Pelosi impeachment opposition catches Dem leaders off guard; Hoyer demurs
Heading into weekly leadership meeting, most top Democrats say they had not seen speaker comments
House Democratic leaders on Monday were caught off guard by Speaker Nancy Pelosis comments to the Washington Post declaring her opposition to impeaching President Donald Trump.
I didnt see it. I dont know what she said, but Ive got a feeling its the same thing Ive been saying, House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer said, referring to his past statements that he did not think Democrats should make a judgement on impeachment before seeing Special Counsel Robert Mueller IIIs report.
When Roll Call told Hoyer that Pelosi was more definitive in her interview with the Post, saying she was making news in saying shes not for impeachment because its too divisive, Hoyer was surprised.
Well, I dont know I want to be that definitive, the Maryland Democrat said. Ive said all along it depends what information comes out, but neither of us have been for impeachment at this point in time.
Most Democratic leaders, speaking with reporters as they headed to their weekly leadership team meeting in Pelosis office Monday, said either that they had not seen the speakers comments to the Post or that they wanted to wait to comment until after speaking with her at the meeting. That included House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries, Vice Chairwoman Katherine Clark and Colorado Rep. Joe Neguse, one of two freshman class representatives to leadership.
None of the leaders seemed to have a heads up that Pelosi was going to come out in opposition to impeachment. Some were skeptical that her comments were intended to be a definitive decision on the matter.
Im not sure shes ruled it out, Democratic Policy and Communications Committee Chairman David Cicilline said. Ive not seen the comment. That would be hard for me to believe it.
More at
https://www.rollcall.com/news/congress/i-dont-know-i-want-to-be-that-definitive-pelosi-impeachment-opposition-catches-democratic-leaders-off-guard