at the petulant baby potus sitting across the table from her. We are very fortunate to have such a Mama Bear taking care of us and our nation. We must all stand firm against the violence and intimidation or we will have lost our freedom. Any elected or un-elected official who won't stand against the violence must never hold office again. We must do this from the strength of non-violent protest and our votes. Please encourage everyone you know or meet to go vote for our freedoms! We, the People, all of us together have the power to set the country back on the track to a more equitable union where the freedoms and well-being of others is our sole mission.
I am a 72 year old woman. I have long admired the strong women who have taken on the patriarchal institutions with intelligence and grit. Like Nancy. However, I have asked myself so many times over the past few years “What have “we” become? The news of this attack, as well as other attacks that have become part of the daily newsfeed reinforces the fear I have for the future of democracy. If I get started on the Dobbs decision, I fear I could not stop my frustrations. And then----I read on the morning news that in Arizona, a woman who has fed the homeless for years, has now been arrested with the potential jail term of 4 months for feeding the homeless in a park. The law now in Arizona is that it is a crime to “charitably” feed others in a public setting. Again I ask “what have we become?”
Truth. The woman ended up not being sentenced to jail—-but that is the law and she is in her late 70’s. I am flummoxed how these absurd laws can be enacted.
Apologies for the stray line after the sign off. I am traveling and drafted this piece on my cell phone. Did not see the extra line.
I thought it was a moving piece of excellent writing... with a bit of compositional debris at the end, eventually to be removed, the way I feel about remaining politicians still in the GOP: They were part of the composition but now remain as debris awaiting removal. I actually enjoyed the tiny display of human error at the end of a wonderful piece!
Such a tiny human error - hardly noticed after such a beautifully written, powerful tribute/challenge. Thank you Robert.
I thought you meant 'and Mike Pence also would want us to stay strong, stay safe, and focused...' I guess a stray line makes more sense 😂
My name's Nancy too. So where's this Nancy?
I just returned from putting up ELECTION PROTECTION signs at six early voting locations throughout Indianapolis.
People having voting problems anywhere in the country, can call 866-OUR-VOTE, organized by Common Cause.
866ourvote.org is a multilingual, nonpartisan, nationwide resource
Thankyou TOO! I HONOR BOTH OF YOU NANCYS!
Be thankful you're not named Karen. :-)
Life must be tough these days for women named Karen who are NOT "Karens"!
Know one well. Not a welcome development.
My ex-wife is Karen, and definitely not "a Karen."
I have a cousin named Karen who is also definitely not a karen.😊👍
I love Common Cause! They do great work with much joy and passion. I did several days of ballot curing phone banks with them for the GA Jan 2020 Senate run-off election. It is really rewarding work - I highly recommend it. After my last session I turned on the TV to check in on the news and saw Speaker Pelosi being removed from the floor - it was Jan 6th. I will never forget the emotions of that moment: Feeling very fulfilled in helping to secure the election of two Democratic US Senators, to disbelief of what I was viewing on my tv, in real time, then horror at the attack on our Capitol and the realization that a coup was being attempted.
Agape. For hours. This Truman baby, who toured the Capitol as a child and adult, lived through JFK's assassination, the bombings of the 60s & 70s, Vietnam War deaths and protests, RFK then MLK's assassinations, then 9/11--watched agape in horror and disbelief at the violent insurrection that was (I hope) the culmination of the Trump presidency.
My name’s Nancy, too.
Could Nancy Pelosi receive the Medal of Freedom for her spectacular leadership on January 6?
Felicitations, Nancy, on putting up ELECTION PROTECTION signs at the six early voting locations. So important.
Medal of Freedom is a well deserved..honor... great idea!
I'm sure when she retires as Speaker that the MoF will not be long in coming.
Thank you!!!
Jill and I are appalled at today's attempt to assassinate Nancy Pelosi that sent her husband to the hospital with a fractured skull, at what seems to be the increasing "normalization" of political violence that we attribute to our former president and to comments made by some Republican officials, including our own governor, Glenn Youngkin and the Chair of the Republican National Committee, Ronna McDaniel. As of writing, Trump has been quiet and let us hope he will remain so. Top Democrats, starting with President Biden and his living predecessors, need to come together with top Republican leaders, starting with Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy, plus George W. Bush, and issue a joint statement condemning the attack on Mr. Pelosi and calling on all Americans to reject violence and strive to rebuild a civil political culture here and reunite the United States of America. Enough is enough! Shaun
I am a Virginian and live in a tiny blue town in a vast sea of red down in Southwest Virginia. While I was completely appalled and saddened by Youngkin’s words, I was not surprised. I’m so heartbroken our state, formerly purple trending toward blue, has this man at the helm. I took my 85 year old mother to early vote (we both voted for the better candidate knowing the awful incumbent will win). Please help get out the vote, everyone, as this is our only hope to avoid becoming a fascist country!
