Rep. Nancy Pelosi on 2016, her future
She’s not ready to throw in the towel, by any means, and has some things to say about those in Washington claiming to represent the future of American politics.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) sat down with Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric from her office in the Capitol building to discuss her views on everything from Hillary Clinton versus Senator Marco Rubio versus Senator Rand Paul versus Senator Ted Cruz to calls for her to step aside as leader of House Democrats.
While a huge supporter of former Secretary Clinton, Pelosi stopped short of fully endorsing her candidacy just yet. But she did say Clinton is more than ready to assume the highest office in the land. “She’s so talented, she has so much stamina, she is so knowledgeable and she will be one of the best prepared people to enter the White House when she does.”
And on the flip side, she doesn’t think those running to represent the other ticket are prepared for the challenges ahead. She rejected Senator Marco Rubio’s claims to represent the future of the Republican Party, saying most of his policies were stuck in a bygone era. “His policy on Cuba is very much in the past. … [He’s] yesterday when it comes to Cuba and international relations.” She also didn’t find the idea of a presidential candidate labeling himself “the future” all that novel, saying that all elections, big and small, are essentially about the future.
As for her own future, the California Democrat says she has no plans of stepping aside from her leadership role. That day will come, she says, when her work is done. “I’m not on a timetable — I’m on a crusade, and I’ll know when I’m there.”
Until then, Pelosi hopes the partisan rancor in Washington can ease a bit and the idea of compromise can make a return engagement inside the Beltway. Of course, she does think things might get better if the gavel of speaker were returned to her hands. “We have to find our common ground where we can, stand our ground when we can’t, and, yeah, it’s much better to be in the majority.”
