The Speaker of the House is feeling confident. She’s in full #NancySmash mode:
Barely three months into her second turn in charge, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has already mapped out a plan to overwhelm Republicans in the 2020 elections.
“I’m going to have our races won by this November,” the California Democrat said….
…By Thanksgiving, if all goes according to her plan, potential GOP challengers will “think twice” about running against Democrats. And then she will deliver a stern warning to Republicans who remain in swing seats.
“We fully intend to win this election, and some of you are vulnerable. It’s going to cost you millions of dollars, to win or lose. And if you win — say you win — you’re in the minority, probably want to teach at the university,” Pelosi said, drawing out every syllable like the daughter of a Baltimore mayor who watched her father stare down rivals. “So we get the A-team, and they get the retirements. That’s my plan.”
She’s had a lot of time to think about how she lost the speakership last time, and she doesn’t plan on losing it the same way again. I’m not sure she’s covered all the contingencies, and she’s sounds almost too confident for my tastes, but she’s got a plan and she’s implementing it.
She’s going to punch back aggressively, keep the caucus disciplined and on message, and make sure people build up intimidating war chests. She wants to deter people from even thinking about running for Congress against Democrats.
I hope she isn’t overestimating her ability to shape events, but part of being intimidating is acting like you have total confidence. So her boastfulness is just part of the plan.