Pelosi calls Bush 'total failure'*

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) is taking the gloves off.

Usually respectful in dealing with the White House -- making a distinction between the current occupant and the constitutional power of the executive branch -- the speaker told CNN last night that President Bush is a "total failure" and that he is "losing all credibility" on Iraq and the economy.

Pelosi on CNN:

Two days ago, Bush sharply criticized Congress for failing to act on appropriations bills, saying lawmakers  would have to pass a spending bill every other day in the 26 remaining legislative days on the calendar "to get their fundamental job done." In the interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer, Pelosi shot back.

God bless him, bless his heart, president of the United States -- a total failure, losing all credibility with the American people on the economy, on the war, on energy, you name the subject.

Pelosi also fought back against efforts by the White House and Republicans in Congress to lift a congressional ban on offshore drilling or open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (an earlier version of this post incorrectly called it the Arctic National Wildlife Refuse. Thanks to readers for catching this)* in Alaska for oil exploration. Instead, she charged, the oil companies are not aggressively pursuing the federal lease areas already available to them.

Thirty-three million acres offshore are allowed for leasing. And we're saying to them, 'Use it or lose it. You have the opportunity to drill there. When you have exhausted those remedies, then you can talk about something else.'

The speaker was clearly exasperated by this president's rhetoric. "For him to be challenging Congress when we are trying to sweep up after his mess over and over again..." she said. Criticizing Congress -- whose approval ratings are lower than the president's -- "gives him something to talk about because he has no ideas."

-- Johanna Neuman

Comments

[Jenn]

NANCY PELOSI FOR PRESIDENT!!

[John D]

Hmmmm, this coming from a person with less than 14% approval rating. Hey wait....isn't Bush's rating 30%? Who would that make an ever bigger failure? This woman needs to be put out of her misery. I have absolutely nothing but contempt for her. She could disappear and no one would care.

People like her are the CAUSE of the current state of affairs, NOT Bush. Democraps have controlled Congress for how many years now? What exactly have they gotten done in that timeframe besides give themselves a raise and increase the burden on American's by FAILING to listen to the public?

What a loser

[Miriam Mendelson]

Unseemly.

.

[Jim Harris]

What an interesting comment! I was JUST thinking the same thing about Ms. Pelosi. She apparently spends more time bashing Republicans than she does in helping to conduct the nation's business.
President Bush did not single-handedly lower Congress' "approval ratings". Members of Congress of BOTH parties - did that all by themselves, with continued inaction and squabbling. Voters throughout this country are tired of this infantile behaviour, and have voiced their disgust.
I suggest that Ms. Pelosi turn her 'exasperation' toward the mirror.

[JL]

One again Pelosi is out of line and dispalying an arrogance the insults the intelligence of the people she is supposed to represent. There is already a "Use it or Lose it" law on the books that the democrats did not know about. Listen to the people for once and "Drill here, Drill Now" whicle continuing to create alternative energy from sources other than our food supply. She also needs to stop blocking the efforts made to vote on the issue. She is a total failure representing the majority.

[It's about time]

It's about time the Democrats grew a pair. The Republicans ruin this country after only 6 years of being in the MAJORITY and now the country wants to blame the Democrats for the state of affairs? Only a partisan moron would believe that gas is over $4.00 a gallon because of the last 1.5 years of a Democratic congress. The Housing Bubble wasn't created and then collapsed in the last 1.5 years. Millions of illegal immigrants didn't rush over the border within the last 1.5 years. We didn't get > 4,000 dead soldiers and >10,000 seriously wounded soldiers because of the last 1.5 years. Our national debt (which doesn't even include this ridiculous oil war) didn't balloon because of policies adopted within the last 1.5 years. Congress' approval rating is so low because Pelosi won't stand up the President. If the rest of the Dems can grow a pair too and stop being a patsy for the President their approval rating would be sky high.

[Lydia Williams]

Pelosi is a little too late....she should have made the motion for impeachment her first priority and then go after the rest of the president's club. Our rights continue to dwindle with those idiots in office. Failure doesn't begin to cover the damages that man has done to this country. It is hard to imagine that we've gone so far backwards as a country and that we the people have allowed it to happen over and over again. This country is very sick with greed and inertia.

[Ian]

She has blocked a large number of bad Bush schemes like this one. That alone is worthy of praise. Congress could be more compromising, but frankly, apart from free trade issues I don't see many major areas where the Republican positions deserve to be heeded.

[Bill M]

The republicans make it hard to get anything done when they cut funding and give that money to ONLY the rich. Bush is the CAUSE when he started a war in Iraq with the sole purpose of generating record oil profits.

[Amanda]

Dems have controlled the house (there are only 49 democrat senators) for two years - not nearly enough time to deal with the results of 6 years of republican control, especially when republicans still control most of the government.

