Pelosi readies for election battle over health care
Washington (CNN) - One day before President Barack Obama signs into law the final piece of health care reform legislation, Speaker Nancy Pelosi Monday ran a rhetorical victory lap in her hometown of San Francisco, touting the benefits of the new law while also directly challenging Republicans who want it repealed.
"They want to reverse and repeal a prohibition on denying care on the basis of a pre-existing condition. Can you imagine making that case?" Pelosi said, linking GOP anger to one of the most popular aspects of the bill. "No, we like denial of service on the basis of pre-existing condition," she mockingly said of the Republicans.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) recently told CNN that Republicans would use the slogan "repeal and replace" in their Congressional campaigns later this year, acknowledging that a majority of Americans want some type of reform but rejecting the size and scope of the Democrats' plan.
Dismissing the Republicans' electoral strategy against the health care legislation, Pelosi additionally appears ready to armor herself against potential personal attacks made against her on the campaign trail.
"They tried it in 2006. They tried it in 2008," said Pelosi of the national campaign Republicans previously ran with the hopes of tying more moderate and conservative Democrats to an individual they called "a San Francisco liberal."
"It just proves the bankruptcy of their ideas... I couldn't care less," she dismissively said before deadpanning, "Actually, I should thank them. It really helps me with my fundraising."
Pelosi also told the supportive crowd at the San Francisco Senior Center that she jokingly disagreed with Obama during a conversation she had with him the day after the House approved the health care legislation. According to Pelosi, Obama said he was happier the night of that vote than he was the night he was elected president.
"Well, Mr. President, I was very happy last night too passing the bill, but I wasn't happier than when you were elected President, because if you had not been elected President of the United States, we would not be celebrating this victory," recalled Pelosi.
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Since the party of fear and no work decided not to participate in the debate (they either didn't show up to meetings, or left before decisions were made) I don't think they have any right to criticize anything. Obama dragged this out a year because Republicans refused every hand that was offered. The original bill, single payer, was the best, but we ditched that because the poor Republicans didn't like it. Tough cookies. And since McCain has said he is not working the rest of the year, I guess it will be up to Democrats to make all the decisions. Fine with me!
Half the people who oppose this bill, do so because they wanted it to go FARTHER.! Considering everything they had to work against, getting this bill done is a real accomplishment for Democrats. I just wish the media would concentrate more now on informing the public about what is REALLY in it... and less on Sarah Palin and her nonsensical speeches.
Well tihs is proof that she has lost her feeble mind the republicans did not say they wanted to eliminate that part of the bill at all
look Nazi you are 70 years old its time to hang it up go work for your husband in his sweat shop in the Philippines or where ever it is he is abusing workers for profit
OMG, where do I begin. Pelosi should have spent less time at Woodstock during the 60's. I know she will not lose her seat in the liberal bastion of SF but she is such an embarrassment. When her botox runs out, her face will probably crack.
U know everyone has negative comments regards to Madam Speaker That is becuse she has become the most power ful women in the united states. and she is great at her job.
Now the past speakers of the United States of the Majority had a hard time as well. But they could not move and shake the public and the House of Rep's like Madam Speaker of Today.
She is a mom, wife, grandma and Career Woman by choice.
Good for Her.
my 94 year old father use to proudly say he voted democratic in every election. Now he says how could they pass a bill that is going to bankrupt the country
Nancy Pelosi approval rating: 11%
Nancy Pelosi approval rating according to CNN readers: 90%
Pelosi talks about democracy at work when talking about the health bill –
Websters Dictionary defines democracy as "a form of Goverment for the people by the will of the majority of the people". Guess what Ms Pelosi – you blew it – BIG TIME
hopefully democracy will prevail when the votes are cast and the majority makes you understand what WE want.
When is Pelosi up for Re-election, so we can get rid of her. And Reid with her. They are a pair of incompetents.
The anger is palpable and emblematic of the 'greater divide' polarizing America, that of liberalism and conservatisim. Both call the other 'stupid' and fan the flames futher with the attitude. It is disgusting. Since when does that do anything but incent the other to a fight, despite the merit of the position?
Be polite, use your brain.
God bless us.