This New York Times opinion piece on the current brouhaha surrounding Nancy Pelosi and the House Speaker position provide an interesting perspective on how this little breather before January might best be used by the House Dems. Writer Michelle Cotter theorizes in this article that in this six week period before the legislative session begins, House Dems should reexamine old structural rules, open up positions for promising newcomers, make the old guard justify their elevated perches and truly examine the question of whether it is time for a new Speaker. She views this mini-rebellion as a good thing, a chance to insert some healthy push-pull in the Dem dialogue before the legislative work begins in January. And her comments have merit.
I argued a few days ago that Pelosi was the best choice, and that quibbling over the leadership would take away from this abbreviated opportunity to establish party unity. I expressed the fear that the Dems, as they have done in the past, might become too fractured too speak with one authoritative voice and that this splintering would weaken their effectiveness when the legislative work begjns.
My position did not take into account how the House Dems may have in fact become too rigid at the top and that current structure rules might indeed be thwarting promising Dem newcomers from moving to the head of Committees. The chance to air grievances, question traditional leadership practices, and allow the newcomers and newer veterans chances to suggest new reforms can be viewed as a good thing for for the party overall.
The downside to Cotter’s position is that opening up the dialogue can become a Pandora’s Box. If the interchange becomes too aggressive, too abrasive and too nasty, it might leave long standing resentments in its wake. Such in-fighting could cost the Dems its unity at a time when they have been given a mandate to move on some important legislative issues and to ready the party for the huge promise of 2020.
And so there you have it. What is happening with the House Dems is the age old jostling for position in a large institution when newcomers come in with enthusiasm, some naivete, and fresh ideas. This is the time for the deft touch of a gifted leader to keep the guard rails for the Dems in place. I think Nancy Pelosi is up to the task.. Lets keep our fingers crossed that she is up to the job.
Enjoy the article.