No matter how loudly Democrats call for fresh leadership, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has insisted she'll run for speaker if her party claims a majority in the lower chamber this fall. But now, Pelosi has hinted she may at least be tuning in to the calls.
In a Wednesday interview with The New York Times, Pelosi said she's "[building] a bridge to the future," and hinted she'll pass on leadership roles to Democrats who "show what's on the other side of the bridge." Rep. Jim Clyburn (S.C.), the third ranking Democrat in the House, may be the first in line.
As Democrats shoot to regain the House in this November's midterms, members of Pelosi's own party have shunned the former speaker. Rep. Conor Lamb (Pa.) already won a special election on the promise that he wouldn't support Pelosi, and he joins other rising blue stars calling for a new generation to replace the 78-year-old minority leader.
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Clyburn is also 78, but he's still thinking about becoming the first black House speaker. He indicated to the Times that he'd aim for speaker only if Pelosi fails; Pelosi told the paper that she's fine with this "beautiful, lovely member of Congress" wanting to lead the House.
In fact, Pelosi doesn't care if Democrats running deride her either. "Let them do whatever they want. We have to win the election," she told the Times. It's a big statement from Pelosi, but some Democrats say that the longtime leader rejecting the speakership altogether would make things even sweeter. Read more at The New York Times.
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