Fellow Virginian here, and I share your pain. My Liberal Women of Chesterfield group is credited with turning the seventh congressional district blue against all odds when Abigail Spanberger was elected. Because of redistricting we’re now the first district. Though our odds of getting a Democrat elected in the first district this year is slim, we’re going to get there! We’re working hard. There are some amazing women in this group.
I want you to know that whenever we travel through your very red area with all of the Trump signs, I search for the local Democratic website for your area and am always so grateful for the Democratic presence there. I send positive thoughts your way. Thanks for staying strong in a difficult place.
My husband and I have already voted (against Morgan Griffith!!) We can't fathom how anyone can imagine he has done any good for SW VA. Against these odds I still firmly believe that EVERY.SINGLE.VOTE counts!! We could turn this country around if everyone remembers what a privilege and duty it is to vote!
Up here in District 10, KC, we have Jennifer Wexton on the ballot. Yard signs for the 2020 election looked evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. This election, I am not seeing any signs for Democrats, which may be a reflection of no volunteers to do such. Health issues keep me from doing anything more than donating, postcarding, and voting.
I applaud you and your tiny blue town!
I find that many Democrats here in Blue California decline the offer of a yard sign for their Congressperson because of the rabid Republicans in their neighborhood. They don’t want to draw attention to themselves.
I thought that, too, Angela, for my lack-of-yard-signs situation. That said, I can't say that Rep Jennifer Wexton will be reelected, but I'm pretty sure she will get a significant amount of votes.
Well, I hope the Dems turn out & she is able to keep her seat. We’re in a similar fight here for CA-49 Mike Levin’s seat. Due to redistricting he gained some very Red areas. We’ve been working on his campaign since March and it is a very tight race. He is an excellent congressman. Works hard, gets things done for his district , and takes no Corporate PAC money.
Working hard in Loudoun to help make it so!
Yay for us!
Lots of support from other areas in NVA. Wexton as well as Luria and Spanberger are all solid, moderate, hard working Representatives. Lots of support from all 3 in Alexandria and other parts of Blue NVA. Attended fundraising event for all 3 hosted by Rep Don Beyer. All 3 deserve support and thanks for all Virginia Dems.
Great to hear, Janie. But just in case, fingers crossed!
Oh, Lynell, I am so sorry to hear you are having health problems. Is there anything I can do? I am currently dealing with vertigo and it’s hell!
Bless you, Marlene! Just can't seem to get out and about like I used to. But since I can't, I was heartened to get an email to help sponsor others this election who can do so for me!
💓💓💓
I have made donations to Rep. Elaine Luria's campaign for re-election and sent 30 letters via Vote Forward to people in her district. VA has more Dem congressional districts than GOP ones. Let's keep it that way.
I really like Luria, especially after being exposed to her on the J6 committee.
Great. Alex Dems strongly support her too.
Me, too, for Luria; also, my rep Wexton, and Spanberger too!
Enough is too much and this hasn't even begun. America has fallen in love with its worst self. Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad.
As a resident of VA I was also appalled by Gov Youngkin's comments (& the crowds reaction). This is NOT who we are as a country, and is yet another example of why this election is critical!
So sad. But this IS who we are as a country. We are a combination of the caring and the hateful. Keep working to be the kind, smart, caring nation we are capable of fully being.
attempted like
Virginia was tricked by Youngkin. He is not the good guy that he wanted you to believe.
Never thought he was, but agree that Terry McAuliffe helped him win (inadvertently). Dismayed by the notion that Youngkin has interest in running for president. YIKES This comment section ought to be devoted to Nancy Pelosi, but I fear that what has happened in VA is once again symptomatic of the wrong direction this country has been heading, and a reminder of the critical need to VOTE and turn things around. I feel certain that a midterm "upset" (which would not upset me at all!) would do wonders to encourage Pelosi...
Youngkin is turning back progress 50 years. He is beyond devious
And Terry MacAukiffe was a terrible candidate who didn’t or couldn’t make that clear.
Shaun, Your comment has brought me to tears on this Saturday morning in Virginia. The vision you offer, of the people who do or should lead us, from McConnell to George W. Bush, coming together to speak clearly against this attack on everything we say we reject, is so unlikely in today's America and such a powerful, obvious, and simple action that I weep for the loveliness and the impossiibility of it.,
As for Governor Youngkin, he is a snake. I'm not sure I believe he tricked the voters. Most of those who bought his campaign to give more influence on children's education to their parents knew darned well that was code for eliminating anything they didn't like from the curriculum, banning books, controlling what goes on in classrooms, actually getting teachers fired.
