Bayh Takes on The Politics of Pelosi
— -- A sign at the Republican National Committee's headquarters by the Capitol building recently changed. Before the midterm elections, it read "Fire Pelosi," rallying voters to get rid of the speaker of the House. After the big Republican victory on Tuesday that propelled them to control of Congress, one letter was changed and it now reads: "Hire Pelosi."
'This Week' anchor Christiane Amanpour asked John Podesta, Bill Clinton's former chief of staff, if it was in the best interest of the Democratic Party for Nancy Pelosi to run for minority leader.
"The Republicans spent millions of dollars demonizing her ... they're all now popping champagne corks, but I think if I were them I'd calm down a little bit because she did take the House back from them. She got the majority in the House. She's tough, disciplined, a great fighter -- that's how she produced the legislative achievements that President Obama asked her to produce," Podesta, who is President of the Center for American Progress, said.
"It'll be a big topic in this town," Senator Evan Bayh, D-Ind., added. "But out in America, people really won't care. The right will continue to demonize her, but since she's not in a position to implement things, that won't matter so much. And she's very good inside at raising money, and those sorts of things," he said. "So, I think it's really a non-issue."
"Her caucus will be smaller, but much more liberal, so it will support her," George Will said. "And she will also have the support of the Republicans, who would like her to stay."
