Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) made waves during a recent appearance on MSNBC, drawing a parallel between former President Donald Trump and the existential threats America faced during the American Revolution and the Civil War. 

Pelosi's remarks come just over a month after an assassination attempt on Trump and in the wake of calls from fellow Democrat President Joe Biden to lower the heat of current political discourse, as Fox News reports.

During her television appearance, Pelosi underscored her view that the stakes in the upcoming election are as high as those faced in 1776 and the Civil War. She cited historical moments in which the nation faced existential crises, drawing a line from the Revolutionary War, through the Civil War, to the present day.

According to Pelosi, defeating Trump is a necessity to protect democracy in the United States.

Remarks Come Amid High Political Tensions

Pelosi's comparison of Trump's campaign to such pivotal moments in American history is part of a broader narrative she has espoused about the dangers she believes Trump poses. "We have to defeat a person who is a threat to our democracy of the kind that we have not seen," Pelosi said, referencing the words of Thomas Paine. She continued, "At the beginning of our country, Thomas Paine said that times have found us. Declare war, establish a new nation."

These remarks by Pelosi are seen by many as a rallying cry to her fellow Democrats, positioning the fight against Trump as a continuation of America's historical battles for its values and future.

Pelosi invoked Abraham Lincoln's efforts to preserve the Union during the Civil War, stating, "Abraham Lincoln took up that charge to keep our country together years later -- decades later, and now the times have found us to save our democracy."

Biden Calls for Lowered Rhetoric Following Assassination Attempt

The timing of Pelosi’s comments is particularly notable, coming shortly after an attempted assassination on former President Trump. In the wake of the attempt on Trump's life, President Biden had urged Americans to tone down the heated political rhetoric.

During an address last month, Biden implored, "My fellow Americans, I want to speak to you tonight about the need for us to lower the temperature in our politics."

Biden emphasized the importance of unity, reminding the nation that despite differences, Americans are "not enemies. We’re neighbors, we’re friends, coworkers, citizens, and most importantly, we are fellow Americans. We must stand together."

Conservative Critics Respond to Pelosi's Remarks

Pelosi’s comments have sparked a wave of criticism, particularly among conservative figures on social media.

Critics have accused her of escalating political tensions rather than heeding Biden’s call for moderation. Greg Price, a conservative commentator, highlighted the recent assassination attempt on Trump in his critique, tweeting, "Pelosi says that defeating President Trump is the equivalent of defeating the British and the Confederacy because he's a ‘threat to democracy of a kind we have not seen.’ Only been a little over a month since the guy was nearly assassinated BTW."

Others echoed Price's concerns, with Chris Barron questioning Pelosi's stance on political violence, asking, "Remind me again which side is threatening political violence?"

The backlash from conservative circles points to the deep divisions and heightened emotions surrounding the current political landscape.

Social Media Criticism Highlights Deep Divides

The criticism extended beyond questions of political violence. Some commentators on social media took aim at Pelosi’s leadership style, particularly her role in the Democratic Party. Eddie Zipper, another conservative commentator, remarked on Pelosi’s influence within her party, saying, "Says the woman who overruled every Dem primary election."

Others accused Pelosi of hypocrisy, with Collin Rugg stating, "Says the woman who staged a coup on the democratically nominated candidate." Miranda Devine, a noted conservative journalist, added to the criticism, bluntly calling Pelosi a "Bad woman."

Conclusion

Nancy Pelosi’s comparison of Donald Trump to the existential threats America faced during the Revolution and Civil War has ignited a new wave of political debate.

Her remarks, made just over a month after an assassination attempt on Trump, have drawn sharp criticism from conservative figures, who accuse her of escalating political tensions.

As the nation continues to grapple with deep divisions, President Biden’s call for lowered rhetoric serves as a stark reminder of the need for unity in these turbulent times.