Robert ReichNancy Pelosi, one of the strongest Speakers in recent history, is today back representing the 11th district of California in the House. She’s been replaced as Speaker by Kevin McCarthy from the 20th district of California, who will be one of the weakest Speakers in history.
John Allison@rbreich I don't think the strength or weakness of the speaker is nearly as important as the difference between Dem and Rep policy priorities. Having a weak GOP speaker might be our best option right now.
Fernhead@rbreich That about sums up California; a bountiful land that nourishes so many and frequently erupts in hellfire, deadly floods and devastating earthquakes.
Jan Bennett@rbreich Nancy Pelosi will take some beating! I particularly remember her standing behind Trump smiling and clapping and dripping sarcasm!
Book Goddess@NotsoproudBrit @rbreich You do know that someone tried to give her "some beating" in her own house? Stop the violent rhetoric please. And I agree her action at that time wasn't appropriate.
Bob Wyman@rbreich
I'm puzzled by the idea that being a "strong Speaker" would be considered a good thing. That this would be good is often assumed, but rarely explained.
A strong speaker weakens the rank and file members elected to represent their districts. When decision-making becomes concentrated in party leaders, the metric for a "good" representative becomes obedience to leadership rather than effectiveness in representing district priorities or problem solving expertise. Not good.
Ario2022 (She/Her)@rbreich This is truly another sign of the "dumbing down of America." An abomination, a disgrace.
readermomKevin McCarthy will make an absolute rubbish Speaker. Let's not forget he voted against certifying the 2020 election, tried to block the Jan 6th investigation, and is supported by Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene. As a MAGA, McCarthy will prioritize the far right agenda. He is a danger to our democracy.
Matt Gruner@rbreich This asshole gets the nuclear football if Biden and Harris are taken out. that scares the hell out me
Brian ❄@rbreich Slate convinced me a weak speaker is better for democracy:
The past 30 years have seen an extreme consolidation of power..., a trend which began in earnest when Republican Speaker Newt Gingrich tossed aside committee norms to elevate loyalists and hardliners in the mid-1990s.
This concentration at the top was something outgoing Speaker Nancy Pelosi, [whom some call] the most powerful House speaker in modern history, used to her full advantage.
Majority and minority leaders now enjoy exorbitant control over rulemaking and the legislative and appropriative processes. Non-leadership members of both parties, meanwhile, have become historically disempowered, warm bodies expected to show up and vote the party line.
[The HFC] is pushing for a decentralization of the “awesome power” of the speaker, as Pelosi once put it, and an equivalent empowerment of factions within the chamber.
SupposeNot@rbreich though if the freedom caucus gets their way and crash the debt ceiling, McCarthy will have the dubious distinction of being more impactful.
Rick@rbreich If McCarthy had an ounce of integrity, he would ignore the Gaetz group who opposed him and cling to the mainstream, or, at least, what constitutes the GOP mainstream, these days, he owes the Gaetz-Boebert combine of crazies, nothing!
Crowjane@rbreich
That pendulum sure can swing a wideass arc.
That pendulum sure can swing a wideass arc.
Richservo 
@rbreich McCarthy is a piece of shit but don’t pretend Pelosi got anything done besides snark and insider trading.
Ken Exline@richservo @rbreich
Biden would not have had the success attributed to him without her help. I never much liked her either, but I give her credit when it's due.
Biden would not have had the success attributed to him without her help. I never much liked her either, but I give her credit when it's due.
@KenExline @rbreich most of these are about jobs that were lost and refilled after Covid lockdowns. There isn’t a lot there that’s a big deal. But it’s a nice looking list.
@rbreich compare Jeffries with McCarthy. Ugh.
@rbreich strong ≠ good! Right? If an anti capitalist like Nancy then this has to be a simulation.
Hanksingle@rbreich What does 'strong' mean if Pelosi's speakerships count as it? Like, what is she hanging her hat on? A million dead to covid? A bloated, predatory private healthcare system? Housing crisis? A mortgage crisis where Congress made the rich richer, and left the middle class rot? A number of financial crises? What has she done other than 'raise money' that's worth note? Especially when considering what that money was spent on?
Andrew CH🌆🌹@rbreich Pelosi was an enduring Speaker, owing mostly to her *fundraising* prowess. But I can't think of any politician who's presided over as many electoral disasters for her party as her.
The Odd 1 BTM@rbreich With that kind of overwhelming intracaucus mandate he's bound to be a super effective Speaker this time.
mdhh_usa 🇺🇸What's scariest to me is that mccarthy is now second in line should something happen to President Biden.