Bush is the leader of the most powerful country in the world. With the sort of resources and advisers he has available there is no excuse for his inability to accomplish anything worthwhile.

[Chesley]

Pelosi and Reid both are total failures. Congress has shamed this country. If Pelosi were working for a company and showed the same performance that she has as speaker.......she would have been fired a long time ago. Oh Yeah......did I mention that I am a DEMOCRAT. But not proud of it anymore because of these two NUTS. They need to be removed. Our great country is going down the tubes because of them.

[Jon]

Didnt she promise in 2006 to end partisanship and work with the republicans, end the war, end earmarks. Can someone list any success of Pelosis?

[Bob Koure]

This is "gloves off"?
Show some spine and impeach 'em both. They've manipulated the country into an unnecessary war. IMHO "outing" Valerie Plame in the process of silencing pre-war critics, and now are claiming executive privilege. There isn't missing minutes on tapes, but there are missing emails.
All we need to see history repeat itself is one of 'em saying "I'm not a crook" - and *that* was about breaking and entering (well, OK and subverting the election process) not tens of thousands of unnecessary deaths.
Not surprising her approval rating's 14%...

[Brad]

John D,

Democrats have controlled congress for less than 2 years. If you weren't a Republican, you might know this.

[dharper]

First I must state that I am not a GWB backer in any sense of the word. He has not performed in a credible manner in many instances and thus I have been greatly disappointed in his last four years.

Having said that I must concede that Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid are two of the most partisan politicians I have had the displeasure of observing in my 76 years. Nothing has been done in this Democrat controlled Congress that this misguided woman stated would be accomplished when they regained the majority two years ago. She and Reid have stymied literally ever meaningful bill presented by the Republicans and have not 'reached across the aisle' as she stated she/they would do.

With Congress's rating at 14% (Bush-30%) it is obvious to the majority of the people of this country where the problem lays. It is Congress. The President, regardless of party, can only present his ideas - Congress acts on them. In the end Congress has been the body that has fueled all of the crisis that now exist in our nation, particularly the economy. The House of Reps controls the budget and their constant over spending (pork included to excess) makes it necessary to constantly raise taxes. They are a disgrace in Washington.

And it is not just in Washington. Take any governmental body on any level, including school districts anywhere in the nation, and no matter how much money they have they always say they need more. And should we look closely we will find that that extra money is used ultimately for additional layers of bureaucracy to administer the funds. It is nothing more than 'legal' thievery.

However, what has perplexed me beyond belief is that we, as a voting body, continue to return these same ineffective people back to Washington year after year. If they were employed in any private business they would be terminated for underperforming in their responsibilities.

This opinion, for what it may or not be worth to many, comes from one who was reared in the FDR New Deal Democrat Party. I personally am ashamed of this party today and I have not left them, they have left me and forced me to become an Independent.

[Joe Boston]

Wow, we sit on a tremendous oil supply yet we cannot drill for it because certain people in our country would rather make other governments and regions more successful than we are by making it so costly to produce here with all their requirements and legislation. They lead people to believe they are protecting the environment but they allow China to drill in Cuba. WTF? I believe we will get what we asked for, and what we deserve. When the democrats, who have controlled congress throughout the largest increases in the price of oil and gasoline bankrupt this country, we the people will have received what we deserved. They can continue to sit around and point fingers at George Bush, yet the only power he has is to veto the legislation they provide to him. Therefore if he has no Ideas to approve, its because they have failed to get them to him for his approval. This country needs a wake up call. Its unfortunate, but true.

[Jason]

@John D learn how politics and the balance of power works my friend. Civics 101, 6th grade.

[Mel]

And this is from the absolute worst Speaker of the House in the history of the US. Nancy gal...you are a post-menopausal skank with a low IQ and no clue regarding the serious issues facing our country. Arggh!

[DB]

Typical of Washington politicians these days: more interested in insulting the others than in getting something done. I guess it makes it easy to do nothing if you keep the press and the country talking about Washington stupidity instead of real issues.

They all should be voted out.

GET TO WORK and stop the juvenile games.

[Gina]

"Democraps have controlled Congress for how many years now?"

Only the ignorant and uninformed would believe this "logic."

The Republicans have repeatedly filibustered Democratic legislation in the Senate, thereby killing it.

Ergo, the Republicans are causing this logjam, not the Democrats.

(But, really, can anyone expect mature discourse from someone who refers to "Democraps"? What is this, the third-grade playground?)

[James D]

Bush didn't fail at everything, he did succeed in shredding the constitution, making big oil even wealthier, creating an imaginary war on terror and bankrupting the country.

[Charles Martel]

Bush's a failure? Heck woman, you and the Congress (except Kuncinch and Ron Paul) let him get away with it and you were part of it too. Pelosi allowed the unConstitutional FISA, MCA, Patriot Act and others get enacted. Pelosi is only trying to trick the multitude of sheeple into thinking she didn't support President Bush. They can be fooled easily. The record shows clearly that Pelosi was very much in favor of Bush's efforts.

