Former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is not known for her warm and fuzzy demeanor, or respect for others. And that is precisely why eyebrows were raised over the weekend after her untimely statement made on CNN – the same week folks were mourning Queen Elizabeth II’s passing – comparing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to the recent dearly departed. Despite demonstrating a lack of manners that would have Emily Post cringing from the great beyond, Hillary had to be up to something to grant the Queen Pelosi moniker.
During the weekend shows, specifically State of the Union, Hillary called Pelosi “gutsy” and then went all in:
“[Pelosi] has shown, through all kinds of turmoil and challenge, what it means to — somewhat like the queen, to be drawing an analogy here — get up every day, put on those high heels she wears, suit up to fight for the values and ideals that she strongly believes in.”
One might surmise that Clinton was building up to an endorsement of the octogenarian legislator for some sort of say to play – but no requested coronation of a Queen Pelosi followed. Instead, it was all about Hillary and the across-the-pond Queen. Ah, yes, a mere deflection to make Hillary look like a best friend of the person whose name is sure to be on every news channel, 24/7, for the next few days, until the official mourning schedule concludes on Sept. 19 with the funeral. In fact, it appears Clinton was simply promoting the Apple TV+ show Gutsy she has made with daughter Chelsea.
Conceivably Hillary hopes now, after her appearance on CNN, that other news stations will clamor to hear the tales of her Royal Family visits and slyly insert questions about that latest mother-daughter project. Wouldn’t that be sneaky?
‘When Bill and I Hung Out With QE2’
Clinton, animated and nearly approachable, relayed, “One of my favorite memories is when Bill and I stayed with her and Prince Philip on the Britannia, what used to be the royal yacht, as we commemorated the 50th anniversary of D-Day. So we were in close quarters.” Was there a wink and a nod?
She persisted, “The queen mother was there. It was just like being with a family that was having a good time together despite the solemnity of the occasion.” Perchance like a wake after a favorite uncle’s funeral? And Clinton insisted, “But I also saw a more playful and somewhat, you know, funny and very incredibly warm side of [the Queen] as well.” Bill and Hillary apparently have a way of making the Royals feel loved and included. She blathered about their bestie visits, saying, “Sometimes there would be, you know, a wry exchange about, you know, how as a woman leader, you always have to have your hair done, well, she always looked perfect, unlike some of us.” Okay, Hillary does have a point there.
But again: timing.
Queen Pelosi Falls Flat
Despite pithy tales of merriment in the UK from Clinton, conservatives were quick to cry foul at the comparison of the House speaker to the monarch. But, timing aside, pundits and social media users promptly pointed out the subtle differences between the two gals, notwithstanding a closeness in age. Jonathan Turley took to Twitter, reminding us, “Of course, the Queen never quite reached Pelosi’s ‘gutsy’ level by ripping up the Opening Day speech in Parliament.”
Contributor and columnist Liz Peek appeared on Fox Business’ Mornings With Maria and not only said her final image of Pelosi will be the speaker ripping up President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech, but also called her “a vicious, successful in-fighter.” Which are qualities today’s politicians embrace. Peek also pointed out why Pelosi could not compare to the Queen, who displayed regal qualities of “such dignity, such temperance, resolve, and fortitude and selflessness.” The panel agreed the comparison was quite ridiculous and “extremely offensive.” So, there’s that.
The concept of Queen Pelosi falls short of being an honorable and honest comparison. But it would appear to all but the closest of Clinton sycophants that Hillary does not go around handing out compliments to those she might consider the competition. After all, Madam Speaker Pelosi is closer to residing behind the Resolute Desk than Mrs. Clinton. And if one was paying close attention, Hillary spent a goodly amount of time on CNN comparing herself to the Queen, perhaps hoping each mention of the “gutsy” Brit Royal would force the conversation in the direction of a certain new streaming series.