Considering that this is the only "non-Fox" outlet that I've seen the Pelosi in Syria story running on, and that my mom in Indiana had no idea what I was talking about, I'm guessing that even running all eight cylinders on fully leaded un-catalytic converted fuel, that GOP slime machine has been unable to take this sleepy holiday news cycle away from Walter Reed, Gonzalezgate, GSAgate, the continuing devolution of Iraq, the dearth of Republican campaign donations, what the heck was Cheney doing hiding in the bushes during Tuesday's presser, and, of course, excitement over the amazing field of Democratic candidates.

"Keeps me searching for a heart of gold, and I'm gettin' old."_Heart of Gold-Neil Young

I saw clips of Pelosi in Syria. She looked great! Feminine and self assured, gracious and confident. I was so proud of her! And what a contrast to Bush's appearance at the G8 summit last year where he looked out of his league, grabbing the German Prime Minister, humiliating Tony Blair, etc. I think Pelosi makes a good stalking horse for Hillary. How great will '09 be when we have a new face representing us to the world!

right wing swiftboat liars will be out in force against this intellegent strong woman. What are the swiftboaters afraid of? the truth..

Way to go Nancy! Now maybe something good will happen with some healthy, intelligent diplomacy instead of the phoney, macho threatening style of this administration. The hell with them. Go Nancy!

Hopefully Bill Richardson will realize the goal of bringing home remains of U.S. soldiers from N. Korea. I believe if anyone could bring this about he could because of his extensive negotiating experience. I am surprised, however, that the Whitehouse would sanction this trip, considering the President has named NK part of the axis of evil. Contrast this with the delegations going to Syria; 10 members of Congress besides Pelosi attended, so why is her visit deemed so wrong, while no one else is singled out? Just wondering....

So the republicans have smelled blood and now they are circling their prey. Why should we care? They have ruled on behalf of republicans over "americans" since they won office. They are bankrupt and over, no matter how solicitous the righwing media is. Their problem is most of us can now see that he who would be king is naked. Republicans have proven themselves incapable of uniting they can only divide,God bless Pelosi, the one problem I see is that she is speaking to the progressive community from the Israele point of view and that I hold against her.

All Pelosi managed to accomplish by visiting with Syrian leader Asad is to give a terrorist sympathizer undeserved legitimacy. She undermined US policy with her naivete. Asad provides funds and material support to several terrorist organizations. He gives money to the families of suicide bombers. He is a dictator who will smile as he lies to you. He cannot be trusted. He is a murderer and a liar. He has never had any intention of having serious peace talks with Israel or the US, and Pelosi had no chance whatsoever of changing that. She is the poster child for the lefts complete misreading of the war on terror, what it is, what we face, and what we must do to win it. Pelosi and the left think Syria engages in and supports terrorist activity because we won't talk to them. The fact is we won't talk to them because they engage in and support terrorist activity. Pelosi and the left think that if we just talk to them, hold hands and make nice, they will behave differently. The fact is if we talk to them, hold hands and make nice, they will believe that their murderous ways have been effective. That killing innocents has brought us to the table, that is their goal. To make us bend to their will. Even then they will continue sponsoring terrorism. The ultimate goal of radical Islam is, come on, you know the words, sing it with me...Death to America, Death to Israel! A world under sharia law. Holding hands and singing Kum-Bah-Yah ain't gonna stop them. It only buys them time. While they are smiling and shaking our hands and making empty promises to our faces, they are plotting our destruction behind our backs. Pelosi apparently doesn't understand this. Her goal was to appear diametrically opposed to Bush policy. Whatever Bush is for, we are against. Her goal was to undermine Bush. To say, "Look at me. Bush wants to have war, but I want to have peace. Bush wants to drop bombs, I am willing to talk." She is clueless. It isn't Bush that wants war, it is radical Islamo-facists. How scary it is that she is 2nd in line to the presidency. WE CANNOT FOR ONE SECOND LET TERRORISTS OR THEIR SUPPORTERS BELIEVE THAT THEIR TACTICS MAKE US LISTEN TO THEM! This is all Pelosi has accomplished. She has made us less safe. I know i'll be pounced on for this post, but it's only because the truth hurts.

Nancy can tell the republican'ts to kiss her backside. She and the Democratic congress are the only one's who aren't afraid to tell the little emperor that he's not wearing any clothes and the intelligence to know that you can only gain peace and understanding with DIALOG - not ACCUSATIONS, LIES and BOMBS!!! Nancy, you go girl...

