Left My Heart in San Francisco

I've gotten a bunch of email from folks about my last post, most of whom like it, except for my reference to Pelosi's San Francisco roots being a drawback for her as leader. Let me just clarify: I think San Fran is a great place. The only point I was trying to make was that there are special challenges in being the national leader of the Democratic Party when you come from a place the right-wing has (unfairly) spent years vilifying. It's the same way that Howard Dean coming from Vermont was perceived in some quarters as a drawback - fairly or unfairly.

That doesn't mean San Fran is a bad place, or Pelosi shouldn't be leader (in fact, I think I gave a pretty vigorous defense of her qualifications and performance). But come on folks, don't get so sensitive. Let's be real honest: being a national Democratic Leader and coming from San Francisco has at least some drawbacks/challenges. Even folks who live in San Francisco should be able to acknowledge that, without feeling like it denigrates their city. It doesn't!