Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) made an awkward attempt to walk back a mistake she made while speaking with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
The conversation, hosted by Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), focused on the issue of democracy.
“Let’s start with this little matter of democracy, because I think you and I believe that it’s not just in our country, but that’s where we see it most clearly, there is a concerted effort to undermine some of the very foundations of democratic governance, of a democratic society,” Clinton said.
She continued, “There’s research, some of it done by SIPA in this university, showing that half the world’s democracies are backsliding, and that includes, sadly, the United States. So, what do you, Nancy, view as the biggest threats and challenges facing our democracy and what are the opportunities to try to stop that backsliding and turn it around?”
Pelosi replied, “Well, I appreciate that question, but I also appreciate your leadership in this regard when president –”
She quickly realized her mistake, awkwardly shifted in her seat and placed her hand over her chest.
“My hope,” Pelosi said.
She added, “But when Secretary Clinton was in the Senate and first lady, but especially as Secretary of State in more recent time – she has been and at that time implemented many things showing America’s support for democracy.”
Pelosi went on to suggest Clinton was feared by Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
“It was her clarity and position to the present – Putin – present occupant leader of Russia, that made him turn around and ensure, in an illegal way, come out against her in her campaign and interference in our democracy by Vladimir Putin, because Hillary Clinton was the person he feared most in terms of his lack of democracy in Russia. That’s, I think, self-evident, so thank you for what you have done,” Pelosi said.
Watch the conversation below (starting at 25:30):
Clinton previously spoke out about threats to democracy ahead of the midterm elections in November.
During an interview with CNN, Clinton suggested Republicans are “going after democracy and even counting votes that they think will help them and not others that won’t.”
According to Clinton, “Those are real threats, threats to individuals and our lives every day, and threats to our country.”
Clinton appeared to be reiterating the message delivered by President Joe Biden ahead of the midterms, saying, “We know democracy is at risk.”
Biden claimed the U.S. is “often not faced with questions of whether the vote we cast will preserve democracy.”
However, he added at the time, “This year we are.”
