The Profundity of Pelosi

Nancy Pelosi explains her choice of words.

Former Speaker of the House and current House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has produced two of the most memorable quotes of the Obamacare era: 2010's "we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it" and 2013's "embrace the suck."

The latter quotation came into widespread use by the military during the second Iraq war. "Embrace the suck" means that the situation is bad, but deal with it. The phrase is vulgar, funny, and...wise. An honest appraisal of and full engagement with one's condition is the first step toward climbing out of a hole. Wishing that things were different is often an exercise in futility.

While her supporters have argued that these quotes were taken out of context, Mrs. Pelosi has never apologized or offered a retraction. Her sayings may make her an object of mockery by opponents, but they are not silly. After her party lost the House in 2010, Democrats nevertheless re-elected her as leader. Republicans would be wise not to underestimate her. © 2013 Stephen Yuen