Beautifully stated.
Democratic leaders certainly need to do something that gets attention about this terrible near-murder intended for the Speaker, which is the result of Republicans' acceptance of the violence on 1/6!
Also, we haven't done a good enough job highlighting Biden and the Democrats' accomplishments this close to the election.
I pray that some ambivalent voters have realized that only one party in this country supports our democracy, and the other espouses violence, lying and trying to prevent voting in blue areas. I'm completely horrified today, but still hopeful!
Wasn't it McCarthy who said that, if he became Speaker, he would hit Mrs. Pelosi in the head with the Speaker's gavel? Need I say more?
Qevin is a piece of 💩!
So agree, Shaun, especially as to Youngkin, the governor of my State of Virginia.
Trump doesn't need to say anything.....his minions will say it all......over and over again until it becomes the TRUTH!!!
Agreed but I doubt the top Republican leaders would have the courage necessary to do such a thing.
If only! Great idea!
I have always thought that Nancy Pelosi was a remarkable person, but the video of her on the phone on January 6 asking urgently, but calmly, for public officials to take actions to preserve the Capitol and the people trapped inside by a mob of insurrectionists showed her true worth. This phrase gets overused sometimes, but here is richly justified: she is a national treasure.
This is exquisite. Nobody’s perfect, but I agree with you completely. At some point my grandson and I were speculating President Pelosi. She has what it takes.
He lives in a dorm, high school, is 16, sent this to me today:
The night before Paul was attacked, Marjorie Disgrace to Barbra's Evergreene tweeted "Just wait until tomorrow."
Now what was that supposed to mean?
------
(His wacky way of saying Marjorie Taylor Greene harks back to Randy Rainbow’s stupendous piece on the topic.)
Randy is my fave!!
Such a talent, and so gifted, to create all those episodes himself! Phenomenal! I hope he lives a long life and has in an awesome career, that this is just the beginning!
I had the privilege of meeting the Pelosi's when I worked in San Francisco politics and they were the younger brother and sister-in-law of my boss' main ally on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the late Ron Pelosi. During the 1974 Democratic primary for State Controller, we had a fund-raiser at the Haas Mansion. All the SF Movers & Shakers were there. Nancy, merely the wife of the younger brother of the candidate's good friend and ally, ended up in the back of the room near staffer me, while we awated Bob's arrival and speech. We were chatting (I think I had been introduced and met her maybe twice in passing), and I made a comment about either one of the Movers or the Shakers, I forget which. She proceeded to point out and name everyone there, why they were there and what they wanted, and what value their support brought to the campaign (in the majority of cases, not that much). It was a master performance. For the ones I knew of enough to know something of them, she was dead on, so I figured if she was right there, she was right everywhere (I later found she was)e. When she finished, I said "Mrs. Pelosi, you ought to go into politics!" She smiled.
After that I found out who she was, daughter of one of the most powerful Democratic mayors in America, who had learned her politics from the day she spoke her first word. She waited till her kids were grown, and I have never been surprised by anything she's done.
Up until the Rise Of Trump (ROT), I had her tied with Thomas Bracket Reed, creator of the modern Speakership, as Greatest Speaker. But then she became Greatest Speaker for the Ages, because none of her forebears had to confront the Subversive Threat of Trump and Trumpism (and hopefully never will again).
She's my favorite American politician and has been since before she was a professional politician.
She has shown more courage, grit, heart, and determination of any politician out there. And she has shown it over and over again. The Republicans have lost their soul along with their minds.
Absolutely lovely, TC. Post in your substack so we can share.
That' Another Fine Mess
https://tcinla757.substack.com/
Hear! Hear! And what a lovely, and loving, tribute.
What a lovely story. Thank you.
Nancy will be remembered as one of, if not the most consequential House Speakers in history.
That she has to deal personally with the vile tornado of hate brought on by the former guy and his acolytes is sad beyond words
No, she's the Greatest and always will be. None of the others ever had to confront a Threat to the Republic like Trump and Trumpism.
I want to be there when Nancy punches The Donald out!
Thank you for your inspiring words, Robert.
Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, I woke up to the news of this sickening violence with a sense of dread. Then the sadness welled up--for our country--but even more for Nancy Pelosi and her family. She is one of the bravest, strongest leaders in our country's history. I am grateful for her leadership over her long career as a public servant but particularly for being the Commander-In-Chief on January 6th, the worse day in our country's history.
This tragedy stayed with me all day, but with 9 days to go I just got back to the work I am doing to win the Midterms--leading phone banks, canvassing, recruiting volunteers, and voter protection.
I can attest to the fact that taking action really is the antidote to despair and anxiety. Working alongside the dedicated, determined group of people I share this work with seals the deal.
