Yesterday, I watched as much as I could stand of the House
proceedings, muting the Republican speakers and from time to time switching to
Turner Classic Movies. Happily, I was in
my seat glued to the screen for the actual votes on the two articles of impeachment,
so I was able to watch in real time one of the most remarkable moments in
Congressional history. Nancy Pelosi was
in the chair for the voting, and like the rest of political junkie America, I
stared at the numbers on the screen as, one by one, they migrated from NV [Not
Voting] to Yea or Nay [or, in the case of Tulsi Gabbard, Present.]
When the voting on the first article was finally done,
Pelosi banged her gavel and announced that the first article had passed. The Democratic members were gathered in a
large scrum on the floor to Pelosi’s right.
With the announcement of the result, a few Democratic members began what
was obviously going to be prolonged applause and cheering. Pelosi turned her head ever so slightly in their
direction and gave a barely perceptible admonitory wave of her hand, at which
the applause abruptly stopped and there was silence.
It was a breathtaking exhibition of her absolute control over
her caucus. There has not been another
Speaker in my lifetime who could have pulled that off, not even the legendary Tip
O’Neill.
11 comments:
Sam Rayburn.
She's a tactical wizard. Lousy at strategy but I guess that depends on whaat her goals are. I didn't like her little speech just before or post impeachment. I'm so tired with the upholding of the Constitution or one's oat, or respecting our men in uniform or democracy. Bla bla. Nancy even slipped in George Washington. Plus her delivery was too quick and uneven. She was even slurring her words. Aren't there any good writers over there who know how to characterize a demagogue without all the somniferous BS? No wonder Trump is popular.
I thought her black dress worked!
Not a single rebellious soul among the Democrats, not even AOC?
That's depressing, although not surprising.
It's the rule-following kids that get elected, which is one reason things are the way they are.
I listened to some of the "debate." Radio (C Span) not TV.
It was all fairly repetitive, but I think RPW, by muting the Repub speakers, lost the flavor of the day, so to speak, since they provided some of the more interesting moments (not that I agreed w them of course). No time to elaborate further rt now.
LFC, I admire your intestinal fortitude.
David: agreed and probably Joe Cannon too (not a good thing with him).
SW: "Not a single rebellious soul among the Democrats, not even AOC?"
Most quickly realized (had they not already figured it out) that there was nothing to cheer about. Even if Trump is defeated November next and the Republican Party is decimated it will take decades to undo the damage Trump and his party has wrought. The problem, of course, is that we don't have those decades.
Aall,
That's not how Professor Wolff described what happened. I didn't see it myself.
Off topic:
B. Leiter linked to a slashing critique of Pinker's 'Enlightenment Now' by historian Jennifer Riskin at LA Rev of Books. One can find it by going to Leiter's blog and scrolling down a bit.
I think what's more remarkable than Nancy's control over her caucus is that members of said caucus thought that any sort of prolonged applause was in any way appropriate. No matter what you think of the president, an impeachment of any kind is no cause for celebration, and I think it showed a lack of dignity and professionalism that should be demanded of members of the House.
Sam Rayburn was Speaker during our lifetimes. But Iconfess I have no memory of particular votes.
Charles
Let the celebration begin! Curious that, "Anonymous", Comments are so down on celebration. Anonymity, after all, is the well-spring of celebrity. By the way, I'm with Parsons---I have no memory of "particular votes" at all.
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