October 22, 2007
Posted: 08:07 PM ET

WASHINGTON (CNN) – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders are launching a new communications effort to mark the one year anniversary of their party taking control of the House of Representatives.

Pelosi and her top lieutenants circulated a letter to all Democratic offices on Friday telling them that "The 110th Congress has a great story to tell." And the Democratic leadership is calling on rank-and file Democrats to tout the majority party’s accomplishments over the upcoming holiday recess.

“We need your help telling this story,” the California Democrat and the other party leaders wrote. “At a time when many of us and many Americans feel our country has been moving in the wrong direction, it is critical that we help Americans learn where we stand and what we have accomplished."

 On Monday, the Democratic leadership held a staff level briefing in the House Ways and Means Committee room. Democratic aides described it as “overflowing into the hallway” with chiefs of staff, communications directors and legislative aides from most House Democratic offices in attendance.

The Democratic staffers were told that the expectation is that their bosses would hold between three and five media events in their districts in November and December to discuss the party’s "new direction accomplishments." Among the themes the Democrats are expected to sound include "restoring accountability," "making America safer," and "restoring the American dream."

“We put in long hours over the last 9 months,” one senior Democratic aide said. “We need to communicate that. We can walk and chew gum at same time. Now is the time you take in the fall to communicate that. Members are our best messengers."

According to  aides, the bulk of the meeting was a presentation by pollster Celinda Lake and former Clinton White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry discussing the current political environment and how lawmakers should talk about their accomplishments.

House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, D-South Carolina, is "whipping the effort" to ensure that all offices participate, aides said. A leadership aide added that "Everyone is working on this — from the Speaker on down."

– CNN Congressional Producer Deirdre Walsh

Filed under: House Democrats • Nancy Pelosi


Marcus Welby, Youngstown, OH   October 24th, 2007 8:49 pm ET

I would just like you to be aware that the last time I voted (lever) when I came out of that booth a little piece of metal fell off the side of the machine where that lady was standing. She picked it up and said I wonder where this came from? I questioned her about if that made my vote not count and she had the nerve to look at me like I was in the wrong. I live in a Republican town and when I signed that book they knew I was a Democrat. I really don't trust them.

Posted By Karen,nj : October 24, 2007 9:11 am

Karen – I've read all of your paranoid posts all over this site. You really need to calm down.

Forsythe P. Jones, Riverdale, NY   October 24th, 2007 8:47 pm ET

Too bad all they do is vetoed by the Idiot President!

Posted By Robert Cadalso NYC, NY : October 23, 2007 8:16 am

Robert, I think you have a math problem here. Congress has tried to pass numerous bills. Bush has used his veto, what, four times this year? The problem is at the top – it's in Congress not getting the job done.

OK – pop quiz:

What Consitutional duty has Congress ignored so far this year?

Give up? The haven't passed a Federal Budget for FY '08. You would think that before they propose to increase spending with things like SCHIP – they'd at least pass a freakin' budget.

therealist   October 24th, 2007 10:46 am ET

Hey, did you hear about the their latest accomplishment?

Hearing to focus attention on selective federal prosecutions aimed squarely at Democrats. Wow!

You see, a federal grand jury indicted this guy for 84 counts of wire fraud, mail fraud and theft. Accusing him of cheating county citizens and clients of his private forensics firm. But the dems think this is aimed at them..? So their investigating it because this guy's LAWYER says the 84 count grand jury indictment is, "trying to curry favor with Bush". Boy, talk about partisan paranoia.

Congratulations Harry, Nancy and Hillary, another fine accomplishment to tout during the elections next year..

Karen,nj   October 24th, 2007 9:11 am ET

I would just like you to be aware that the last time I voted (lever) when I came out of that booth a little piece of metal fell off the side of the machine where that lady was standing. She picked it up and said I wonder where this came from? I questioned her about if that made my vote not count and she had the nerve to look at me like I was in the wrong. I live in a Republican town and when I signed that book they knew I was a Democrat. I really don't trust them.

Ann ME   October 23rd, 2007 8:22 pm ET

That is quite understandable, Democrats have lied about everything they've told the American people so far, what's a few more lies among friends, hmm… Mrs. Polcat?

