Jessica Huff · Storify

Is Nancy Pelosi too old to be Democratic leader?

Jessica Huff — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 20:51:37 GMT

And should anyone even be asking that question? After NBC's Luke Russert presses Pelosi about her age, social media users began debating the legitimacy of his question.

Storified by Jessica Huff · Thu, Nov 15 2012 12:51:37

Freedomslighthouse

Nancy Pelosi is used to the media. However, after announcing her decision to stay on as the Democratic leader on Wednesday, one question in particular set her off.

NBC's Luke Russert asked, "Some of your colleagues privately say that your decision to stay on prohibits the party from having a younger leadership and hurts the party in the long term. What's your response?"

Pelosi is 72 years old, and her deputies, House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer and Assistant Leader James Clyburn, are 73 and 72.

After shouts of "age discrimination" from the women standing behind her, Pelosi responded: "So you're suggesting that everybody step aside? ... Let's for a moment honor it as a legitimate question, although it's quite offensive. But you don't realize that, I guess."

The question is, was it legitimate or not? Social media users have been happy to provide their opinions:

I woke up pissed off. @SenJohnMcCain thinks @AmbassadorRice is unqualified and @LukeRussert thinks @NancyPelosi is too old. #Chutzpah
— Hilary Rosen · Thu, Nov 15 2012 06:24:56

@LukeRussert @jayrosen_nyu it's a legitimate quest that some young democrats would like an answer to. Is there a plan to bring in new blood?
— Frank · Thu, Nov 15 2012 11:53:04

@LukeRussert Pointless and rude questions are vastly different than tough questions.. You're supposed to be a news reporter not a news maker
— william davis · Thu, Nov 15 2012 11:43:44

@LukeRussert I think it was a good question considering the make up of the electorate ...
— Pam Jenkins · Thu, Nov 15 2012 12:09:26

Can some explain diff between 'fair' Qs abt GOP being old/white/male party & @lukerussert's 'unfair' Q abt older Dem leaders?
— Kyle Clark · Thu, Nov 15 2012 11:33:13

Luke also happens to be the son of the late Tim Russert who famously hosted MNBC's "Meet the Press," which gives some the impression that Luke didn't earn his gig at NBC based off legitimate talent.

Pelosi might have asked Luke Russert if his taking high profile job at NBC blocked a more deserving candidate lacking famous last name.
— roadkillrefugee · Wed, Nov 14 2012 08:14:23

Has anyone asked @LukeRussert whether he has thought of stepping aside to make way for someone who actually earned the job?
— emptywheel · Wed, Nov 14 2012 07:35:10

In his defense, Luke sent out several tweets after the backlash:

While Pelosi laughed off my Q as age-ist, many House Ds will privately gripe it hurts caucus that all 3 leaders are 70+.
— Luke Russert · Wed, Nov 14 2012 07:38:03

The longer the top 3 stay, the longer it takes to infuse the caucus with new blood like #GOP did w Cantor, Ryan, McCarthy etc.
— Luke Russert · Wed, Nov 14 2012 07:39:23

I asked Steny Hoyer in 2010 whether he was concerned all top 3 House #Dems were over 70, he laughed it off: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2010/11/18/steny-hoyer-house-democratic.html
— Luke Russert · Wed, Nov 14 2012 13:17:14

However, to further add to the fray, media critic and NYU professor Jay Rosen tweeted:

NBC News should admit that its Luke Russert experiment is just not working out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txhhChd_5iM Give him a break. Make him a producer.
— Jay Rosen · Thu, Nov 15 2012 06:09:18

...with Luke firing back:

. @jayrosen_nyu That's funny Professor because the support I've gotten from dozens of accomplished journalists has been outstanding.
— Luke Russert · Thu, Nov 15 2012 11:27:32

. @jayrosen_nyu You must teach the art of not having the fortitude to ask tough questions in person so go retreat behind a blogger screen
— Luke Russert · Thu, Nov 15 2012 11:29:24

And then others jumped on board the debate train as well:

#HireJessicaBecause

Jessica Huff — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 21:33:42 GMT

A crowdsourcing project that will hopefully help land me a job as the social media editor for The Austin American-Statesman. Big thanks to all who participated!

Storified by Jessica Huff · Tue, Nov 13 2012 13:33:42

So why should the Statesman hire me? Well for one, Robert Quigley. Enough said.

