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Pelosi's Stubbornness Turns CIA Smoke Into PR Fire

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted May 20, 2009 1:47 PM CDT

(Newser) – The CIA debacle engulfing Nancy Pelosi stems from two key mistakes on the part of the House speaker, Jay Newton-Small writes in Time. Pelosi’s dangerous belief that media training is “a waste of her time” was demonstrated when she walked away from her own press conference on the subject of interrogation briefings. Her other mistake—or character flaw—is reacting rashly in unanticipated situations.

“Pelosi fueled her rise through Congress,” Newton-Small writes, “by always being overprepared—almost pathologically so.” But that preparedness can break down when confronted. “She's tenacious,” a colleague said. “Still, when tenaciousness becomes stubbornness, that becomes a challenge.” Another associate says keeping her circle of confidantes small makes Pelosi’s missteps worse. “She would benefit from greater diversity of opinion,” he said.

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President Barack Obama walks with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. (AP Photo)

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. (AP Photo)

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The GOP hasn't quite got Pelosi in checkmate; she's still essentially a governing queen to Obama's king. But the CIA fracas has presented Republicans with a rare crack in Pelosi's usually impervious armor. - Jay Newton-Small

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 4 comments

kokuaguy

May 21, 2009 2:44 AM CDT

As flawed as it was, the 9/11 Commission was better than no investigation at all (which is what the Bush adminsitration fought tooth and nail for.) The Shonan is correct as usual. This article in TIME is spot on, and I'd bet a lot of moolah (if I had it) that Pelosi will take it to heart and not allow herself to be so damaged again. Practically speaking, however, all she has to do is keep a majority of her Dem representatives behind her, along with her liberal constituents in SF of course. Finally, Prince Arlen coming to her defense on his majestic steed wearing his shining armor was PRICELESS !!!!!!!!!!!

justme

May 20, 2009 10:48 AM CDT

If the truth commission were truly what the title implies, I would ba all for it. Unfortunately, all I really see is one very partisan group in power looking to get even with the very partisan group that used to be in power. I have no use for it. There are many much better uses for our representatives time and our money.

ClingingToHope

May 20, 2009 8:44 AM CDT

The lack of liberals defending Pelosi is deafening.

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Nancy Pelosi • Congress • CIA • torture • House of Representatives • press conference • speaker of the House • Obama administration • President Obama • enhanced interrogation techniques • Dennis Cardoza • John Spratt

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