We have 9 days left and millions of voters to turn out to make sure this is not the last free and fair election this country has.
Hi Susan,
Thank you for your comments about Speaker Pelosi. I am in complete agreement. And thank you for the many hours and days you have been working to get out the vote for this election. We all need to keep doing whatever we are able to do to make sure as many people as possible can vote in this election. So much depends upon it. With much support from the coast…
Thank you Susan. For your compassion and your work ethic.
Thank you for this and thank you for all you are doing. This cowardly attack on a brave public servant should only further our resolve to win as many seats as we can.
And where was ANY protection at Nancy’s residence. Whether or not she is there?!? 3rd in line to the Presidency.... and no adequate safeguards??
There is a Capital Police office on duty when she is at her San Francisco residence but not when she is elsewhere.
That is obviously insufficient. Let’s hope there’s an immediate improvement
Security is for Nancy where ever she is located. They protect her. She was in DC. This will change.
The most important question I've heard all day. What is the answer?
In politics for 40+ years, protection of Nancy's SF house was never needed. Her house is not even in the "exclusive" cul de sac that Dianne Feinstein lives in that is almost a gated community.
To date, the worst that ever happened before this was graffiti on her garage door.
It was said Mr Pelosi was hit by the hammer while the police were there trying to deescalate the attacker.
My thoughts, but so eloquently expressed. She has done an amazing job for us. And she did all of the above in her 80s.
If ever an American deserved the Medal of Freedom, it is Nancy Pelosi. She was the embodiment of courage in the service of protecting our nation, our freedom, keeping focused on Jan 6th on protecting our seat of government and seemingly unflappable at that time of chaos. I too get telephone pollsters asking me how I would describe Nancy Pelosi, and I welcome the chance to gush with enthusiasm.
Thanks for opening the comments, and for your great work this week, Robert. Have a good and restful weekend.
And don’t let fear stop you, the reader, from what you believe. This was domestic terrorism and fear was this guy’s goal. The thugs outside ballot boxes, fear is their goal, too. Stand up to it and confront it, or fear will control you.
Stay strong and move forward. Hugs and love to you all!
I’m really sad that Republicans have demonized Nancy Pelosi so much. For whatever reason, the pollsters call me almost every Sunday night on my land line. I can always tell when the poll is sponsored by a Republican candidate when they attempt to gauge my attitude towards “NANCY PELOSI”. That’s the best I can convey how that comes across when they ask.
I often think about this in the context of women’s journey. Until Kamala Harris was elected VP, Nancy was the most powerful elected woman ever as Speaker of the House. I remember her recent predecessors and there’s just no comparison as to morals and ability to legislate by holding the Democrats towards the common good of the people. She deserves our praise and gratitude, but has to endure the outright demonization of the Republicans.
VOTE:
Character first!
Integrity second!
Policy third! Policy can be changed.
And Madame Speaker Pelosi also says, ‘Don’t agonize, organize!’ She is a true leader during these trying times. May her husband heal fully and quickly and regain a sense of peace and serenity in their home eventually. My heart goes out to them.
Now is the time to vote every Republican out of office and bring about the end of the MAGA infested Republican Party which no longer believes in democracy or integrity or empathy or peace or doing the People's work. Perhaps my favorite photo of our time is Nancy in the Cabinet Room standing wagging her finger at the petulant baby potus sitting across the table from her. We are very fortunate to have such a Mama Bear taking care of us and our nation. We must all stand firm against the violence and intimidation or we will have lost our freedom. Any elected or un-elected official who won't stand against the violence must never hold office again. We must do this from the strength of non-violent protest and our votes. Please encourage everyone you know or meet to go vote for our freedoms! We, the People, all of us together have the power to set the country back on the track to a more equitable union where the freedoms and well-being of others is our sole mission.
Yes, the finger-wagging moment. Followed by a swift and certain exit bedecked in red coat and sunglasses.
Madame Badass 💙
I am a 72 year old woman. I have long admired the strong women who have taken on the patriarchal institutions with intelligence and grit. Like Nancy. However, I have asked myself so many times over the past few years “What have “we” become? The news of this attack, as well as other attacks that have become part of the daily newsfeed reinforces the fear I have for the future of democracy. If I get started on the Dobbs decision, I fear I could not stop my frustrations. And then----I read on the morning news that in Arizona, a woman who has fed the homeless for years, has now been arrested with the potential jail term of 4 months for feeding the homeless in a park. The law now in Arizona is that it is a crime to “charitably” feed others in a public setting. Again I ask “what have we become?”
I had not heard this... hard to believe the hatred being enacted in so many states. It makes my soul ache.
Truth. The woman ended up not being sentenced to jail—-but that is the law and she is in her late 70’s. I am flummoxed how these absurd laws can be enacted.