Yes - too bad Cheney chooses this moment to assert that CIA and entire intelligence community were wrong and Sadam was truly in cahoots with the bad guys. Either he is senile - or on drugs - perhaps from spending time with Rush L.

As we once again see the Bush/Cheney demonizing, hate machine kick into gear, there are some facts that need to be fully disclosed. Currently, Republican Robert Aderholt of AL, and Republican Frank Wolf of VA both from the House of Representatives are on a tour of Syria and Israel. Additonally, Republican David Hobson of OH, also a member of the House is accompanying Pelosi. Needless to say those who grease and operate the GOP hate machine will fail to mention these facts, but Republicans are in Syria as well as Pelosi, and it is a very good thing. Two more years of hate, demonizing, and dividing, and hopefully the slime that defines the Bush Administration will be relegated to the dung heap of American history.

Dear Daran, Your points are interesting. Have you ever heard of our "ally" Saudi Arabia? How about Pakistan? This is international relations, not a swap meet or a county fair; the people we deal with may very well deal with our enemies, and sometimes even be one. That's why IR is best left to the educated professionals: The Democratic Party. BTW, Rep. Daryl Issa (R-CA) stated from Syria that the Bush administration had the wrong policies. When? Yesterday.

Some people are threatened by intelligence. Some people are threatened by grace under pressure. Some people are threatened by thoughtfulness. Some people are threatened by tenderness. Some people are threatened by strong principles. Some people are threatened by elegance. Some people are threatened by strength of character. Some people are threatened by poise. Some people are threatened by courage. Some people are threatened by compassion. Some people are threatened by men. Some people are threatened by women. Some people live their entire lives feeling threatened. Some people are even threatened by Nancy Pelosi. The rest of us are threatened by insecure little people who are afraid of everything.

Charle, my myopic friend: the reason your momma doesn't know ANYTHING about Pelosi's seditious trip to Syria, is that the MAINSTREAM, "unbiased" "fair" drive-by media is ACTIVELY SUPPRESSING THE STORY. Yes, they are ACTIVELY NOT reporting the story for fear of making Her royal Highness look treasonous in a time of war. When will you wake up and see the REAL threat to America, my misled fellow American?

Charles the Few They are trying - desperately trying; and their old Hotline media enabler Mr Todd is trying too!! Unfortunately, it's become kind of common knowledge that a lot of GOP congress people also went to Syria concurrently, same abovementioned GOP folks had some not so complimentary things to say about the administrations inactions on Syria (see Mr Wolf-VA, Mr Potts-PA and Mr Issa-CA), and not to mentioned there was a GOP congressman on the SAME delegation as Ms Pelosi !!! I wonder why Mr Todd kinda forgets about that ... wait - he's just a GOP enabler masquerading as a journalist. Also Mr Cheney' rather unfortunate insisitence on the Iraq Al Qaeda pre war link (Yes he's still continuing with this)has stolen the headlines everywhere from any criticism of Pelosi - kind of reminds everyone why we shouldnt trust Cheney at all!! By the way Mr Todd - Kerry has been a hunter all his life - including hunting our enemies in the jungles of 'Nam, when a lot of other folks "chose" not to do so. You may think Kerry saying the same thing would be an issue - not many other people think so - Yes - Kerry wearing an orange suit in Ohio three days before an election smacks of pandering - but that's a different issue.

Bush's foreign policy has been a disaster. The problem with the Republican attack is they assume that contradicting the president is a bad thing. But the vast majority of the American public disapproves of Bush and his foreign policy. My take on it is that anyone in government who acts in opposition to Bush's foreign policy will be and should be applauded. It's long, long overdue.

Darren Pope, what is your solution to the issues with Syria?

Darren - just substitute Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld ad nauseum for Pelosi, and Saudia Arabia and King Abdullah for Syria and Assad, then try to deny the hypocracy. Darren said "All Pelosi managed to accomplish by visiting with Syrian leader Asad is to give a terrorist sympathizer undeserved legitimacy. She undermined US policy with her naivete. Asad provides funds and material support to several terrorist organizations. He gives money to the families of suicide bombers. He is a dictator who will smile as he lies to you."

