House Speaker Nancy Pelosi celebrated her 82nd birthday earlier this year. Meanwhile, fellow leading House Democrats Steny Hoyer turned 83 and Jim Clyburn turned 82, respectively.
Yet although Pelosi and her elderly colleagues remain in control of the Democratic caucus for now, a recent news story suggests that many in their party are ready to move on with younger leadership.
An unnamed Democratic House member says leadership ” be in for a rude awakening”
That’s according to a report published this past Sunday by NBC News, which cited several Capitol Hill figures who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Among those speaking out was a Democratic lawmaker who is said to have “served decades with Pelosi, Hoyer and Clyburn.”
That individual told NBC News, “I think [Hoyer and Clyburn] do try to stick around, but the paint has dried on the generational-change decision. If people don’t see that, they’re going to be in for a rude awakening.”
“It’ll be unfortunate. They’re both beloved; they’re great legislators, great people. And it could just be that the caucus has shifted under everyone’s feet — not just theirs, but everyone’s.”
An unnamed Democratic aide agreed with that assessment, saying, “It’s an inevitability that’s really hard for them to swallow right now.”
Pelosi became irritated when asked about post-election plans during the interview
For her part, Pelosi has refused to comment on her plans following next month’s midterm elections and grew testy when the subject came up during an interview last weekend.
“Will you remain in leadership in the new Congress?” @margbrennan asks House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“I’m not talking about that. I’m here to talk about how we win the election,” Pelosi says. pic.twitter.com/jZhyJTtkGe
— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) October 23, 2022
“Will you remain in leadership in the new Congress?” CBS News’ “Face the Nation” host Margaret Brennan asked at one point.
“I’m not talking about that,” an irritated House speaker shot back at Brennan before adding, “I’m here to talk about how we win the election.”
“I’m not here to talk about me, I’m here to talk about the future of America’s working families, for the children,” Pelosi insisted.