Pelosi slams Russert for 'offensive' question on aging House leadership

To be fair to young Luke Russert, his question was not just about Nancy Pelosi, but also about Steny Hoyer and Jim Clyburn. It may be ageist, but the cries of sexism seem pretty outlandish given what Russert actually asked. Also, he had not thought it up himself, but was relaying the privately stated views of other members of the House Democratic caucus.

Incidentally, whether Russert's question was legitimate or offensive of whatever does not depend on what one thinks of his having benefited from being the son of a famous journalist. He has struck me as sharp and capable. Personally, I have a great deal of respect for Pelosi, whose tenure as Speaker was quite productive. And I don't care at all how old she or Hoyer or Clyburn is. Ben Franklin was old when he pulled off some sly diplomatic maneuvers in Paris. Pelosi is quite effective at pulling together the House Democrats. I also like and respect Hoyer, who wants the top Democratic job (and the Speakership) himself. I have about a thousand concerns that matter more to me than their rivalry.