The more things supposedly change the more they stay the same.
Wednesday, House Democrats re-elected Nancy Pelosi as speaker solidifying her role and power on Capitol Hill heading into the new Biden administration.
Pelosi — who has been the top Democrat in the House since 2002 — retains her seat despite her party taking massive down-ballot hits during this past election cycle that saw the GOP making huge gains in cutting into the Democratic majority.
Unfortunately, however, not enough House Democrats stepped up to oppose the 80-year-old corporate Dem whose been more about political theatre than actually implementing fundamental change for working families in the country. This is unlike 2019 when 15 separate centrist Democrats opposed her speakership and were willing to challenge her role. Obviously, nothing ever came to fruition with that challenge as Pelosi managed to hold onto power after striking a deal with other members of her caucus.
It gets worse though if we’re actually looking for progressive change within the House given the other leadership roles announced today:
- Both House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) will remain in their positions.
- Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) was re-elected as Democratic Caucus Chairman.
- Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) beat David Cicilline (D-R.I.) for Assistant Speaker.
Anyways, look for House leadership continue to punch left while attempting to silence the growing progressive constituent with additions of Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush among others.