Pelosi: 'I have to do what I have to do'
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California
WASHINGTON (CNN) - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blamed Republicans in the Senate for blocking legislation that would either limit or end the war in Iraq in an exclusive interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Tuesday.
"The Republicans in the Senate have now taken ownership of the war in Iraq," Pelosi said. "It was President Bush’s war. And now it is the Republicans in Congress’ war. And that marks a big turning point for us because we had hoped to have bipartisanship in redeploying out of Iraq."
Pelosi said she would continue trying to get bills passed to limit the missions and deployments for troops and promised to hold the administration "accountable time and time again for the conduct of this war."
Despite their disagreements, Pelosi said she thinks she and Bush have a good working relationship, and was optimistic that they could work together on an energy bill.
"I respect him as a person, I respect the position he holds," she said. "He respects the position of Speaker of the House. He knows he has to do what he has to do. He knows that I have to do what I have to do. And so I think we have a good rapport. We understand each other."
You can see the interview tonight in The Situation Room at 7 p.m., ET.
- CNN Associate Producer Lauren Kornreich
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Democrats are not trying hard enough. Take a position, dig in, and DO NOT COMPROMISE!! This is not an issue where compromise is warranted. If Bush wont bring the troops home, cut off the cash. Period.
Amen, Bob. For some reason the Republicans are still frightened to get out of lockstep with this man. Think for yourselves, people. The country wants out of this war, and we do NOT want to be thrust into another one for the next President to clean up! Get out of Iraq and stay out of IRAN!
Bob in SF – They apparently have you brainwashed, too. What makes you think a Democratic president and congress will change Washington? All Pelosi does is constantly point out that everything the other party does is wrong. That doesn't sound like she's all that interested in bipartisan accomplishments. The only way things are going to improve is if the next president is not currently an elected official and does not have the mentality of our current congress.
So scarey – I think you might believe that she is not playing partisan politics. Nancy is a left winger...we don't need the left...nor the right anymore – and we need to send her back (to Syria)
Voters need to hold these republicans accountable for their actions. The majority of us want the troops home.
Rob
I assume you mean Hillary too – she voted for the war with the same intelligence. (I know...you are NY – theres nothing she can do wrong...go back to surfing the DNC website)
Pelosi has an excuse for everything she has failed to accomplish. The only thing she is good at is taking trips on the tax payers money.
Pelosi holds the ability to stop the war if she wants to. Cut off funding. It's over. No political gamesmanship, no stringing it out for your party's benefit in the next elections. Just end it.
I understand Dems needing the 60 votes to pass a bill. And I fully understand the Bush Veto Obsession with every bill that passes his desk. The more they send his way the more he'll Veto.
This is definietely not a sign of his working together on bipartisan lines.
But what I don't understand is why Pelosi stated Impeachment is off the Democrat Table?
The only reason I can muster is that Cheney would than be in charge. Consequently, Bush is scary, Cheney is more scarry. I guess that makes a No Win situation and Bush and Admin. are milking it for all its worth. As the world becomes a more threatening place to live.
Nancy‘s legacy… Majority leader of the worst Congress EVER rated!
Congratulations on that last election Dems. You guys are really setting the precedence now..
Shut up Nancy nobody believes you or cares to hear your lies. Go back to your district and have more rallies putting down our Troops. You make me sick.
Dear Madam Speaker:
Don't you think that if you know Mr. Bush better, you could do a better job of reaching agreement. Please don't snowball the American public. We prefer honesty.