10 New Year's Resolution Suggestions for Nancy Pelosi

Nancy Pelosi will be the new Speaker of the House when Congress reconvenes. At that time, she will face the challenge of being a divisive political personality in a country and Congress that is already split. In order to emerge as a strong Speaker, here are ten tips for her to follow.

1. Moderation instead of liberalism. The country is still fairly split. By becoming more moderate, Pelosi and the Democrats can appeal to more ideologies.

2. Work with Hoyer (house majority leader). Although Pelosi supported Murtha for the House Majority Leader, he ultimately didn't get the nod. Support is needed right now because the world is watching. The Democrats just gained power from the Republicans, and people are making a big deal over this split. Do not give them a reason to vote against the Democrats in the next election.

3. Fix Iraq. This is easier said than done, but if the Democratic party and Nancy Pelosi can find a way to make Iraq a success, however small, they will be hailed as heros for doing what many thought was impossible. This one suggestion will guarantee a strong majority in the next election, and possibly even a Democratic Presidency.

4. Pass bills that will give you an easy victory. There are certain tasks the Democrats can complete. If these issues are done, the Democrats will be able to point to them during the next election, and show voters what they have accomplished. It gives the voters a reason to vote Democrat.

5. Steer party clear of corruption. While it is virtually impossible to stop all corruption because you are dealing with a large set of individuals, Pelosi can deliver swift rebuke and let the voters know that the Democratic party does not tolerate abuse of power.

6. Accomplish things instead of bickering. Several studies from the last election have shown that people did not like negative campaign ads. Avoiding bickering inside and outside of her party can lead Pelosi to become revered as a Speaker of the House.

7. Be more visible, and less vocal. This step is two-fold. Appearances on talk shows and political shows helps cement your place in the mind of voters as a strong visible leader. But each and every word out of your mouth must be moderated and carefully planned. It doesn't help to be visible if people hate the very sight of you.

8. Work with the President. After the election where Democrats won, George W. Bush reached out to meet with Pelosi, and pledged to work with her. If she truly does attempt to work with the President, voters will notice the moderate attitude and respond positively.

9. Work with the Senate. Certainly there should be some space between the two branches of Congress, as there has always been, there are some instances where the two should work together. If there is an especially difficult bill that there are problems getting it to pass, the members of the House will have more luck if they have a good relationship with the Senate. While Democrats control it, it isn't by much, and Pelosi will need every vote she can get.

10. Give the people a reason to vote Democrat in the next election. This is intentionally vague because it is difficult to predict the exact issues that will drive people to the polls. By keeping things moderate and passing popular social bills, people will respond favorably to the Democrats.

Despite her polarizing effect, if Pelosi follows these tips, she could be remembered fondly as the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives. Even better, she could help the Democrats in the next election as they try and gain more control over the House, Senate, and Presidency.