Speaker Pelosi's arrogance--a San Francisco tradition

October 30, 9:46 AMSF Politics ExaminerArthur Bruzzone

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA --- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s approval rating among Californians is a measly 34 percent. Forty-four percent of the state’s voters disapprove of her performance. Her congress receives only 23 percent approval, while two thirds of California voters disapprove of their own delegation.

Within her own party, Pelosi has only 51 percent favorable rating.

Yet there she is, arrogant and unflappable. Refusing to let reporters into the ceremony introducing her latest health care reform legislation, beefing up the public option in her plan, while celebrating what she calls an historical event.

What is it about San Francisco politicians, from Pelosi to Newsom to Supervisor Campos. Defying state and Federal laws, sending aid to undeserving third world countries, unconcerned about a 29-year high unemployment rate, and a projected $1.5 billion city budget ‘shortfall’ (over the next three years). San Francisco politicians have developed this political arrogance --- rather Democrat arrogance – starting with Phil Burton who also rose to high prominence in Congress. Add Willie Brown, Dianne Feinstein (much less ostentatious), Barbara Boxer, and of course the current class featuring ‘like it or not’ Mayor Newsom, bad boy Daly, Ammiano, and the wizard, Peskin.

But Nancy Pelosi is current queen of San Francisco arrogance.

It’s part of the San Francisco political culture, which feeds upon itself --- elitism. By the very belief that they have ‘progressed’ beyond their own constituents and will enact ordinances and legislation, whether they like it or not. The belief that they are enlightened, gifted with vision, and obligated to act on their vision. The belief they have been charged with a mission of taking the masses to the promised land – it’s essentially a messianic syndrome. They believe they are the chosen ones, and San Francisco is their Bethlehem.

But, then there are those polls. Pelosi at a 34 percent approval rating in California, polls showing Newsom losing in his home town to his likely gubenatorial opponent, and U.S. Senator Boxer with a 44 percent approval rating among California voters.

Arrogance is like that. It can be due to self-delusion or the result of achievement. At present Nancy Pelosi’s achievement is ramming through a radical health care reform bill among her colleagues. We’ll discover soon if her arrogance is well-founded. That will be the ultimate poll.