Nancy Pelosi, historic figure of the Democratic Party, announces her withdrawal, but not her retirement

Rarely has a woman elected to Congress aroused so much praise among her people and incredible hatred among her adversaries. After two decades at the head of the Democrats in the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi announced, Thursday, November 17, that she would no longer apply for this role in the next term, which will begin in January 2023. By her longevity, her ability and her decisive role in all the essential reforms carried out under the presidencies of Barack Obama and Joe Biden, she will leave a deep mark in the history of her party, and more broadly in that of contemporary America. “I enjoyed working with three presidents”she said, including George W. Bush and purposely omitting Donald Trump.

The loss of the majority following the Nov. 8 midterms already meant that Nancy Pelosi had to step down as Speaker of the House. She had been the first woman to access this prestigious position in 2007, then to find it again in 2019. Over the course of a speech full of emotion, of which each formula had been polished, the elected representative of California nevertheless confirmed that she would continue to represent her state in the House, within the newly elected Democratic minority. Her colleagues regularly interrupted her with applause. They were fed when the announcer briefly touched on her husband, Paul, who was assaulted at their San Francisco home on Oct. 28.

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In a press release, Joe Biden paid tribute to this veteran of American politics, of her generation. The President particularly underlined his ” dignity “but also her effectiveness as Speaker of the House. “When she was leading the way, you didn’t have to worry about whether a bill was going to pass. If she says she has the voices, she has the voices,” writes Joe Biden.

“Ardor” and “determination” to protect democracy

The latter also recalled, rightly, the role played by Nancy Pelosi during the disastrous day of January 6, 2021 and the assault by supporters of Donald Trump against the Capitol. Along with other senior congressional officials, she had mobilized and piloted the federal response to the coup attempt, while Donald Trump watched the events on television. “History will also remember his ardor and his determination to protect our democracy against the violent and deadly insurrection of January 6”, the statement said.

Nancy Pelosi, 82, explained her decision by the need to promote a ” new generation ” in the Democratic ranks. A leap of nearly thirty years will take place. The other two members of his party’s triumvirate, Steny Hoyer (Maryland), 83, and Jim Clyburn (South Carolina), 82, are also expected to step back. Three names should embody the next generation. In the absence of any other suitor, Hakeem Jeffries (New York) would have the formidable task of succeeding Nancy Pelosi and of organizing the resistance against the attacks that the Republicans are already preparing against the White House. Aged 52, he would become the first black man to lead the party in the House. He should be assisted by Katherine Clark (Massachusetts) and Pete Aguilar (California).

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