“Resist” and “Obstruct” liberals have taken repeated political drubbings at the hands of the Trump administration, and it appears rank-and-file Democrats are ready to wage a civil war that restores the party to mainstream values.
In a U.S. House special election that sent shock waves across the nation, upstart Democrat Conor Lamb defeated Republican Rick Saccone in Pennsylvania’s 18th District. While off-year elections often propel the party not holding the White House, Lamb’s stunning win came by effectively running a campaign against House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.
The strategy to run on mainstream American, conservative values more closely aligned the ex-Marine with Pres. Trump than the liberal elites that have voted against tax cuts, lending reform, government funding bills, and even providing Dreamers with a pathway to citizenship. Lamb’s win appears to be the first shot fired at the long-standing power broker and her cowing to radical liberals.
Dems To Run Against Pelosi in 2018
Pres. Trump won “swing state” Pennsylvania rather handily and the 18th District by nearly 20 points. Pelosi, in stark contrast, suffers a 65 percent unfavorability rating in the community. Her radical California, Sanctuary State views are roundly rejected by middle class Americans that want safe streets, good schools and a more prosperous future. Lamb is widely considered a centrist likely to vote in favor of the Trump administration’s second wave of tax cuts, as well as DACA recipients gaining legal status and improved border security.
Political pundits on the left and even slanted media outlets such as the New York Times are acknowledging that Pelosi wants to lead, but Democrats don’t want to follow. In reality, the minority leader’s voting base reflects the extremist views of Californian outliers. Policies such as open borders, higher taxes and trade imbalances have zero traction in everyday Main Street American life. And, middle and lower income people do not view tax cuts, more money in their paychecks and $1,000 bonuses as “crumbs.”
These days, even DNC deputy chair and Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison has distanced himself from Pelosi. In a rejection of her infamous “crumbs” statement, Ellison reportedly said, “I would not describe it as crumbs. The income inequality is so bad that if you could pick up 1,000 or 900 bucks, maybe it helps.” Tax reform, personal income and wages are likely to be pivotal issues in the 2018 mid-term elections and beyond.
Even in secure blue states such as New York, Democrats recognize that it’s time to move on from Pelosi as the party’s standard bearer.
“Great leaders know when it’s time to step aside, and I obviously have been calling for her leadership team to step aside,” New York Rep. Kathleen Rice reportedly said in an interview. “I think it would be advantageous to us if that were made clear before the election.”
In Texas, blunt force political candor called Pelosi out.
“If we’re going to take the majority, it’s going to be because we win districts like (Conor Lamb),” Texas Democrat Rep. Filemon Vela reportedly said. “Running against Nancy Pelosi is going to help you a lot more than running with her.”
In liberal Massachusetts, Rep. Seth Mouton reportedly said that Democrats must face the “harsh reality in 2018” that Pelosi could drag the party down. “It’s going to be harder to win in 2018 if we don’t have new leadership,” he reportedly said. “I think everyone’s watching what Conor Lamb’s doing, and I hope they’re taking notes.”
No Confidence
The left-leaning media has under-reported the fact that Democratic leaders such as Pelosi and New York Sen. Chuck Schumer have never really enjoyed robust support. In fact, when push came to shove in the U.S. House, an astonishing 63 Democrats broke ranks and cast ballots against Pelosi in favor of Democrat Tim Ryan for the leadership position.
Since getting trounced in the House and losing the White House in 2016, Pelosi has faced a firestorm of criticism from within her own party. These two names have surfaced as potential replacements.
New York Rep. Joe Crowley: The front-runner to take over House leadership, his ability to bridge the gap between traditional and progressive Democrats has been touted as a badly needed asset.
California Rep. Adam Schiff: This vocal progressive has made a party name for himself attacking Pres. Trump from the House Intelligence Committee. He’s gained notoriety among anti-Trump voters. However, his partisan positions may turn away Democrats looking to be more seen as more moderate.
Rep. Conor Lamb appears to have created a pathway to Democrat victory going forward. Voters in Pennsylvania reacted positively to his middle-America positions and rejection of the far left. The question remains, will Rep. Lamb and his disciples vote the talk that earned them voter trust if elected?
~ Liberty Planet