Cheney must have been the neighborhood kid that all of the other neighborhood kids enjoyed beating the crap out of on a regular basis. He sits and waits for someone to make a real or imagined mistake, and then goes on a blistering attack. He is reviled throughout the world, and we all eagerly await his relinquishment of the office in '09. Or sooner, if possible, and by whatever means. Mrs. Pelosi, ignore that idiot behind the curtain.

"I'm your boogie man, I'm your boogie man, turn me on, I'm your boogie man, I'm your boogie man....do what you want...."--KC & the Sunshine Band

Just give it up Darren! Let your boy Bush go. He will be alright eventually as he will be taken care of by his rich family when his term is done. You don't have to keep sticking up for him,honest. He's already toast.This is Bushs war! We played right into Bin Ladens hands after 9/11. Darren! Your spinning right along with Bush and Cheney. The truth will set you free.Look past your own nose!

"Get up and boogie...."--Silver Convention

Who gives a damn what the repukican supporters say about Nancy Pelosi?! She is a refreshing breath of fresh air in what has been six long stinking years of liars, fools, and misfits that have occupied the highest levels of our government. I admire the she has taken on the Bush crap house and attempted to mend the broken fences that Cheney and his hand puppet Bush have inflicted on our former friends and allies. You Bush supporters have no clue about our foreign policy, our Constitution, or how Democracy works but you are about to be re-educated in 2008. I can hardly wait!

You seem to have left out from your brief blurb that the Speaker is not alone in Syria. Isn't she a delegation composed of both Democrats and Republicans? If that were the case, why wouldn't THAT be the story. Furthermore, was it not a Republican deligation that preceeded her by a week or so?

What good is California's anti-Iraq war ballot initiative going to do? I mean, the Bush Administration plans to veto all efforts by Congress to get this country out of Iraq even though the voters gave the new people voted into Congress the mandate to do this. And there aren't the votes to override. So California's ballot initiative won't make a difference, either.

Nancy Pelosi has the courage to do what George Bush can't seem to do and that is to have a dialogue with our so-called enemies, the Syrians. George Bush can't manage our domestic agenda nor can he handle foreign affairs.

Hey Darren and jtb, time to pick up your toys and go home. Bully George is done.He's embarrassed himself, this country and everyone around him.No matter how big a hissy fit you have-it doesnt matter. Stick a fork in him. He's DONE!!Thank G0d.

Amy: you are REALLY interested in HOW PELOSI LOOKED for the photographers? God help us all, if there are more "Americans" who are as superficial as you, worried more on how a politician looks, rather than their actions. Gee: dumb me: now I know how Bill got elected. Trouble is: how do you explain how Ronald Regan got elected? not exactly Brad Pitt...wait, I know!!! He got elected ON ISSUES!! What an ancient, quaint practice.

U2: yea, Kerry a hunter his whole life. Never saw a REAL hunter have one of his political flunkies carry his daily quota after a hunt, for fear of the response of PETA and anti-gunners to the photo-ops. Hunter my a--. Do you actually realize how far up a portion of Kerry's anatomy your brains, and opinions, actually are?

"Yes, they are ACTIVELY NOT reporting the story for fear of making Her royal Highness look treasonous in a time of war." We're at war with Syria? Since when?

Whether Pelosi accomplished anything or not, at least she is giving diplomacy a try. Something the Bushies have been unwilling to try. Condi "Photo-Op" Rice couldn't negotiate anything.

Darren, if we continue what we have been doing (no dialog with our adversaries) we should expect the same results (porous borders with Iraq). I am not convinced that Pelosi did the right thing in talking directly to Asad, but communication at some level is necessary. I believe that a group of Republican senators visited Syria last weekend, though I do not know who they spoke to (where was the outrage then?). My point is this, the macho posturing by this administration has proved to be unsucessful in dealing with those who consider us the enemy. When Reagan was dealing with the Soviet Union he dealt with Gorbechov (sp?) and remember Nixon had dialog with Mao in China. Kennedy used back door diplomacy to resolve the Cuban Missle Crisis. Unfortunately, this administration has failed to learn anything from its predecessors and our standing in the world community has suffered greatly for that.

