Battenfeld: Nancy Pelosi is no Tip O’Neill
As Nancy Pelosi steps away from her role as House Speaker, the media has been quick to laud her achievements, framing her as a pivotal figure in American politics. However, a closer examination reveals a stark contrast between her tenure and that of her predecessor, Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, who is often remembered for his civility and bipartisan spirit. While O’Neill, a beloved Massachusetts Democrat, was known for his ability to bridge political divides and work collaboratively with Republicans, Pelosi’s approach has been characterized by a more combative and vindictive style. For instance, O’Neill famously coined the phrase “All politics is local,” emphasizing the importance of community and personal relationships in governance, while Pelosi has been known for her sharp retorts to reporters and her tendency to personalize political conflicts.
O’Neill’s legacy is rooted in his commitment to public service and his ability to connect with the average American, traits that stand in stark contrast to Pelosi’s image as a wealthy political elite. Reports indicate that Pelosi and her husband have amassed a net worth of approximately $230 million during her time in office, raising questions about the disconnect between her experiences and those of everyday citizens. In contrast, O’Neill remained grounded, living off his pension and a best-selling autobiography after his retirement. Moreover, while O’Neill retired at a relatively young age, recognizing when it was time to step back, Pelosi has clung to her leadership position well into her 80s, prompting some to question whether she has overstayed her welcome.
The media’s portrayal of Pelosi as a “political powerhouse” and the “most consequential speaker in American history” has been met with skepticism, particularly when considering the more collaborative and personable approach of O’Neill. The piece highlights a poignant moment in history when O’Neill visited President Reagan after an assassination attempt, showcasing a level of humanity and respect that seems increasingly rare in today’s political climate. As Pelosi exits the stage, it raises the question of what her legacy will truly represent and whether it can stand up to the more unifying and compassionate approach exemplified by leaders like Tip O’Neill.
Despite all the sickeningly flattering media coverage of Nancy Pelosi’s retirement, one thing is clear: she was no Tip O’Neill.
Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, Massachusetts’ own beloved former Democratic House Speaker, was civil. Pelosi is mean-spirited and vindictive. She pushed Joe Biden out of the race and blamed Biden for the Democrats’ election loss.
O’Neill was a loyal Democrat but crossed the aisle to work with Republicans like Ronald Reagan. He put aside his political differences to get things done. Pelosi ripped up a copy of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech from the House rostrum, in full view of the cameras, calling it a “manifesto of mistruths.”.
O’Neill could separate politics from personal relations. Pelosi is incapable of that. She said “30 percent of Republican” voters would never support Democrats because they were racist or sexist or homophobic.
Pelosi enriched herself to become a multi-millionaire many times over while in office. Her and her husband’s net worth are reported to be $230 million. O’Neill did not become rich in his public job, living off his pension and a best-selling autobiography and a few TV commercials after quitting.
The 85-year-old Pelosi clung to her job in the House well past her time. O’Neill retired quietly to Cambridge in 1987 at the age of 74, saying it was “time to get out.” He died seven years later. Massachusetts officials ended up naming the Big Dig tunnel going under downtown Boston for O’Neill because he brought home the bacon.
Pelosi is regal and completely out of touch with average Americans. O’Neill was an everyman, never forgetting his middle-class roots. He was an old school Massachusetts pol, cut from the same cloth as his pal U.S. Rep. Joe Moakley.
O’Neill coined the memorable phrase, “All politics is local.” Pelosi often snapped at reporters, barking “Shut up” to one journalist. Another time she shouted to a reporter, “Am I speaking English to you?”
Pelosi is now getting accolades for her career as speaker, with the mainstream media like AP writing farewell kisses with lines like this:
“Pelosi remains a political powerhouse and played a pivotal role with California’s redistricting effort, Prop 50, and the party’s comeback in this month’s election. She maintains a robust schedule of public events and party fundraising, and her announced departure touches off a succession battle back home and leaves open questions about who will fill her behind-the-scenes leadership role at the Capitol.”
The Pelosi tribute continued, “Last year, she experienced a fall resulting in a hip fracture during a whirlwind congressional visit to allies in Europe, but even still it showcased her grit: It was revealed she was rushed to a military hospital for surgery — after the group photo, in which she’s seen smiling, poised on her trademark stiletto heels.”
This is the AP, which is supposed to be non-partisan?
U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, who used to work for Moakley of South Boston, called Pelosi the “most consequential speaker in American history,” apparently forgetting about his beloved homestate brethren, Tip.
O’Neill did get into political spats with Republicans, including Reagan, but was always willing to sit down and talk after 6 p.m., sometimes with a drink.
The two powerhouses were political opposites but became friends and cut deals. After Reagan’s assassination attempt, O’Neill was one of the first people to visit the wounded president in the hospital, according to former Reagan aide Max Friedersdorf.
“The president still seemed groggy…with lots of tubes and needles running in and out of his body,” according to Friedersdorf. “But when he saw Tip he lit up and gave the speaker a big smile, and said, ‘Thanks for coming, Tip.’ Then holding one of the president’s hands, the speaker got down on his knees and said he would like to offer a prayer…then O’Neill kissed Reagan on the forehead.”
It’s hard to imagine a similar scene in today’s toxic Washington environment in which Pelosi lives.
The most “consequential speaker in American history?” What a joke.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., speaks and celebrates during the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 bill enrollment ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Aug. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)
