Trump snubs highlight Pelosi's grip on Dems

[DonViejo]

BY MIKE LILLIS - 01/16/19 06:00 AM EST

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has her troops locked down and walking in step as the Democrats face off against President Trump over border security.

Just weeks ago, Pelosi had faced the toughest challenge to her leadership career from disgruntled Democrats fed up with her long reign, leading to questions of how effectively Pelosi would manage her diverse and restive caucus heading into the high-stakes 2020 presidential cycle.But 25 days into a partial government shutdown, virtually every Democrat has adopted Pelosi’s position of refusing to negotiate on Trump’s border wall before the government is reopened — a consensus that’s bolstered the Democrats’ political hand even as cracks have emerged between the White House and congressional Republicans. Many are crediting Pelosi.

“She has demonstrated that she is a very formidable congressional counterbalance to the White House,” said Rep. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.), an early Pelosi critic who supported her
Speaker’s bid only after winning some concessions. “It’s hard to get members to coalesce around you as a leader unless you articulate a clear and compelling narrative. She has done that, clearly.”

That dynamic was on full display Monday when a handful of moderate Democrats — including some conservative-leaning Blue Dogs seen as Trump’s closest allies across the aisle — unanimously refused an invitation to meet with the president on his border wall while the government remains shuttered.

more
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/425536-trump-snubs-highlight-pelosis-grip-on-dems

[gratuitous]

1. Looks like the Democratic caucus fears Pelosi more than it fears Trump

McDonald looks kind of small and impotent in this episode.

[zipplewrath]

2. The Hill over sells this

All outward appearances were that Nancy told them they were free to go meet with Trump. They were warned that they could be used as puppets in some scheme by Trump, possibly on camera, to make them look foolish in one way or another. They were warned that he doesn't really "negotiate" but merely blusters. One could reasonably conclude that the members chose on their own not to attend knowing this.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

3. Kick