Karen,nj   October 23rd, 2007 7:49 pm ET

Leader Nancy Pelosi..Are you aware that just recently the State Dep't. mismanaged a $1.2 billion contract for the training of Iraq police. It can't tell what it was used for? As a United States citizen I am asking you to say NO to Bush's $$$$ request. JUST PLAIN NO, NOT ONE PENNY MORE

Karen,nj   October 23rd, 2007 6:40 pm ET

I was just watching Lou Dobbs and I am so angry at that Congress tryng to pass that Dream Act bs. Enough is enough!! Close the borders now!! The American citizen are being made fools of. The only reason I am voting Democrat is I am a Democrat and I hate the Republicans. Republicans are worst. But, no one is happy with the spinless Dems either.

E.A. Searle, Phoenix,AZ   October 23rd, 2007 4:59 pm ET

Pathetic, is their record. The party of change? Vote them OUT!!!!!!!!!!!

therealist   October 23rd, 2007 3:00 pm ET

Actually the majority of those still doing minimum wage jobs today are illegals. So the tax increase on the middleclass to raise the minimum wage mainly benefited the illegals.
Not much of an accomplishment there unless your name is Carl Marx.

Val Davydov, Agawam, MA   October 23rd, 2007 2:23 pm ET

CNN, why was my post deleted? Did Nancy tell you to delete it?

Mary, Beaver, PA   October 23rd, 2007 12:41 pm ET

I second the motion: What accomplishments?

James, Phoenix AZ   October 23rd, 2007 12:20 pm ET

NANCY PELOSI writes,

"“We need your help telling this story,” the California Democrat and the other party leaders wrote. “At a time when many of us and many Americans feel our country has been moving in the wrong direction, it is critical that we help Americans learn where we stand and what we have accomplished."

—–

At least she is being honest… the "accomplishments" of the 110th Congress (11% approval rating) are SO well hidden – it's easier for Hans Blix to find WMDs in Iraq than a positive accomplishment by Nancy & Co.

Let's see if we can recount some of the highlights:

- fast-tracked Kyl-Lieberman Resolution calling Iran's military a "terrorist" organization (Conservatives applaud you)

- fast-tracked renewing the Patriot Act (Conservatives applaud you)

- Impeachment off the table (Conservatives applaud you)

- Unable to craft a sensible SCHIP bill and not able to override the President's veto (Conservatives applaud you)

- Spent millions on investigating the firing of 8 US Attorneys, issued many subpeona which were ignored. To date, not one conviction or concrete allogation.

- Earmarked $1 million (Federal Dollars) for a hippie museum

Did we miss anything??

demwit   October 23rd, 2007 11:37 am ET

You mean Priceless…, Bob?

Bob NY   October 23rd, 2007 11:35 am ET

Well.., this 110th's unlimited partisan rankor did allow Rush to use them to raise 4.2 milliion for Injured Marines.
For which, Harry took credit for on the Senate floor, and of course, like the other 41 liberal Democrats, without matching the donation challenge. Payless..

Eric, from THE Republic of Texas   October 23rd, 2007 11:17 am ET

I understand they're going to list all of their accomplishments on the back of a postage stamp.

They should at least use a matchbook cover… you know, should they get verbose.

G. W. Greenwood, Alpharetta, GA   October 23rd, 2007 10:58 am ET

What accomplishments?

Darko, New Orleans LA   October 23rd, 2007 10:48 am ET

A minimum wage hike for a select few.

I guess one minor accomplishment is better than none.

Archie Kearney Ne.   October 23rd, 2007 10:11 am ET

What accomplishments do the democrats allude to other than a massive partisan effort to "get" Bush.The only thing congress does these days is lust for absolute power at the expense of the American people and the welfare of the country !

AMERICA   October 23rd, 2007 9:44 am ET

Accomplished what? $$ for Iraq and Afghanistan? The impeachment of Bush? You have been on vacation since to got there.

jimmy, buda tx   October 23rd, 2007 9:42 am ET

if you need to actually tell people in your party to start talking up your accomplishments, you havent accomplished much. yeah i know the pres keeps vetoing their bills.

Chris, Walnut Creek, CA   October 23rd, 2007 9:18 am ET

Pelosi has been a disaster as a Speaker. They have done NOTHING. The media will give them a pass, however. How about the people that elected them to do something, though?

Of course, living in California and knowing what Pelosi stands for (socialism, far far left liberalism, etc), it is no surprise (like our two Senators, Feinstein and Boxer) that NOTHING has been accomplished.

