**Content:**
Former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a surprise appearance in Rhode Island on Sunday, August 30, to lend her support to Democrat Helena Foulkes in her bid for the governorship. Pelosi, who is not seeking reelection after nearly four decades in Congress, addressed a crowd of enthusiastic Foulkes supporters at Farm Fresh Rhode Island, emphasizing the importance of the race and the challenges ahead.
During her speech, Pelosi reminisced about her college days and her friendship with Foulkes' parents, Bernie and Martha Dodd Buonanno, before focusing on the current political climate. She highlighted the significant responsibilities that governors face, particularly under the Trump administration and a compliant GOP-led Congress.
"Governors have a huge responsibility in this Trump era," Pelosi said. "They're facing the biggest cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP benefits in history. They're trying to help the people affected by these cuts, but the pressure falls on the states."
Pelosi expressed her confidence in Democrats' ability to take back the House in the upcoming midterm elections and emphasized the need for elected officials at all levels to "protect elections" against repeated threats. She praised Foulkes for her courage and determination, calling her a "values-based, determined decision maker" who is capable of making tough decisions.
The event was a significant boost for Foulkes, who currently holds a 15-point lead over incumbent Governor Dan McKee in the polls. Pelosi's endorsement and the high-profile event are expected to further increase Foulkes' popularity and bolster her campaign.
Foulkes, in her speech, made it clear that her campaign is not just about winning the race but about sending a message to the state and the nation. "I don't want to just win this race," she said. "I want to crush this. We're going to crush it because we're going to send a message: the state needs to work for everyone in this state, not the powerful few."
The rally was a lively affair, with Foulkes' director of volunteers, Elisabeth Wales, leading the crowd in chants and Pelosi and Foulkes taking the stage to a rousing rendition of Beyoncé's "Run the World (Girls)".
In addition to her endorsement of Foulkes, Pelosi discussed the importance of protecting elections. She mentioned the numerous ways the administration could undermine an election and the efforts her team has made to combat these threats. "There are probably over a hundred ways that the administration could undermine an election," Pelosi said. "But we've been doing this for a while. This isn't new."
Pelosi and her husband, Paul, were planning to have dinner in Providence before heading to Martha's Vineyard for a discussion on how to protect the election. "There are probably over a hundred ways that the administration could undermine an election," Pelosi said. "But we've been doing this for a while. This isn't new."
The event marked a significant moment in the Rhode Island gubernatorial race, with Pelosi's endorsement and the high-profile rally expected to have a lasting impact on the campaign. As the race progresses, Foulkes and her supporters will be looking to build on the momentum generated by Pelosi's appearance.
(0)