On October 15, a seemingly ordinary political interview in front of the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., unexpectedly erupted into an emotional storm.
85-old Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and a leading figure in the Democratic Party, faced sharp questions from journalist Alison Steinberg He couldn't help but erupt in anger and cursed.
Why is this?
the causes of conflict
Pelosi's appearance on this day was originally a low-key appearance.
At the age of 85, she walked out of the building in green clothes, with the help of her assistant.
Just then, Alison Steinberg, a former Hollywood makeup artist turned political journalist, appeared in front of Pelosi.
Steinberg's question goes straight to Pelosi's sore spot, regarding her behavior during the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, She pressed Pelosi if she was worried about the upcoming new Republican-led investigative committeeParticularly in the case of Pelosi’s “refusal to send the National Guard to maintain order.”
For Pelosi, this was more than just a simple reporter's question.
On January 6, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives was hit by riots, with the roots of riots not only linked to Trump’s instigation, but also to decision-making errors within the government during the riots.
Pelosi's role in this incident, as the then Speaker of the House, has been controversial. The reporter's questions undoubtedly touched the sensitive nerves in her heart.
Pelosi's face changed instantly. She stopped, turned around and faced the reporter. Originally, she just wanted to leave in a low profile. But at this moment, all the accumulated emotions seem to explode.
Pelosi's angry response
Faced with Steinberg's repeated questions, Pelosi's anger finally couldn't be suppressed.
She scolded loudly, Shut up! I didn't refuse the National Guard! It's the president who didn't send them!
She pointed to the reporter, and her angry tone was full of aggression. Obviously, this was not just a reaction to the reporter's question, but a strong counterattack to a series of accusations from the outside world.
Pelosi continued to ask, “Do you think you are a serious journalist?”
Her voice became louder and louder, as if she was no longer willing to conceal her inner anger.
Journalist Steinberg was clearly not prepared for such a violent reaction, but she didn't back down.
She insisted she was seeking the truth for the American people and said many people had doubts.
But Pelosi’s response was more direct: Do you think you are the only one who has the truth?
Her emotions were completely out of control at this moment.
Pelosi's deep antagonism with the GOP
Pelosi’s anger comes not only from the questions of the moment, but also because she has been heavily accused by the Republicans over the past few years.
Pelosi has been the target of Republican attacks since the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots, with many questioning whether she failed to make adequate security preparations before the riots and whether she failed to take decisive steps at critical moments, all pointing at her.
The Republicans have continuously excavated Pelosi's responsibility in the riots and launched a new commission of inquiry. Accused her of refusing to send the National Guard and even alleging her dereliction of duty during the riots.
However, Pelosi has always insisted that the responsibility is not her, but that then-President Trump failed to send the National Guard in time, and she herself did not prevent any aid from coming.
The outbreak of anger on October 15 coincided with the 16th day of the U.S. government shutdown, complicating the tension of political confrontation.
The battle between Trump and the Democratic Party has reached a climax, especially over fiscal appropriations. The government shutdown has caused serious damage to the U.S. economy. It even proposed to fire about 4100 government employees within the Democratic Party to force the Democratic Party to make compromises.
However, the Democratic Party resolutely refused to give in, and the two sides were deadlocked on the issue of funding. In this case, Trump took out the "military pay card", claiming that the Democratic Party used the government shutdown to hold the American army hostage, resulting in the inability of military salaries to be paid.
To ensure that the army gets its salary on time, Trump had to use the Pentagon's strategic research funds to pay the military.
The backdrop of this series of political struggles provides a complex political scene for Pelosi’s emotional outburst, facing not only attacks from the Republicans, but also the pressure of a government shutdown.
As a core figure in the Democratic Party, Pelosi has received great attention every step of the way, and her struggle with Trump seems to have no end.
American people's reactions and future prospects
Despite the fierce confrontation between political elites over government shutdowns and funding issues, the livelihood of the American people has been thrown aside.
According to the latest opinion poll, about 60% of Americans believe that the government shutdown has affected their lives, especially many civil servants are forced to take unpaid vacation, some government services are interrupted, and people's dissatisfaction gradually accumulates.
The deep confrontation between the Democratic Party and the Republican Party seems to determine the complexity of this political struggle.
In such a political environment, it is extremely difficult for either party to make concessions, which also makes the political structure of the United States more turbulent.
Pelosi's scolding incident may be just the tip of the iceberg. As the Republican Party and the Democratic Party continue to wrestle in the next few months, more political conflicts and public opinion turmoil may follow.
In this seemingly unsolvable game, people's voices are often ignored, and the real winners may be those few people who can skillfully manipulate public opinion and political situation.
conclusion
Pelosi's angry reaction reveals the complexity and emotions in American politics.
On the big political stage of the United States, behind every emotional outbreak, there is a deep political game and power competition.
For Pelosi, every move she makes is full of political significance, and this conflict with reporters is undoubtedly a climax in her political career.
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