Pelosi gets defensive as Democrats grumble
WASHINGTON — Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi defended her leadership Thursday in the face of needling from President Donald Trump and grumbling from House Democrats exasperated after special-election losses.
“So you want me to sing my praises, is that what you’re saying?” the California Democrat, 77, said to reporters when asked why she should remain leader. “Well, I’m a master legislator. I’m a strategic, politically astute leader. My leadership is recognized by many around the country.”
Democrats remain angry after throwing $30 million into a House race in Georgia on Tuesday, only to see Republican Karen Handel beat Democrat Jon Ossoff by about 5 percentage points in the suburban Atlanta district.
Democrats lost another race in South Carolina that night, and that followed previous disappointments in Montana and Kansas.
All the races were on GOP-friendly terrain, and Pelosi and other party leaders insist that Democrats have a good shot at taking back the House in next year’s midterms. They must pick up 24 seats to do so.
Trump weighed in on Twitter Thursday with digs at Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.
“I certainly hope the Democrats do not force Nancy P out. That would be very bad for the Republican Party — and please let Cryin’ Chuck stay!” Trump wrote.