Evan:

As always this is an interesting piece. Just a few observations, if I may. I do not think Pelosi is being elected Minority Leader due to the dominance of leftists among Democrats in Congress. From what I hear, her tireless fundraising and campaigning for Democratic House members has earned her enough political chips that she will win a vote for the leadership. (Incidentally, this is how Tom DeLay worked his way into Republican leadership—but that is another story.)

The idea to “Bork” Pelosi and make her the symbol of an out-of-touch party, ill-suited to lead in these times is interesting as well. However, this seems unlikely to me because Pelosi is going to be the Minority Leader in a House where 50.1% makes all the difference. In other words, the House, even with Pelosi as Minority Leader, is going to enact the Bush agenda.

On the other hand, Daschle could be “Borked” or “Newted”, and it will be interesting to see if the Republicans use the Presidential pulpit to destroy leaders in the opposing party. (Clinton was a master of this, even as he enacted Republican ideas).

Richard

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