Perhaps it’s because I am Aspergian and enjoy examining the details, but I have always been interested in how the machine operates. And I have always been impressed by those who know how to use the machine - whatever kind it is - at its best power. In politics, I have always been interested in the process. How to do it. The “sausage making” that Otto von Bismarck famously suggested voters should never get a look at. And I have always been fascinated by the sausage-makers.
Agree 100%. I love and respect Nancy for everything she has done for this country. I also will never her clap back a Fatso during his State of the Union. That was only improved upon when she quietly tore up her copy of his speech. Glad she will be staying in the house snd whispering in the ear of her replacement when needed. Speaker Pilosi I thank you.
What a marvelous paean to Nancy. I'm glad you are made as you are. You have a gift because of that. She is a giant, stilettoes and all, which I always thought a perfect metaphor for her.
TC, I have waited to run across just one person, not a bunch, I'm not unreasonable, not even three or two. One. I have waited for one lone human being whose passionate belief in Nancy Pelosi approached and touched my own.
When Nancy Pelosi spoke to us this afternoon, I thought of you TC. There was no one else I wanted to hear speak of her.
Thomas McKelvey Cleaver
‘It’s really simple: she was The Greatest of All of Them. She knew that one hundred percent of what is possible is always the goal, something that the political illiterates never figure out. It takes discernment to know what that is.’
‘Like Pitt the Younger, she grew up in politics and learned all the valuable lessons from her father, Baltimore’s greatest mayor. As she recalled in her farewell today, she was five years old when she first stood on the floor of the House of Representatives. Thinking about that scene, if one were writing a Great Heroic Myth, that would be the foretelling of the hero’s greatness.’
Nancy Pelosi
‘In this room, our colleagues across history have abolished slavery; granted women the right to vote; established Social Security and Medicare; offered a hand to the weak, care to the sick, education to the young and hope to the many.’
‘Indeed, it is here, under the gaze of our patriarch, George Washington, in the people’s House, that we have done the people’s work.’
‘With these elections, the people stood in the breach and repelled the assault on democracy. They resoundingly rejected violence and insurrection, and in doing so gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.’
‘And now we owe to the American people our very best, to deliver on their faith. To forever reach for the more perfect union — the glorious horizon that our founders promised.’
‘The questions before this Congress and at this moment are urgent. Questions about the ideals that this House is charged by the Constitution to preserve and protect. Establish justice. Ensure domestic tranquility. Provide for the common defense. Promote the general welfare. And secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. Our posterity. Our children. Babies born today will live into the next century. And our decisions will determine their future for generations to come.’
Thomas McKelvey Cleaver
‘And then there’s the moment when she stepped beyond all other contenders in American political history for the title of The Greatest Speaker. January 6, 2021. The day she saved this constitutional democratic republic, while being hunted by the traitors. That footage of her taking charge while in the “secure site” is for the ages. Hopefully there will never ever be anyone else who can contend for the title, since we will be fortunate that such a terrible day never again happens. She was born to step into that cockpit and wield the power necessary to prevail. That’s the finale of the Great Heroic Myth foretold when the child stepped onto the House floor. That she would save it.’
"She knew that one hundred percent of what is possible is always the goal, something that the political illiterates never figure out. It takes discernment to know what that is." She also knew, perhaps instinctively, that 100% of wha is possible isn't the same as 100% of what is desired.
We've been blessed to see her in action throughout our lives.
I don't know much about Nancy, but you did pick my favorite picture of her. Mocking Trump should be the national religion, instead we have a cult of numbskulls that thinks he is everything he pretends to be and more.
There won’t be another speaker like Nancy, and there won’t be another writer like you, TC, to capture her spirit and accomplishments so movingly. Fortunately for us, you’ll keep on writing. May you continue to find such admirable people to inspire you. Brava, Nancy. Bravo, Tom.
My first thought when hearing she was stepping down was that Nancy Pelosi will be mentioned in the same breath as Sam Rayburn as one of the most powerful and consequential Speakers in U.S. history. Sam, however, had often very large majorities to work with, and not the razor-thin majorities Nancy had, especially in her second tenure as Speaker. Plus Sam never had to deal with an insurrection, as she did. While the R's say "good riddance," I know many more will miss her in that role.
Kudos to Nancy Pelosi and best wishes to her in the future, but look at the klutz who’s succeeding her…what a joke. What a shitshow that’s gonna go down in DC for the next two years…
That picture says it all, doesnt it? I would hope the second picture is the same day - leaving after making it clear exactly who TFF is running up against!
What a splendid tribute, TC. Your earlier narrative of the evening she went around the room in LA telling you about each person was a masterpiece, but in this essay you top them all. She was the Greatest and this has to be one of the Greatest tributes. Should be everywhere. Privileged to be here to read it. The Great Speaker has passed the torch to the New Generation---now it is up to them to step up to the plate and continue to deliver the goods---especially in the next two months. Hoping they show that "lame duck sessions" can hit some home runs!!!
