Higgins says he will no longer back 'misguided' Pelosi
Source: The Buffalo News
By Jerry Zremski | Published 6:00 a.m. June 14, 2018 | Updated 1 hour ago
WASHINGTON Rep. Brian Higgins of Buffalo said Wednesday that he will not back House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California for another term as the top Democrat in the House. "I will not support her," Higgins said in an interview with The Buffalo News.
Higgins cited the lack of a clear Democratic agenda as an alternative to President Trump, as well as Pelosi's lack of interest in his bills to expand Medicare and invest in infrastructure, as the key sources of his frustration.
"She's listening, but this is my conclusion: She's aloof, frenetic and misguided," Higgins said.
Higgins' surprise move makes him one of only a small number of House Democrats who have said publicly that they will not back Pelosi, who became the top House Democrat in 2003 and who served as the first woman speaker of the House from 2007 to 2011.
Read more: http://buffalonews.com/2018/06/14/higgins-says-he-will-no-longer-back-pelosi/
SCVDem
(5,103 posts)We cannot tolerate divisions splitting us. That's why I don't want to see any past candidates running for president.
Fresh start without the portfolios of both good and bad.
You don't start by dissing our seniority or the one Congressperson who really pisses off the other side!
Higgin's is flipped by propaganda and some of his constituents which watch Fox.
KPN
(15,646 posts)reaction? Higgins has a right to his view on leadership. Plus, it won't hurt Pelosi's chances. She has more than enough support to retain her House Dem leadership role. A handful of critics aren't going to upset that Apple cart.
Personally, I am far more concerned about and alarmed by calls for submitting to 100% unity by surrendering the right to openly and honestly question or critique than I am by the reverse. I welcome honest, well-intended questioning and criticism. Without it, we can't grow or improve. Intent is what's important to guard against, not critique.
Demsrule86
(68,586 posts)but we need warm bodies so I hope you win anyway.
brush
(53,791 posts)put out more divisive crap instead of concentrating on winning the House.
Wwcd
(6,288 posts)Stupid man.
zentrum
(9,865 posts)If you talk to ordinary people, you often hear that they don't know what Democrats stand for. Or that it's too vague. Or that they've heard some things but aren't sure.
This should not be the case at this point.
We need a clear 4 or 5 point message with sound bites about our message. Adam Schiff, for instance, would be great at the job.
tblue37
(65,408 posts)overestimate voters' political engagement and seriousness; (2) the corporate media don't cover Democrats when they present their message. Remember when the empty podium at a Trump rally was shown for a long time, waiting for Trump to show up, while Democratic presidential candidates' speeches being given at the same time were simply ignored?
lagomorph777
(30,613 posts)I completely agree with your points. I think that fixing your point (1) will help to fix point (2). We can't afford to be afraid to rile up our base. That is the most important job now.
tblue37
(65,408 posts)jcgoldie
(11,631 posts)WTH does that even mean?
KPN
(15,646 posts)what Democrats stand for. Because we triangulate, are erudite and nuanced as opposed to straightforward and direct. We're getting better at that in the face of Trumpism, but we still have a ways to go imo.
Wwcd
(6,288 posts)Chump
"Then House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi came to Buffalo to campaign for Brian Higgins in 2004."
Shut the f up you ungrateful man.
Pelosi helped you get where you are today.
She loaned her position & her voice in 2004 & now you use your voice & position to begrudge her.
Who the f are you anyway!
KPN
(15,646 posts)strike me as not unlike what we see on the other side of the aisle these days.
Higgins is entitled to his views and expression of them. I like Pelosi and support her, but I certainly would not condone silencing criticism as a cost of party unity. Party unity is an ideal that is unrealistic if we want a party that has an ability to learn and improve. I'm not in favor of relinquishing that in exchange for silencing criticism within the party.
Wwcd
(6,288 posts)broadbbrush denigration of Pelosi.
Take a hike ungrateful higgins.
Maybe he'll switch to Independent since the Party & Pelosi just can't be tolerated any longer.
Jerk
Good. Go be with your own kind. We don't need your misguided "loyalty"
KPN
(15,646 posts)your statement about STFU.
Freethinker65
(10,024 posts)He explained his areas of disagreement and frustration with the house leader. That should be the end of it and now he should pivot to what he intends to do for his constituents, what are his priorities, etc.
If all he is campaigning on is being anti-Pelosi, then there is a problem. I think (Democratic) voters in his district have greater concerns. If he is smart he will put his effort into answering those concerns.
I do not want the Democrats to become like the Republican's Ronna McDaniel threatening its members if they are not 100% loyal to any one leader of their party.
Me.
(35,454 posts)if any women have made 'won't stand with Pelosi' statements?
NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)Me.
(35,454 posts)who has he made a deal with for what?