Pelosi: Threat to democracy is ‘real, present, and urgent’

Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) wrote in an op-ed in The Atlantic on Friday, three years after the Jan. 6, 2021, terrorist attacks, that there is a “real, present, and urgent” threat to American democracy. warned about. Houses of Parliament.

Pelosi, who was the speaker at the time of the riot, detailed her experience Pro-Trump demonstrators invaded the Capitol and attempted to certify President Biden's victory as many specifically condemned Democratic leaders.

“The threats to our democracy are real, present, and imminent,” she wrote. “The parable of January 6th reminds us that our precious democratic institutions are only as strong as the courage and dedication of those entrusted with their care. We share the responsibility to preserve American democracy, which Lincoln called “Earth's last best hope.” ”

Although Pelosi did not mention Trump by name in the article, she referred to him by title and said that the then-president “resorted to the insurrection at the Capitol” after failing to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in court. Stated.

“January 6 was another moment of danger for our democracy. But on that dark night, Congress once again projected America's strength and resolve,” Pelosi wrote. “Now, three years later, we are being asked to do the same.”

Pelosi has repeatedly warned that returning to the White House would have dire consequences.

“Don't even think about that,” Pelosi said of Trump's reelection in an August interview. “Don't think the world is on fire. That can't happen or we wouldn't be the United States of America.”

“If he becomes president, it will be a criminal act in the White House,” she added at the time.

In an article in The Atlantic on Friday, Pelosi detailed her experience re-entering the chamber on the night of January 6 to continue debate over the certification of Arizona's election results. She said earlier in the day that even though House Republicans “barricaded themselves in their offices, hid under desks and chairs, and witnessed so much pain and trauma,” they were still unable to resolve some state election results. He criticized the government for voting against certification.

She is joined by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and Senate Majority Leader Chuck He criticized the general secretary for listening to his opinion and then voting against it. Schumer (D.N.Y.) pleads for help from the National Guard.

She also thanked then-Vice President Pence, who ultimately fulfilled his duty to certify the election in favor of President Biden.

“I also recognized the courage and dedication of our members and staff who returned to the chamber that night and stayed until around 4 a.m. when we finally adjourned the session on January 6,” she added.