Amid mounting pressure from Democrats to open an impeachment inquiry, the House of Representatives welcomed a new Speaker of the House, Representative Nancy Pelosi, in January of 2019. Pelosi served as Speaker of the House from 2007 to 2011 and was seen as a steady, level headed leader by her peers across both sides of the aisle during her first tenure. Since the Democrats took control of the House following the midterm elections, many Republicans have been hoping that Pelosi will adopt a measured approach to the impeachment inquiry.
Since the inquiry into President Trump’s possible obstruction of justice was officially launched, Republicans have argued that it is nothing more than a politically motivated witchhunt. Representative Steve Scalise, R-La., for example, has stated that “Democrats are rushing ahead with a partisan impeachment inquiry without a real basis for their overreach.” Nonetheless, the President has been defiant, vowing to fight the inquiry “all the way,” and has urged Republicans to remain committed to his presidency.
As Speaker, Pelosi must maintain the balance between her party and consensus. Consequently, her leadership will be crucial in preventing the impeachment inquiry from becoming a purely partisan affair and that is why some Republicans are hoping that she will be able to ensure that this process is conducted in a fair and unbiased manner. Representative Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, has expressed his support for his new Speaker’s “strong leadership style,” saying, “ I am hopeful that Speaker Pelosi will take a balanced approach to this inquiry and ensure that both sides have their voices heard.”
Some Democrats, meanwhile, have been more measured in their responses. Representative Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and a key figure in the inquiry, notes that “it’s important that we proceed with caution and respect the rule of law when conducting this investigation.”
Given the politically charged climate surrounding the impeachment inquiry, Speaker Pelosi’s leadership will be essential in both preventing a breakdown in the House and offering a sense of calm in these fraught times. Only time will tell whether she can rise to the challenge.