Agree 100%. I love and respect Nancy for everything she has done for this country. I also will never her clap back a Fatso during his State of the Union. That was only improved upon when she quietly tore up her copy of his speech. Glad she will be staying in the house snd whispering in the ear of her replacement when needed. Speaker Pilosi I thank you.
What a marvelous paean to Nancy. I'm glad you are made as you are. You have a gift because of that. She is a giant, stilettoes and all, which I always thought a perfect metaphor for her.
TC, I have waited to run across just one person, not a bunch, I'm not unreasonable, not even three or two. One. I have waited for one lone human being whose passionate belief in Nancy Pelosi approached and touched my own.
You take my breath away.
Thank you
When Nancy Pelosi spoke to us this afternoon, I thought of you TC. There was no one else I wanted to hear speak of her.
Thomas McKelvey Cleaver
‘It’s really simple: she was The Greatest of All of Them. She knew that one hundred percent of what is possible is always the goal, something that the political illiterates never figure out. It takes discernment to know what that is.’
‘Like Pitt the Younger, she grew up in politics and learned all the valuable lessons from her father, Baltimore’s greatest mayor. As she recalled in her farewell today, she was five years old when she first stood on the floor of the House of Representatives. Thinking about that scene, if one were writing a Great Heroic Myth, that would be the foretelling of the hero’s greatness.’
Nancy Pelosi
‘In this room, our colleagues across history have abolished slavery; granted women the right to vote; established Social Security and Medicare; offered a hand to the weak, care to the sick, education to the young and hope to the many.’
‘Indeed, it is here, under the gaze of our patriarch, George Washington, in the people’s House, that we have done the people’s work.’
‘With these elections, the people stood in the breach and repelled the assault on democracy. They resoundingly rejected violence and insurrection, and in doing so gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.’
‘And now we owe to the American people our very best, to deliver on their faith. To forever reach for the more perfect union — the glorious horizon that our founders promised.’
‘The questions before this Congress and at this moment are urgent. Questions about the ideals that this House is charged by the Constitution to preserve and protect. Establish justice. Ensure domestic tranquility. Provide for the common defense. Promote the general welfare. And secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. Our posterity. Our children. Babies born today will live into the next century. And our decisions will determine their future for generations to come.’
Thomas McKelvey Cleaver
‘And then there’s the moment when she stepped beyond all other contenders in American political history for the title of The Greatest Speaker. January 6, 2021. The day she saved this constitutional democratic republic, while being hunted by the traitors. That footage of her taking charge while in the “secure site” is for the ages. Hopefully there will never ever be anyone else who can contend for the title, since we will be fortunate that such a terrible day never again happens. She was born to step into that cockpit and wield the power necessary to prevail. That’s the finale of the Great Heroic Myth foretold when the child stepped onto the House floor. That she would save it.’
Thank you, Tom.
"She knew that one hundred percent of what is possible is always the goal, something that the political illiterates never figure out. It takes discernment to know what that is." She also knew, perhaps instinctively, that 100% of wha is possible isn't the same as 100% of what is desired.
We've been blessed to see her in action throughout our lives.
I don't know much about Nancy, but you did pick my favorite picture of her. Mocking Trump should be the national religion, instead we have a cult of numbskulls that thinks he is everything he pretends to be and more.
Edit: Nancy and Paul get all my well wishes.
There won’t be another speaker like Nancy, and there won’t be another writer like you, TC, to capture her spirit and accomplishments so movingly. Fortunately for us, you’ll keep on writing. May you continue to find such admirable people to inspire you. Brava, Nancy. Bravo, Tom.
My first thought when hearing she was stepping down was that Nancy Pelosi will be mentioned in the same breath as Sam Rayburn as one of the most powerful and consequential Speakers in U.S. history. Sam, however, had often very large majorities to work with, and not the razor-thin majorities Nancy had, especially in her second tenure as Speaker. Plus Sam never had to deal with an insurrection, as she did. While the R's say "good riddance," I know many more will miss her in that role.
A fine granular tribute.
She earned and deserves every word here. I hope she's able to mentor those in Congress.
OMG. You made me cry. What an homage! Thank you.
Kudos to Nancy Pelosi and best wishes to her in the future, but look at the klutz who’s succeeding her…what a joke. What a shitshow that’s gonna go down in DC for the next two years…
Thank you. Beautifully expressed. She scared the shit out of the misogynistic right.
That picture says it all, doesnt it? I would hope the second picture is the same day - leaving after making it clear exactly who TFF is running up against!
TC, that is outstanding writing, and a spectacular tribute. She is the greatest Speaker, ever.
What a splendid tribute, TC. Your earlier narrative of the evening she went around the room in LA telling you about each person was a masterpiece, but in this essay you top them all. She was the Greatest and this has to be one of the Greatest tributes. Should be everywhere. Privileged to be here to read it. The Great Speaker has passed the torch to the New Generation---now it is up to them to step up to the plate and continue to deliver the goods---especially in the next two months. Hoping they show that "lame duck sessions" can hit some home runs!!!