Nancy Pelosi wasted no time slapping down a National Republican Congressional Committee press release that said “taxpayers can only hope [Gen. Stanley] McChrystal is able to put her in her place.” That’s “her,” as in the House speaker, whose place is running one of the coequal branches of government.

Pelosi responded to the release by saying: “I’m in my place. I’m the Speaker of the House, the first woman Speaker of the House. And I’m in my place because the House of Representatives voted me there.”

Beyond their blatant sexism, the House Republicans responsible for the statement clearly feel it’s the place of a general to dictate policy to the leader of their chamber, who they apparently feel should be subservient to the military. At least as long as she’s a woman.

Democrats win elections by getting women to vote for them. They should send the National Republican Congressional Committee a thank-you basket. — PS

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