Geez, the war in Iraq isn't a Constitutionally declared war (war declaration rests with Congress alone) and Pelosi lets it go on.

Fakes and phonies.

[Leaving Denver]

I thought we were going to have the "most moral congress in history" thanks to Nancy Pelosi. I was disappointed by Clinton and his lies, now I am again let down by "do nothing" Pelosi, Rangel's Apartment, Dodd and his "friends of Phil", Jefferson and his Nigerian broadband scheme, and even Obama and his shaved interest rates paid for his jumbo loan. So much for democratic ethics and morals. I'm switching to Republican, the Party of Lincoln.

[The Duck]

Arctic National Wildlife REFUGE, not "REFUSE". The S and G keys aren't that close, ahem.

[Nam]

I do agree with comments above that Pelosi has not done any good for the people that she presenting for.
I used to live in California, and I feel very sorry for the Californian people now. They are not earning enough to fill their gas tanks. If you wait for a replacement of fossil oil, how long it would take, and how many more years that the people nationwide have to endure with the higher cost. Those political people do not pump their gas. They ride on the jets with the tax payer pump fee.
Look at Europe! They drill their land as well as have Nuclear power. Do they have much environment effect. Look at El gore! He says protecting the environment, but he waste too much power to light his Manson. The Democrat politician are the ones who always present their party not the people. " They are In the name of the American people present themselves".

We definitely need to drill in our continent now while also try to work out way to not relying on the fossil oil. Just like Brazil Gas there cheaper that cold drink.

I think those stubborn people will be voted out by November or their next term. We just don't want the people like them sitting in the Congress fighting for their higher pay while we are tax payer slaving for their luxury. If you all agree with me, I think someone should create a site for people to vote either they are willing to have drill in our own continent and voting out those congressmen/women that they mistaken voted them in.

[Derek]

It's about time she said something that Americans already figured out about this presidency.

Don't take it back and apologize later, Mrs Speaker. 70% of all Americans agree with you.

[DARRIN J]

All that matters is that the failed Bush admin. ends so that this country can begin to heal itself. God this man and his people have done so much damage I dont think the Dems. can pull us out of this one.

[Armand V]

Pelosi's comments were tactless, to be sure. But the media is missing the big story from her interview with Blitzer, namely, she refuses to allow a vote on whether or not to allow offshore drilling. This, in essence, is tellinging the people to "drop dead and get used to high gas prices." I heard the audio of the interview yesterday and she was asked point blank if she would allow the issue to even be debated. She said "no."

[JAY]

WELCOME ALL, TO THE NEW WORLD ORDER OF DUMB, HARRY REID, DUMER AL GORE & DUMEST, NIT'WIT PELOSI & I THOUGHT I HEARD A RABBIT CARTER. JUST NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO GET FROM A PUBIC EDUCATION--

[Jonathan]

Republicans have already filibusted 78 times in this Congress. That beats the record for any Congress by 21, and there's still 6 months left to go! On top of the bills that Bush vetos, exactly how do you expect Pelosi and the Democrats to get anything done?

[Natan]

I am ashamed to be a democrat, what this democrat congress has done for the American people in the las two years since they regain the majority? my ansewr is NOTHING!
In the other hand what this president has accomplish in the last eight years? my ansewr is a lot of things:
A illigal war in Irak with over 4000 American soldiers dead, 10,000's wonded, a price tag that will be in the trillions, an economy in shambles and the list goes on and on. A list too long to mention and absolutly not one positive thing to say. I am so sad that our country is in the hands of leaders that some people describe as war criminals, liars and incompetents.
I pray that the next election will change the direction our beautifull country deserves, I don't care who will win, I just want us to be able to live our dreams with hope and in the process with pride

[BasilP]

U go girl. It's so Bush to blame somebody else on issues and throw mud at the Democrats or Congress or whomever. Truman said the buck stops here and Bush says "I'll take the buck & saddle somebody else with the responsibility". This one man and his cronies behind him have done more damage to our country than an foreigner could possibly accomplish. He is the epitome of "partisan politics" and is ALWAYS the first to be dissing the opposition. His modus operandi is to cut their legs off with blistering accusations while tacitly setting the playing field of discussion and then showing a humble face to the public, such as stating "Congress has only so much time to pass bills etc,etc." Congress will do what Congress does and the president hasn't much, if any, say about it. His Administration has ramrodded too many loathsome bills through Congress in the name of 'National Security" since 911. I believe him to be disdainful of the unfortunate & personally a very proud proud man who loves money & power. I just get sick when I think of the lost opportunities to our country that have been wasted by this uninspiring individual.

