House assistant minority Whip Tony Cardenas on Wednesday dodged an opportunity to endorse Nancy Pelosi as Democratic leader, instead giving an obtuse answer about Democrats "having to look in the mirror.
Asked a yes or no question by the "CNN Newsroom" hosts if Democrats can craft the "best honest message" with Pelosi as minority leader, Cardenas — also representing California — gave this reply:
"As far as I'm concerned, we have to look in the mirror and realize whether we can or can't and then move forward and make some tough decisions," Cardenas told CNN.
Cardenas did give his support for meetings about whether to replace Pelosi as leader in the aftermath of the special election loss in Georgia.
"I do think those meetings are necessary," Cardenas said. "The question that I have to my colleagues: are we putting our best foot forward? What do we need to do? … And what are we doing to make sure that our message is there? … Obviously, we need to do a better job of communicating" their message about healthcare reform and education.
"Does that mean with or without Pelosi as Democratic leader," came the next question to Cardenas.
"No one person is more important in this country and the bottom line is this: we need to move forward with our best foot forward with the best plan with the best individuals and having the best honest message," Cardenas said.
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