JTB, You mean not reporting it like the editorial in the Washington Post yesterday supporting Bush's criticism of Pelosi? You might not have heard much of that because most of the points made by that Opinion were contradicted by the Reporting done by the Post's fact-gathering arm. In other words, it's a non-story, especially when compared to the corruption of the Bush Administration. You need to believe that the Media are biased against you because the facts don't match your world-view, so you desperately question the bias of the reporters. But, the (non-opinion) media these days doesn't run on political bias, it runs on pure capitalist economics; if the story generates interest that translates into web hits which translates into ad revenues. The Pelosi story made the rounds on CNN, Lou Dobbs, etc, but it didn't make it into my home town paper, which is owned by DAN QUAYLE's BROTHER in Law. That's how small this story really is. Further, your claims of treason would also have to apply to Former Speaker Denny Hastert for his 1997 Colombian expedition during which he famously ENCOURAGED Colombian officials to bypass the White House. And FINALLY, this isn't a war, it's an occupation of a civil war. There is a war on, just not ours. U2, Hey there Brother! So, do YOU know what Cheney was doing in the bushes?

HAHAHAHA! The corrupt and inept crony-orama and criminal conspiracy has seen diplomacy, and it scared the hell out of them. Because the rest of the world saw it too. They thought they were done with that when they executed Powell. It would be great if the war criminals could arrogantly dictate terms to the world forever, but I'm getting the feeling that maybe that isn't working, and so is the rest of the country(except for the really, really devoted cult-types. Maybe Bush and supporters will move to Guyana?) Instead of shooting off their chicken hawk mouths they should have been taking notes. It's been 6 years since an American acted like a world leader not named "cesear" and it doesn't look like good fuel to run the Swiftboot Liars for Goebbels Tactics team - gonna blow up in your faces, chicken hawks. First positive move since the WAR ON TERROR came to mean the U.S. terrorizing Iraq.

As I said yesterday, the GOPers who accompanied Pelosi are trying to save their political butts. They are attempting to distance themsleves from Bush so they can get re-elected. Simple. As for Saudi Arabia, of course many terrorists come from that country. Many terrorists come from Pakistan as well. But their governments are not strong supporters of terrorists groups. This is why you see terrorists attacks within these countries. When was the last time you heard of a terrorist attack inside Syria. Exactly. Whenever someone makes a valid point about left wing apples here, most of you jump up and down shouting and pointing at right-wing oranges. It just doesn't work. I absolutley believe we should put more pressure on the Saudis to do more. They, however, like Pelosi, are afraid of making the bad guys mad. They, like Pelosi, believe that appeasing them is the answer. They are wrong. So is she.

Coy - Your post about the Speaker's visit to Syria is correct. There were several Republicans that participated in the trip. In my opinion the difference is this; Speaker Pelosi's visit was considered high level which the U.S. and the U.K. have not engaged in since early 2005 when Syria helped in the assassination of the Pro-Democracy leader in Lebanon. The other problem I have with it was that her spokesperson said that she was over their promoting an alternative diplomatic option. The problem with this is that we can't have 535 Secretary of States going around conducting their own diplomatic meetings. I understand that the Bush administration's foreign policy has been a disaster but the fact remains that the Constitution states that it is the President who sets foreign policy. I would only ask this. If Hilary was President and was pursuing a policy of diplomacy and appeasement and Duncan Hunter was Speaker of the House and he went to Syria and threatened military action. How would you feel about that? I don't imagine those on the left would be very happy with Speaker Hunter.

To think that what Cheney, Drudge, the RNC, or the House Republicans have to say about this issue registers in the minds of most Americans is ridiculous. How much farther does this administration have to fall until they lose all credibility? It's about time the adults took over and we stop acting like children in our foreign policy decisions.

the "republican noise machine" would be far less effective if cnn and the washington post weren't acting like charter members. it's a shame that republicans are apparently so threatened by strong and assertive women. (and, by the way, what about the republicans on the trip--or, a little history, then-speaker newt gingrich's china "diplomacy?")

Chuck and Mark. Could you not even take a moment to let your readers know that the Washingtion Post and the New York Times were both critical of Pelosi's vistit and her bone headed comments?

Darren, I'm confused you said about Asah that "He is a dictator who will smile as he lies to you. He cannot be trusted. He is a murderer and a liar." Sounds like you were talking about your buddy who's pretending to be President. Note to others Darren is one of the 36% that approve of the president, unfortuanately there will be 36% that have their heads in the sand, such is life. Happy Easter to all!!

And the response of 60% of the country is....."Who is Nancy Pelosi?" Funny how everything wrong with the world is the fault of anyone else but the team in the White House. Leaders lead in adversity, cowards blame others for their failures. Looks like Bush, Cheney and Rover are a trio of cowards.

