Great strategists heed the advice of philosopher and legendary Chinese General Sun Tzu: “Every battle is won or lost before it’s ever fought.”
For proof, watch House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s actions immediately after special prosecutor Robert Mueller’s testimony before Congress on Wednesday.
As she explained to the Detroit Free Press, the Democratic majority will be secured by this November, “a year before voters cast their ballots. Democratic candidates will have the edge.”
How can she be so certain? As Sun Tuzu advised, she has planned well ahead of the first battle. Mueller is just the opening trumpet.
Already in hand is a five-page set of talking points about the Mueller that “attempts to distill Mueller’s findings into pithy, digestible talking points, drawn from Mueller’s own language.” Just in case nobody has read it or watched the hearings.
These short “Cliff Notes” are to be used and distributed by Democratic caucus members to their constituents, local press, and donors, during the upcoming summer recess. Pelosi will not be out-messaged by Attorney General William Barr again.
Second, she is activating a social media war room and targeted blitz.
Third, she has already helped raise buckets more money than the GOP House members. This is something Pelosi excels at. According to the Washington Post, key House campaigns are reporting massive fundraising hauls for this early stage of the campaign cycle.
And finally, by staying agile in her attack modes, readily available to the press and public, and hyper-attentive to her caucus members’ needs, Pelosi is channeling Sun Tzu.
Want further proof? Look at her latest recruit and an upcoming special election.
In Texas, attractive and articulate attorney Wendy Davis—famous for her 13-hour filibuster of an anti-abortion bill in the state capitol—has decided to run for a House seat currently held by one of the most conservative Republicans.
“I’m running for Congress because people’s voices are still being silenced,” Davis said in a video launching her campaign. “I’m running for our children and grandchildren so they can live and love and fight for change themselves.”
Davis has a better-than-even chance of flipping that seat.
Even sooner is the Sept. 10 special election in North Carolina’s 9th district. This was forced by a too-close-to-call general election sullied by fraud complaints and ultimately nullified. New polls show the race a dead heat between Democrat Dan McCready and Republican Dan Bishop—in a district Republicans have held since 1963.
It’s another probable win for Pelosi—well ahead of the 2020 general election showdown.
Do watch the Mueller testimony to Congress, if you can. But then pay attention to Pelosi’s preparations for battle more than a year ahead of the November elections.
They don’t call her General for nothing.
Colleen O’Connor is a native San Diegan and a retired college professor.
