It can be hard to keep up with ever-evolving slang, but one of the most popular terms in recent months has been “clapback.” Generally speaking, a clapback refers to a quick, effective response to an insult or challenge. But House Leader and Democrat Nancy Pelosi took clapback to the literal level, apparently physically clapping back to the president Trump during the State of the Union address.
The subtle dig came when President Trump told the members of Congress and other that “we must reject the politics of revenge, resistance, and retribution, and embrace the boundless potential of cooperation, compromise, and the common good.”
The comment was met with a round of applause, with Pelosi standing up, then subtly extending her hands forward to clap in the president’s face. One might even argue that she was smirking deviously. Many now believe that Pelosi was symbolically clapping back at the president, hoping to drive home a message of resistance.
Politics in Washington DC have quite often become acerbic. While Democrats have up until recently held quite fastidiously to decorum and tradition, they have shown a new willingness to challenge the president. The president, for his part, has proven to be more than willing to sling mud with other politicians.
Pelosi, in particular, has shown a new resolve since re-assuming her position as Speaker of the House. While Pelosi has long been respected for her capabilities as a political operative, many believed that the House needed a newer, more energetic face.
If nothing else, Pelosi is proving to have enough energy and then some. Many credit her with putting together the stiff resistance that dashed Trump’s hopes of securing funding for a border wall. Further, while the shutdown was painful for many Americans, President Trump ultimately took most of the blame.
Love her or hate her, Pelosi has proven that she’s digging in for the fight and that she’s more than willing to go toe-for-toe with President Trump.
