Politico: Some Dems Frustrated with Pelosi

Democratic House Leader Nancy Pelosi is expected to run for Minority Leader again with little opposition, but according to a new Politico report, after the midterm drubbing some Democrats are thinking it might be time for someone new in leadership. 

“If I had to make a bet, I think she would be the leader this coming cycle but folks hope that Nancy Pelosi will reach out and include some folks that aren’t often included,” a senior Democratic staffer told Politico. 

The publication reported that a number of senior Democratic aides and insiders said there is a desire in the caucus for a more inclusive message from leadership — beyond a focus on women to add something that might appeal to men and older Americans. 

“As a party, we need to change,” another senior Democratic aide told Politico. “[Voters] like our policies. All this leftie [talk], the country likes but somehow the message about us as individual members of conference isn’t breaking through. There is great unrest.”

Democratic leadership elections are expected to be held this month. On Wednesday Pelosi announced she plans to run for minority leader again. In a letter to House Democrats, Pelosi chalked the midterm defeats up to a need for more voter participation.

“To succeed, we must inspire, educate and remove obstacles to participation. Only by changing our political environment and broadening the universe of the electorate can we build a strong sense of community and an economy that works for everyone,” Pelosi wrote, explaining that she hopes to push for a higher minimum wage, more financial stability for the middle class, and removing obstacles to voting. 

However, according to Politico, there is a desire among some younger Democratic members to offer “a broader economic message” beyond the usual hobby-horses of the minimum wage and equal pay. 

“We need a message that will resonate not just to the Northeast United States,” a senior Democrat told Politico. “Our message doesn’t resonate in those [in-play] seats.”

Younger Democratic members are also frustrated, according to Politico’s report, because the current House Democratic Leadership — composed of Pelosi, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD), and Assistance Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn (D-SC) — have been ensconced in their positions for so long there has been no ability for others to advance.