Chris, Middletown, CT   October 23rd, 2007 9:09 am ET

"well….we had the opportunity to renew the SCHIP bill…but we decided to add 35 billion to it…after being warned that it would be vetoed….then political grandstand…and it still failed….thus exposing our own parties earmarks for such frivolous things as a Woodstock museum at a cool million (Rangel and Clinton sponsored)" – did I leave anything out – a lower approval rating than President Bush….and thats saying something!

Terry, El Paso, TX   October 23rd, 2007 8:27 am ET

List of recent accomplishments of the House of Representatives:

1. Came to work
2. Secretary poured coffee
3. Sent secretary out for pastry
4. Went to lunch
5. Went shopping
6. Met with lobbyist for dinner
7. Watched Law and Order

Robert Cadalso NYC, NY   October 23rd, 2007 8:16 am ET

Too bad all they do is vetoed by the Idiot President!

alan St Louis MO   October 23rd, 2007 7:58 am ET

I give democrats a "C"

Pros.

1)Dems cants pass a law with out republicans senators phillybuster or president VETO. FIX elect more dems in senate.

2)They exposed Bush dirty laundry to Americans while the old republican congress rubber stamped everything. And also would not keep the white house in check. And is the reason why our country is goin Bankrupt in money,Diplomcy around the world, and morale of the nation.

Cons.

They can put up a harder fight. They were elected to fight Bush and republican party. They cant pass laws but they can also easly stop repulicans from passing laws too. They realy need to grid lock congress to make the republicans start to compromise. It is Getting old all the republicans and Bush have to do is hold there breath till there faces turn blue and the Dems give them what they want. Then the republicans call that compromise. lol

How about let there faces turn blue till they pass out. when they wake up then they will compromise.

It probably why congress rating is so low. they still bow down to KING BUSH.

DISQUSTED CITIZEN   October 23rd, 2007 7:50 am ET

I am disqusted with Nancy Pelosi and the rest of them going on vacation when Bush is trying to start a war with Iran. Him and Chaney talking the same war talk before they attacked Iraq. Nobody will stand up to Bush. CNN you said we are in debt to China, N.Korea and Mexico etc. I am disqusted with everyone in this country. All a bunch of yellow bellied sap suckers!

TideDruid   October 23rd, 2007 2:51 am ET

And the opinion polls on Congress keep dropping faster than Bush's…

Rick, Kansas City, MO   October 23rd, 2007 1:43 am ET

Hahahaha. "Accomplishments" include, but are not limited to: raising taxes (the 25 cent per gallon gas increase), making non-binding votes, trying to silence radio personalities free speech rights, and having an approval rating of 18%. Right on, Nancy. Right on.

Daniel   October 23rd, 2007 1:31 am ET

In other very important House news:
1. Tom Davis will not be running for Senate which is a huge blow for Democrats hoping to pick-up his seat.
2. Republicans are pressuring Rep. Doolittle to retire in CA-04.

malclave, Long Beach, CA   October 23rd, 2007 12:51 am ET

I, for one, am very interested in hearing about the successes of the Speaker's promised 100 hours.

Val Davydov, Agawam, MA   October 23rd, 2007 12:50 am ET

Remind me again, what EXACTLY have you accomplished in the past 10 months? And what is your approval rating right now? Shame on you, Nancy, for wasting taxpayers' time and money – that is EXACTLY your accomplishment. Congratulations.

Bob NY NY   October 23rd, 2007 12:42 am ET

Why don't the Democrats look into this?
Read below. this has nothing to do with this article but I wish something would be done to catch the crooks.

Billions over Baghdad
Between April 2003 and June 2004, $12 billion in U.S. currency—much of it belonging to the Iraqi people—was shipped from the Federal Reserve to Baghdad, where it was dispensed by the Coalition Provisional Authority. Some of the cash went to pay for projects and keep ministries afloat, but, incredibly, at least $9 billion has gone missing, unaccounted for, in a frenzy of mismanagement and greed. Following a trail that leads from a safe in one of Saddam's palaces to a house near San Diego, to a P.O. box in the Bahamas, the authors discover just how little anyone cared about how the money was handled

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   October 22nd, 2007 11:56 pm ET

Less touting of marginal achievements and more courage on war defunding would be my preference, Madam Speaker.

Al, Fort Worth, TX   October 22nd, 2007 11:37 pm ET

110th Congress accomplishments:

1) Lowest job approval rating ever!!!

