Democratic leader lays out party agenda in radio address - Nancy Pelosi

AP - Bakersfield Californian ^ | 6/18/06 | Erica Werner - AP

[NormsRevenge]

If they retake control of Congress, Democrats will act quickly to increase the minimum wage, lower prescription drug costs and slash interest rates on student loans, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Saturday.

The ideas are part of the Democrats' new domestic agenda, named "New Direction for America," which the party rolled out during the past week. Pelosi, D-Calif., used the party's Saturday radio address to promote the plan.

"A new direction means expanding access to affordable health care for Americans. We will begin by lowering the cost of prescription drugs by putting seniors ahead of pharmaceutical companies and HMOs," Pelosi said.

"A new direction means broadening opportunity by addressing the soaring costs of higher education. We will begin by making tuition tax-deductible and cutting the interest rates of student loans in half."

Pelosi also pledged to improve security, reduce dependence on foreign oil, maintain Social Security and oppose deficit spending. Under the plan the minimum wage would rise from $5.15 to $7.25 over two years, the interest rate on student loans would be cut to 3.4 percent and Democrats would approve a "pay as you go" budgeting rule.

Most of the ideas have been part of Democratic talking points for months but, facing criticism that they lack a cohesive message, the party is regrouping them as a platform to run on in November's midterm elections. Democrats hope to regain control of the House and Senate, which would take a gain of 15 seats in the House and six in the Senate.

On Iraq, Pelosi said: "2006 must be a year of significant transition. It is time for a new direction in Iraq."

She didn't mention that there's significant disagreement among Democrats on when to begin withdrawing troops.

Pelosi's position on the Iraq timetable - "at the earliest practicable time, the United States must begin the responsible redeployment of its troops," she said - is not shared by everyone in the Democratic caucus.

[NormsRevenge]

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) speaks at a news conference on Capitol Hill, March 15, 2006. Democratic lawmakers said on Wednesday that they would investigate spending in Iraq and require government agencies to comply with accounting rules if voters give them control of the House of Representatives in November's elections. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

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House minority leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) speaks to attendees of the 'Take Back America' conference in Washington, D.C. June 13, 2006. The three-day conference held by Campaign for America's Future brings together progressive leaders to discuss a strategy for moving the U.S. in a new direction. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (UNITED STATES)

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Democrats said the elimination of Al-Qaeda leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and the naming of two key ministerial posts underscore Iraq's growing self-sufficiency, as they renewed calls for a withdrawal of US troops. "Democrats have long said that 2006 must be a year of significant transition in Iraq, where the Iraqis take responsibility for their security," said Nancy Pelosi, top Democrat in the House of Representative.(AFP/File/Andrew Councill)

[popdonnelly]

Sorry I missed it. ;)

[tomnbeverly]

She is weak and indecisive. A shrill shrew that flaps in the wind of political polling. She needs to just sit down and shut up...

[NormsRevenge]

LOL, I hear ya.. I bet someone posts a transcript. ;-)

[ChadGore]

Nobody cares what liberals think.

Their approval is not required.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Well, she got me sold. Now I don't have to work anymore and let the gubmint take care of me yippee!

[cardinal4]

If they retake control of Congress, Democrats will act quickly to increase the minimum wage, lower prescription drug costs and slash interest rates on student loans, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Saturday.

No security concerns, immigration concerns or troop support. Imagine that. Of course, whats unwritten here, is that the articles of impeachment are already written..

[Diogenesis]

"Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the
development of weapons of mass destruction
technology which is a threat to countries in the
region and he has made a mockery of the weapons
inspection process."
- Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D, CA), Dec. 16, 1998

[texasmountainman]

Even liberals don't care what other liberals think. What is important to liberals is how one "feels" about an issue.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

She is weak and indecisive. A shrill shrew that flaps in the wind of political polling. She needs to just sit down and shut up...

I made a prediction before and I'll make it again:

If the GOP retains control of Congress and/or adds seats, Pelosi will be forced to step down and Bill Clinton will become interim DNC chairman until late 2007 or early 2008 where he can devote his resources to helping Hillary win the WH.

[The Iceman Cometh]

I'll bet I know who wrote the new Democrat platform.

[I see my hands]

Necrotic Nancy

[Grampa Dave]

Screetch is shown below with Mr Personality. Screetch is scratching her plastic finger nails on the slate top of the podium.

[LA Conservative]

Instanalysis of new Democrat “Direction”

Increase the minimum wage
This will increase unemployment among the least employable as business will reduce headcount in order to adjust to the higher payroll expense. This will increase the perceived need for a welfare state, which the Demoncrats are happy to provide.

Lower prescription drug costs – Means price controls, which is what socialist governments do. The result will be more foreign outsourcing prescription drugs, less research and development as new investments will not be profitable, which will result in the stagnation of pharmaceutical advancement. This is a winning strategy for the Demoncrats as it will make their socialized healthcare more affordable, regardless of the increase in human suffering as a result of the lack of advancement in medicine.

Slash interest rates on student loans – This does not reduce deficit spending, nor will it increase the tax “revenues” as more people graduate college and get higher paying jobs, as a result of higher taxation as promised by Hillary Clinton.
Expanding access to affordable health care for Americans – Again, increase amount of human suffering by rationing healthcare, but hey, as long as Demoncrats are in power, who cares?
It is time for a new direction in Iraq – This means RUN!

[EQAndyBuzz]

"If they retake control of Congress, Democrats will act quickly to increase the minimum wage, lower prescription drug costs and slash interest rates on student loans, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Saturday. "

So they are basically playing to their base. The MTV generation, senior citizens and inner city blacks. Well good thing they locked up that vote.

Maroons

[9999lakes]

I made a prediction before and I'll make it again: If the GOP retains control of Congress and/or adds seats, Pelosi will be forced to step down and Bill Clinton will become interim DNC chairman until late 2007 or early 2008 where he can devote his resources to helping Hillary win the WH. ...........................................................Alright, I can accept that prediction.. But make it a little different. Pelosi will lose her position not matter who is in charge of the House. The Black Caucus is already "in opposition." And bill clinton will have no effect on anything --- for the rest of his life!

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

Iceman'
I HATE that guy! "Free money! Getcher free money! The government will give you FREE MONEY!"

[downtownconservative]

Nancy Bela-Lugosi Pelosi. She has a future...in the horror film industry.

[9999lakes]

I can add one more prediction -- bill clinton's rest-of-his-life? That won't be long. Years of dissipation will take his effect, and he'll be dead befor 2010. hillary will be Seantor For Life in NY.