[greg]

mrs.P needs to shut up and do some work !!!! She seems to be to worried about president Bush and not what needs to be done. Maybe if she would worry more about her job things would get better!!

[Giorgio]

I have never heard so much dogma in one place

[Tom in California]

When a President is a "total failure" (as Bush most certainly is!), the Constitution provides a Congressional avenue to remove him through impeachment. You would think it would have occurred to Pelosi to connect Bush's incompetence with her own duties as Speaker of the House.

Instead of mobilizing the Constitutional power of Congress to oppose and remove this failed President, Pelosi has enabled and protected him. To my way of thinking, that makes her just as bad as Bush.

[REPO4SALE]

Pelosi is a Dork! Tom Lykus should be Speaker of the House!

[john]

pelosi only speaking the truth that absolute majority acknowledge thinking people it as such. unless you count the american brainwashed ZOMBIES like JohnD Jim harris. they are just waiting for the country to outright implode and EVEN then they will blame anyone but their beloved bushites. you republican zombies are absolutely sad and PATHETIC.

[Denns F]

Why don't we have "Statesmen", or to be politically correct, "statespersons" anymore? Those who work for the betterment of mankind and not their own desire to create a socilist scoiety a la Marx, (excuse me, Pelosi).

Now, just to be nit-picky
So who called ANWR a Wildlife Refuse? La Times, you need better proofing of your articles. You must be using a product of the democrat version of the public school system. It's a wildlife REFUGE.
"Pelosi also fought back against efforts by the White House and Republicans in Congress to lift a congressional ban on offshore drilling or open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuse in Alaska for oil exploration."

[Earl E]

I like the God Bless part of her comment. It is like she is talking about a little boy. And that is what we have as President. I get a kick out of the comments about the dems not getting anything done.
If retardlicans call Iraq and Afghanistan and this economy "getting something done", I would prefer the Dems and the Tards to just stop doing anything.

Send our governement to the unemployment line.

Let the states and communities take over the welfare of themselves and eliminate the income tax. Declare inside the beltway a no-brain zone where evil lurks, lives are shredded, and the hopes and dreams of our children mulched into a compost of spin and splatter.

We have become nothing but evildoers clothed in chinese suits.

[DB]

Gina:

*Imaginary* war on terror? The families of the victims of terrorist attacks over the last twenty five years would disagree with you. Yes, I did say twenty five years: Beirut, Cole, WTC 1993, 9/11, etc.

You may not agree with the way the war has been fought, or even with where it is being fought, but to say that the war on terror is imaginary is to ignore the facts of history.

There are enough things to criticize in our government that you don't have to invent or ignore the facts.

[Philip McDaniel]

Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid:
More smoke and air poluition from the left coast.

[Von]

Anyone who blames the 1.5 years of a Democratic congress for the state of our country's ruin is delusional. Thanks to 7.5 years of arrogant Republican policy, we have a misguided and inexcusable mess of a war giving Washington license to hemmorage our tax dollars and give huge tax breaks to the rich, a housing crisis, massive corporate bailouts (and people complain about social services), a flaccid economy, thousands of American jobs shipped overseas with no penalty, inattention to domestic upkeep (bridges collapsing, levees breeched), zero action taken to mitigate climate change and develop sustainable energy technologies and a federal debt total of 9.5 trillion. You can thank the Bush administration for this. The Democrats have simply been too compliant. They need to go after these guys. It's totally unacceptable.

[keric]

Let's see...George junior invades Iraq to get rid of Sadaam and the threat of him influencing oil prices to the unspeakable price of $3.00 a gallon, (and to avenge his daddy's honor). Four thousand plus dead American soldiers, tens of thousands of American soldiers disabled by war injuries, hundreds of thousands of Iraqis wounded or dead, $4.00 plus a gallon for gas, a trillion plus cost on our economy for the war effort, going from worldwide sympathy to worldwide distain for our actions in the middle east, and now conservatives want to throw the miserable state of our economy on less than two years of congressional rule by the democrats. What a huge group of hypocrytes. If this were the waining years of a similar tracked Gore presidency they would be skewering him and his legacy. Nothing Mrs. Pelosi said I can find much fault with. I saw the fault with Bill Clinton's scandals, and admitted to my conservative friends that he should have left office of his own accord. The blind adoration conservatives hold for this administration is sad to watch. Those who continue to defend the current policies, (drill, drill, drill...if this administration were in the White House during the industrial revolution we'd have never developed beyond the steam engine) give up any moral highground. This has been eight years of a president whose never recovered from being shocked by the attacks in his first year as president, and acting like a scared little boy ever since.

[frieda]

If Bush is total failure , then what is she with congress have 9% approval rating?

What does she have to show in2 years being the speaker of the house?

Gas prices went from $2 when she took office to $4.69 ! Great accomplishment Mrs. Speaker