Tearful Pelosi Fears Rhetoric Could Lead to Violence

Speaker tears up while recalling late '70s political violence

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 17, 2009 2:30 PM CDT

(Newser) – Fighting back tears, Nancy Pelosi said today she fears the inflammatory rhetoric surrounding current political debate could lead to violence, the Hill reports. “I have concerns about some of the language that is being used because I saw…I saw this myself in the late '70s in San Francisco,” the House speaker said, referring to the assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk.

"This kind of rhetoric is just, is really frightening and it created a climate in which violence took place," said Pelosi. "I wish that we would all, again, curb our enthusiasm in some of the statements that are made."

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif. gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Harry Hamburg)

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I think we all have to take responsibility for our actions and our words. We are a free country and this balance between freedom and safety is one that we have to carefully balance.
- Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 77 comments

fiestygirl

Sep 18, 2009 10:16 PM CDT

Given all of her plastic surgery and botox treatments you may have to aim for her forehead soon...

fiestygirl

Sep 18, 2009 10:14 PM CDT

I'd love to get real close to your ear freethemall and tell YOU what I REALLY think...I doubt you'd never hear quite the same ever again. FYI I'm not a wingnut. I am a fiscal conservative and a rational person who sees what the nuts on both sides of the isle are doing to this country. If I can't have my say just because I'm not well connected financially or politically I have to conclude that the government is no longer representing THE PEOPLE. They are only out for themselves and their personal bank accounts. Shrill enough for you?

Doctor-Zaius

Sep 18, 2009 7:33 AM CDT

Sorry, when Buh got to the "unbathed old sow tearing up" I thought he must be referring to Beck.

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Nancy Pelosi • San Francisco • violence • assassination • Speaker • speaker of the House • rhetoric • Harvey Milk

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Tearful Pelosi Fears Rhetoric Could Lead to Violence