I've Seen This Movie Before

"A group of Mrs. Clinton's top donors sent a letter to the speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, warning her in language that they no doubt thought subtle but that reflected a kind of incompetent menace, that her statements on the presidential campaign may result in less money for Democratic candidates for the House. Ms. Pelosi had said that in her view the superdelegates should support the presidential candidate who wins the most pledged delegates in state contests. The letter urged her to 'clarify' her position, which is 'clearly untenable' and 'runs counter' to the superdelegates' right to make 'an informed, individual decision' about 'who would be the party's strongest nominee.' The signers, noting their past and huge financial support, suggested that Ms. Pelosi 'reflect' on her comments and amend them to reflect 'a more open view.'



Barack Obama's campaign called it inappropriate and said Mrs. Clinton should 'reject the insinuation.' But why would she? All she has now is bluster. Her supporters put their threat in a letter, not in a private meeting. By threatening Ms. Pelosi publicly, they robbed her of room to maneuver. She has to defy them or back down."

-- Peggy Noonan, last week, in the Wall Street Journal



"Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi took to the airwaves this morning to say the fight for the Democratic nomination should be allowed to run its course, a slight twist after she was criticized for comments that appeared to back one Democratic presidential aspirant over the other.



Speaking on ABC's 'Good Morning America,' Pelosi said that the Democratic superdelegates have a right to vote their consciences rather than just be bound by the results of the contests in their home districts or states."

--Michael Muskal, today, writing for the L.A. Times