Well, it seems to me that Nancy Pelosi is a "far bigger man" than George Bush and Dick Cheney added together. It's was past the time to take a different approach in the Middle East. The Bush/Cheney strategy of shooting/bombing has not worked. For the Republicans who are critical of Nancy Pelosi's attempts, are you aware that several REPUBLICAN congressmen accompanied her on the mission?

M- in texas: ask me! ask me! ask me!

Olivia, Considering the number of state-level impeachment bills (of Bush) going on, I'd say that's one step closer to having a national referendum on the Bush Admin.

Pat Buchanan. Back in 1997, though he differed with Gingrich on China policy, he very clearly stated that Congress had a proper role in foreign policy and indeed should "run" it. From the Associated Press, March 18, 1997 (via Nexis): Speaking at a news conference organized by the conservative magazine "Human Events," Buchanan said the Clinton administration's policy of constructive engagement with the Chinese was a failure... "It's now up to Congress to run foreign policy and it has the power to overturn the president's decision" on China's trade status, expected in June, Buchanan said. "There is time to organize a campaign" to influence Congress, "and this is a battle we can win." Here's Buchanan criticizing Pelosi's trip and the idea of a Congressional leader meddling in foreign policy on the Kudlow and Company on April 3, 2007: Mr. BUCHANAN: Well, Condi Rice has been working on the Palestinian account and that hasn't come out very well. But you're right there. But let me say about Nancy Pelosi, I think it's a mistake for her, unlike these Republican and Democratic back benchers, who nobody really cares about. She's a major, major figure in American politics now. And this is thumb in the eye of the president of the United States, and it does send a mixed message. I remember going abroad with Richard Nixon in 1967. Every country he went to, we went to the embassy and he would say, `What do you want me to say and how can I help the president?' And the country, in its foreign policy, in talking to these leaders, foreign ministers and others. And this idea that we've got--America's got a couple foreign policies, I think, some Americans, it certainly bothers me that she's there. Next up: GOP House leader John Boehner. Here he is in the Columbus Dispatch on April 5, 2007, frowning on the idea of a Speaker trying to upstage the President on the foreign policy stage: In a meeting yesterday with Dispatch editors and reporters, Boehner [said] her stature gave the visit an imprimatur it didn't deserve. "It's one thing for other members to go," Boehner said, "but you have to ask yourself, 'Why is Pelosi going?' She's going for one reason and that is to embarrass the president." But it turns out that Boehner as a Congressman in 1997 went along on Gingrich's trip to China and praised the idea of it. From a press conference on April 9, 1997 (via Nexis): REP. JOHN BOEHNER (R-OH): Well, let me just say that the speaker, Mr. Dingell, and the rest of my colleagues, were diplomatic; they were respectful of the countries that we visited -- but I think very clear in terms of our interest; the role of democracy that should [evolve ?] in more of these countries -- the issue of human rights. And I know from my own background, it was a very educational trip. It is sooo easy to look on the internet for past statements - maybe Mr Todd should do that to properly clarify (in a true journalistic sense!!) the context here

People, people, don't bother with Darren and jtb. They are so out of touch with reality. Pity them, but don't rise to the bait.

I am so bored with the "Right Wing Slime Machine" and I am sure most other Americans feel the same way. The people behind the slime machine are not smart enough to realize that Obama's biggest selling point is fatigue with the untruthful, sliming tactics we have been bombarded with over the last 6 years.

jtb You mean Kerry's not a real hunter like ...umm... Mr Cheney !!!! Do you realize how far up whatever of Mr Cheney your head is ?

Mark we are certainly intimidated by your intelligence, let me tell you that is certain. If we could only have the poise and elegence that you seem to have we could all be intimidating. Have you ever thought of writing a book or maybe some poems that could really show how truely strong your principles and courage are. You my lefty friend have just described everything that the left is not, you lack everything that you talk about. When you say character do you mean supporting abortion, gay marriage, and other vial acts or when you mention courage is that when you want to tuck your spinless tail in between your legs and run away from the war in Iraq? Those qualities that you seem to think the right is scared of dont really exist in Pelosi, like all of the actors on the left they dont really stand for anything but political gain.

Exactly, Iowa Mom. Let those two live their lives in constant fear of bogus Boogeymen while the rest of us simply live our lives.

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