One way to deal with Nancy Pelosi if you’re president
[Scroll down for UPDATE]
Override what she says and take the high road as you do it:
President Trump told House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a new letter Wednesday that he still plans to deliver next week’s scheduled State of the Union address from the House floor even though Pelosi urged him to delay the speech because of the government shutdown.
The president, in his letter, said there are “no security concerns” surrounding the event, in response to Pelosi raising that as a potential issue because of the partial shutdown.
Therefore, I will be honoring your invitation, and fulfilling my Constitutional duty, to deliver important information to the people and Congress of the United States of America regarding the State of our Union,” Trump wrote. “I look forward to seeing you on the evening on January 29th in the Chamber of the House of Representatives. It would be so very sad for our country if the State of the Union were not delivered on time, on schedule, and very importantly, on location!”
I didn’t think of that particular approach—but then again, I’m not Trump.
Next move, Pelosi. The article points out that “House and Senate still must approve a concurrent resolution approving the use of the chamber for the State of the Union.” Pelosi controls the House, so it seems to me that she still could block this. But it would look petty—except, of course, to Democrats and the MSM.
Trump has alternatives venues, of course, if he is denied by the House. I happen to think the alternatives are better, but he might disagree.
UPDATE 9 PM:
Pelosi answered no. Now Trump is mulling over an alternate venue.
I can’t imagine that Trump ever thought she’d say yes to the idea. I believe this little dosey doe was all just theater, and that his goal was to re-emphasize her pettiness. And no doubt he’s been considering alternate venues for quite some time now, in a place a lot more friendly and enthusiastic towards him than the House or the House chamber.
And the Ds certainly can “Trump-cott” if they choose…but the optcs will be all in the President’s favor. Of course Justice Ginsburg will be absent…and the President can publicly wish her a long & healthy retirement.
I still chuckle at his tweet at Ginsburg from 2016 — “mind is shot! Retire!”
Trump’s approach has the virtue of making Pelosi deny him the House floor or knuckle under and go through with invite.
I would prefer another site, maybe in Kentucky, with a 50,000 seat venue.
Be careful folks. For the last couple years Pelosi has been a relatively rational island in rough Democratic Party & Leftism waters. She’s got a better head on her than to suddenly go all implulsive & ineffectual on Trump.
Watch the flanks and the bushes here…
I share Ted Clayton’s concerns (above). Pelosi might not be as wily as Trump, but she is a nasty infighter. Look for a letter coming back to him, perhaps only a day or two before the SOTU, saying something like “we tried to make this happen, but it’s just too dangerous.”
Steny Hoyer May be waiting for Pelosi’s job.
Mike K
How about Rupp Arena and invite Matthew Mitchell and John Calipari to sit on the dais or with their families alongside Melania & Barron.
Bobby Knight can throw a chair to open the proceedings instead of the Sgt-at-arms announcing the President….just kidding on that one. 😉
Oh…expat…I reckon there’s more than Hoyer wants that gavel & are willing to pry it from Pelosi’ cold dead fingers.
Spk Pelosi has already responded denying the use of the House chamber, to which Pres. Trump says the White House is formulating alternative plans.
I heard Trump this afternoon. He’s talking about Democrats having been “radicalized.” Says Pelosi isn’t really in charge of her own caucus any more because the radicals make it impossible.
Trump is right about Pelosi, her position depends upon catering to her hard left colleagues.
I actually worry more if Trump goes give the SOTU address in the House. It will be a very hostile venue. I’m doubtful that the dems will be able to restrain themselves and act civilly.
But if Trump is mentally prepared for it, he’ll have some wonderful opportunities to counter punch and expose the dems as disturbingly unhinged.
I’ve added an update to the post.
I thought that Mitch McConnell could invite anyone he wishes to come to the Senate and speak, but apparently I’m wrong. Some talking head claimed that a vote that passes filibuster muster is required.
Just now heard a radio news report saying Pres. Trump has declared he will not give a State of the Union address until the government shutdown ends, and only afterwards. Rather like news, that.
https://www.voanews.com/a/trump-intent-on-delivering-state-of-union-address-in-house-chamber/4755665.html
“WHITE HOUSE —
U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he would make an alternative speech after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told him there would be no State of the Union address in Congress next week — an action that he termed “a disgrace.”
“She doesn’t want to hear the truth,” Trump told reporters. “She doesn’t want the American public to hear what’s going on.”
The president said that Pelosi’s decision not to allow the address to Congress until the government shutdown ends was “a great blotch on the incredible country that we all love,” and her action would be remembered as “a very, very negative part of history.”
He then went on to declare that the Democrats have “become a very, very dangerous party for this country.”
Trump did not reveal where and when he would make his alternative address. ?”
See the Pres.’s Twitter account in the last twenty mins or so — it confirms that radio report.
DJT: “As the Shutdown was going on, Nancy Pelosi asked me to give the State of the Union Address. I agreed. She then changed her mind because of the Shutdown, suggesting a later date. This is her prerogative – I will do the Address when the Shutdown is over. I am not looking for an alternative venue for the SOTU Address because there is no venue that can compete with the history, tradition and importance of the House Chamber. I look forward to giving a “great” State of the Union Address in the near future!”