During an evening event on Monday, Rep. Nancy Pelosi faced quite a tumultuous time. Speaking alongside economist Paul Krugman at the City University of New York’s Graduate Center, Pelosi was met with unexpected interruptions. A handful of hecklers voiced their disdain, labeling her as both a “war criminal” and a “sad old drunk,” disrupting the session multiple times.
The interruptions seemed to focus on her past foreign policy decisions, allegations of corruption, and rumors about her drinking habits.
One particularly vocal member of the audience accused Pelosi of having a hand in initiating the Iraq War. “There’s a spot reserved for you in the depths of hell because of your actions in Iraq,” said the heckler. “Why couldn’t you admit there were no weapons of mass destruction?” The accusations didn’t stop there. The same person went on to criticize her involvement in Afghanistan.
A deep sense of frustration was evident as the heckler continued, “You led us into conflicts that have left over 90 percent of those people impoverished and suffering.”
In a surprising shift of focus, the conversation also touched on presidential concerns. Pelosi shared worries regarding the future leadership of the country. “Voters should be aware of the president’s declining mental state,” she remarked. “They might end up inadvertently supporting someone like President Vance, which would prove disastrous for the nation.”
Countering these claims, Karoline Leavitt from the Trump campaign shot back, criticizing Pelosi’s political influence. “Nancy Pelosi is the one deteriorating,” Leavitt stated. “She’s no more than a washed-up politician whose actions have worn out America’s patience. She should return to San Francisco, a city her policies have devastated, and step away from politics.”