While Pelosi is truly an ugly person inside and out, probably best not to make too much of this awkward action. I agree with your post #18.
“I think much is being remarked on a few seconds of swinging arm gestures and mildly clumsy interaction on a very crowded stage.”
Good on you for the decency to be accommodating, but I think your narrative falls flat upon the look she gave the girl immediately before she gave her the elbow. But for that look I might agree with you, but that look — bringing complete awareness of the girl’s presence and proximity — invests her swinging appendage with all the nastiness that has been claimed. Whether it’s racism or classism, or just her own irritation at sharing the limelight, the revelation of a prideful, egocentric black heart is plain as day.