The Samford Crimson

Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Jonathan Newman

Last Wednesday, President Obama offered his first "State of the Union Address" to the American people. His words were at once reflective and optimistic, apologetic and aggressive.

For me, however, the lasting image of that night had nothing to do with Obama's script. Rather, my attention focused on the staging, the "mis en scene" to quote my cinematic compatriots. Flanking Obama on his left from her throne-on-high was Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Throughout the speech, as Obama tried to reiterate his pledge to move beyond the pettiness of "Washington,"  Pelosi lead the partisan cheers for the Democrats and sneers at the Republicans. She stood out as the single biggest reminder of the partisan tone Obama wanted to overcome. This is why the Democrats should look for a new leader in the coming year.

Pelosi always worked best as an antithesis. Her value as the Democratic leader was defining the party in terms of being "not-Bush." If Bush was for it, you could count on Pelosi instructing the party to be against it. Pelosi thrived in this role, leading a contingent of anti-war, anti-Bush liberals to the political Promised Land as American moderates became disillusioned with the Cheney administration. In 2007, when the Democrats finally regained a majority, they chose Pelosi to lead them as the first female Speaker of the House.

While Bush remained in office, Pelosi prospered on a national stage. She was the new generation's Tip O'Neill, standing up to the conservative menace and keeping progressive hope alive. However, Pelosi's time seemed to be running out with Obama's election. His message of "hope" and "change" did not mesh with Pelosi's partisanship. Moderates swarmed to Obama's promises just as surely as they recoil from Pelosi's practices.

In an odd twist of fate, Pelosi's career in the House leadership evokes memories of Newt Gingrich. Just as Pelosi did by Bush-bashing in 2007, Gingrich became the Speaker in 1995 on a wave of national discontent with Clinton's policies. He served as the chief attack dog against the administration and soon soured the already-contentious relationship between House members in both parties. In 1999, after four extremely divisive years, Republicans, citing a loss in seats despite maintaining a slim majority, ditched Gingrich as Speaker.

Of course, Pelosi will have more advantages than Gingrich enjoyed when the 2010 elections are over. One would assume that she won't have to deal with the shame of an extramarital affair like Newt did. Also, because of the supermajority she currently enjoys, Pelosi can afford to lose more seats without putting her at risk for removal. And, there will still be a Democratic president.

Still, it is clear that moderate Democrats are looking to 2011 as the time to reassert their role in the party. They have been institutionally marginalized and bullied by arch-liberals in the House, and many are sensing the need for a fresh voice. Their push can only be neutralized if Obama decides to shuck his "post-partisan" rhetoric in favor of the Old Guard. More likely, a so-called "New Democrat" will emerge to set a new tone as Congressional leader, and Pelosi will have to find a spot back on the House floor.


Bryan Kessler is a senior history major from Mountain Brook, Ala. He can be reached at bskessle@samford.edu.

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