Nancy Pelosi Defends Maxine Waters Telling People to 'Get Confrontational' on Streets

California Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters recklessly intensified hostility over the weekend when she encouraged protestors in Minnesota to "get more confrontational" as the country awaits a verdict in the murder trial of Derek Chauvin. Though Waters' comments were irresponsible and dangerous as major cities were already preparing for looting and rioting this week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi didn't mind.

Pelosi told CNN on Monday that Waters should "absolutely not apologize," adding she was only encouraging "confrontation in the manner of the Civil Rights movement."

I'll let you hear Waters' comments for yourself:

In the manner of the Civil Rights movement, huh? What a lie.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy responded: “Maxine Waters is inciting violence in Minneapolis — just as she has incited it in the past. If Speaker Pelosi doesn’t act against this dangerous rhetoric, I will bring action this week.”

Waters' words matter. She is growing increasingly powerful among Democratic voters. This is not some nobody tweeting something then quickly deleting it. The country is in a volatile state, on edge, waiting for a spark to ignite. Waters ignited another fire.

Notice how Waters brings up first-degree murder, even though Chauvin has not been charged with it. She's not confused, she's strategic. Regardless of what the jury decides, politicians and media members alike will say Chauvin got off easy, that America is systemically racist. To ensure that narrative, Waters says before Chauvin's verdict has been determined that he has been undercharged.

Since Pelosi didn't have the guts to condemn Waters' repeated behavior, Judge Peter Cahill did:

For months, our politicians have been excusing unacceptable behavior when it fits their political agendas.