Experience counts

Seldom have I read an editorial in any newspaper so ludicrous, so absurd, as the one concerning who the next speaker of the House of Representatives should be (Nov. 25, “Topple the Old Guard Now”).

Where to begin? First of all, if the Post-Gazette thought so highly of Conor Lamb, the paper could have endorsed him in either or both contests in which he ran for a seat in the House — most recently in a race he won by 20 points. Instead, in both instances, the paper endorsed his Republican opponent. So much for the Post-Gazette’s regard for Mr. Lamb.

Second, the implied notion that anybody — maybe even the guy down the street — could be an effective speaker of the House is equally ludicrous. Even to point out the absurdity of such an opinion is to dignify it.

Beyond this, the notion that Nancy Pelosi, far and away the most effective and experienced individual the Democrats could choose as their next speaker, is what — too old, too polarizing, too West Coast liberal? — to effectively lead the soon-to-be majority party in the House is simply an echo of standard Republican demonizing.

Republicans dislike Ms. Pelosi for the same reason they dislike — even detest — anyone in the other party who is experienced, effective, politically astute and good at what they do — in short, someone who knows how to get things done. There is no one else the Democrats could nominate as their next house leader who has Ms. Pelosi’s knowledge of House rules, her political savvy and acumen and her familiarity with the individuals who will make up the new House majority.

Experience should count for something in politics, or any field of human endeavor. The Democrats could do a lot worse than choose Ms. Pelosi to be their next speaker.

GORDON D. BLOOM

Dormont