Max, Austin, TX   October 22nd, 2007 11:25 pm ET

Indeed, having a lower approval rating than Bush is quite an accomplishment.

David, Dallas Tx   October 22nd, 2007 11:20 pm ET

This should be interesting. Between the presidential vetos of bipartisan legislation and all the obstructionism by Congressional Republicans (more filibusters than any 3 previous congresses put together! Five minutes with Google will verify it), I'm surprised Congressional Dems can find any accomplishments to tout.

I'd lay the blame where it belongs (and I have). ;) Apparently, the Dems are trying for a more positive instead of negative message.

LaAngeloMysterioso   October 22nd, 2007 11:11 pm ET

Their only accomplishment is passing the minimum wage. They have not done much to those that lied and changed WMD data to go to war in Iraq. Going after Hatch Act violaters (justice) and accepting Libby as the sacrificial lamb does not make for good governance. Rubber stamping the Republican budget seems to be lazy to me, don't brag.

josh   October 22nd, 2007 10:56 pm ET

Accomplishments???? What is this lady talking about. It seems the sun has set on the first year of this "new day"… and with out much to show for.

bprossersme   October 22nd, 2007 10:53 pm ET

WHAT?? Democrats – accomplishments? Surely you jest. Oh by the way, Mrs. Pelosi must step down, she has become a complete embarrassment to the United States government. That is to be the Democrats first accomplishment this year.

Charles in Orem, UT   October 22nd, 2007 10:13 pm ET

This should be good…

Rex, Toledo, Ohio   October 22nd, 2007 10:10 pm ET

Accomplished? Could someone enlighten me as to what they've accomplished please?

Pleasey Athens GA   October 22nd, 2007 10:03 pm ET

What exactly are you touting, that is of real substance ? The fact that you can count ? America is still in Iraq, still arguing with Iran, still many Americans without Health Care. A Presidential Front Runner that Cackles more than Informs us of Policies. Please explain your Touting ?

RightyTighty   October 22nd, 2007 10:02 pm ET

Restoring accountability?
Making America safer??
Restoring the American dream???

The 110th Congress???? Ha Ha!!

Tricia M Charlottetown PEI   October 22nd, 2007 10:02 pm ET

I ask Speaker Pelosi what exactly have they accomplished?

America and many Nato Nations are still at war with Iraq. American and Nato soldiers are stilly dying as a result. President Bush and Vice President Cheney are still calling the shots. In fact, it appears they are ready for a whole new chapter, an invasion on Iran.

If the Dems have accomplished what they set out to accomplish, why are Bush and Cheney still in office? And why does the world believe we are in the midst of WWIII?

Briezzy San Diego CA   October 22nd, 2007 10:01 pm ET

Democrats touting Accomplishments ? That is really funny. Something like the Texas Rangers counting World Series crowns.

therealist   October 22nd, 2007 10:00 pm ET

Well.., it nice to see Hillary's pollsters finally asking what America has been asking all year.
What value has this pitiful 110th Congress been to us? Please do tell..

Anonymous   October 22nd, 2007 9:59 pm ET

Democrats touting Accomplishments ! That is the best one yet ! Hehehehe ! Something like the Texas Rangers counting their World Series titles !

Touster Washington DC   October 22nd, 2007 9:17 pm ET

Oh, and don't forget. Real Presidents don't Cackle !

Touster Washington DC   October 22nd, 2007 9:16 pm ET

Sorry, Pelosi, it doesn't do any good to brag about having ahold of the wheel, when you don't know how to drive. What are you Touting? The fact that Obama is related to Cheney ?

Fred, San Francisco   October 22nd, 2007 9:16 pm ET

There have been NO accomplishments for the Democrats since taking both houses. Nancy Pelosi has been a disaster as a Speaker. The democrats are great at making it look like they've done something because the press gives them free reign to spout their lies and deceptions.

As a Californian, I see what Pelosi is all about…she is a leftist socialist at heart, just like Boxer, Feinstein, and Hillary.

Keith Richards, Denver, Colorado   October 22nd, 2007 9:10 pm ET

What accomplishments? You promised bi-partisanship but instead try to run every GOP out of office! Democrats attacked an incredible amount of Pork spending to every bill, yet the taxpayer sees no benefit (what does a musuem to honor Woodstock have anything to do with the Health Insurance Bill!) Enough of the used car salesman tactics!

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