The @statesman should #hirejessicabecause I taught her all I know about social media... and I did OK in that job ;)
— Robert Quigley · Sat, Nov 10 2012 19:11:05

@Statesman should #HireJessicaBecause @robquig is her mentor!
— Tolly Moseley · Mon, Nov 12 2012 12:02:31

I think the @statesman should #hirejessicabecause if she learned from Professor @robquig, she’ll rock any and all opportunities there.
— Jen Lee Reeves · Mon, Nov 12 2012 14:27:53

I think the @Statesman should #HireJessicaBecause she's learning from the best... @robquig!
— TheQ · Sat, Nov 10 2012 19:50:08

But really, while I have learned a lot from Professor Quigley throughout my time at UT-Austin, my friends, colleagues, and even a few acquaintances wrote in reasons why they believe I am qualified for the job. Huffington Post's Craig Kanalley sent in:

#HireJessicaBecause she has the perfect blend of experience, strong knowledge + passion for a full-time job in social media.
— Craig Kanalley · Sat, Nov 10 2012 19:15:06

And Evonne Benedict, who runs the social media for KING 5 in Seattle, was kind enough to tweet as well:

#HireJessicaBecause she is an extremely talented journalist, interested in learning from and teaching everyone she meets!
— Evonne Benedict · Sat, Nov 10 2012 19:08:28

I met both Evonne and Craig at ONA 12 in San Francisco, which was an amazing experience. While there, I had the opportunity to work in the student newsroom, and a few of them participated in my project too:

#HireJessicaBecause @_jessicahuff did great at @ONAConf Student Newsroom shooting video, tweeting etc! Would be great for @Statesman!
— Marissa Evans · Sat, Nov 10 2012 19:01:07

#HireJessicaBecause @_jessicahuff is a great person to have on the @Statesman to accomplish goals and keep up morale! Good luck!
— Amy Friedenberger · Sat, Nov 10 2012 20:00:26

Statesman should #HireJessicaBecause @_jessicahuff was lovely to work with at ONA12, has great ideas about how to best utilize social media.
— Kelsey Rolfe · Sat, Nov 10 2012 21:03:27

And apparently, my fellow ONA students find me clever:

Also #HireJessicaBecause this hashtag is so creative, and it's gotten responses from a ton of people who'll attest to her skill & drive.
— Kelsey Rolfe · Sat, Nov 10 2012 21:05:36

#HireJessicaBecause she's smart, hard working, knows social media incredibly well, and is very clever.
— Nicholas Slayton · Sat, Nov 10 2012 21:01:46

Also #HIreJessicaBecause she started a movement on social media to get herself hired. She is one clever girl.
— Katherine Borgerding · Sat, Nov 10 2012 21:02:48

But of course, some of those who know me best are people who I have worked with during my time at UT-Austin. My former and current colleagues from The Horn tweeted in:

@statesman #HireJessicaBecause she's great to work with and takes criticism very well!
— Matt Portillo · Mon, Nov 12 2012 15:24:14

Also #HireJessicaBecause she's a tenacious journalist who quickly identifies the story and doesn't stop until she's got it down. @statesman
— Matt Portillo · Mon, Nov 12 2012 15:28:42

Socialnn day 15: Facebook and Twitter

Jessica Huff — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 01:53:12 GMT

My work on the 9 A.M. shift of my Social News Network class.

Storified by Jessica Huff · Fri, Jun 29 2012 18:53:12

What exactly does it take to be a good morning show host? Will Savannah Guthrie make the cut? Savannah Guthrie, Ann Curry’s presumed successor: A timely jolt for ‘Today’? www.washingtonpost.com NBC’s lips are zipped, but current and former colleagues assure that Guthrie — who appears on “Today’s” 9 o’clock hour — is eminently up to the job.
— · Fri, Jun 29 2012 16:25:23

Do all women feel that Obamacare is a win though? A Supreme Win for Women: The Crucial Benefits of Obamacare www.thedailybeast.com Thanks to Obamacare, women can’t be charged 150 percent more than men for insurance, can’t be penalized for having had a C-section—and can count birth control as preventive care. Like · · Share
— · Fri, Jun 29 2012 16:05:39

Whose already gone to see it? Who plans on seeing it? Review: It's all about the tease in 'Magic Mike' - CNN.com www.cnn.com There are guy movies and girl movies, the latter of which the guys label "chick flicks" and often only ever see under protest. In "Sleepless in Seattle" the late Nora Ephron had fun with the idea that for a typical guy, the definition of a tearjerker would be "The Dirty Dozen" (because that's about ...
— · Fri, Jun 29 2012 16:25:29

Wow, how traumatic. RT @HuffPostCollege: Journalism student recalls horrifying sexual assault by a mob in Egypt http://huff.to/L596HP
— Social News Network · Fri, Jun 29 2012 07:32:04

@lilybubbles17 Well that ended up going in the completely opposite direction.
— Social News Network · Fri, Jun 29 2012 07:30:36

What do you think it takes to be a good morning show host? - http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/will-savannah-guthrie-ann-currys-presumed-successor-be-your-morning-jolt/2012/06/28/gJQA1GNx9V_story.html?hpid=z4
— Social News Network · Fri, Jun 29 2012 07:22:26

Uhh... RT @Slate: #DearPrudie: "The president of my company just "pantsed" someone at work. What should I do?" http://slate.me/OBAM8l
— Social News Network · Fri, Jun 29 2012 07:10:27

Will politicians just stop trying? - Obamacare Failed to Win Over Critics Because the Era of Big Ideas Is Over: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/06/29/obamacare-failed-to-win-over-critics-because-the-era-of-big-ideas-is-over.html
— Social News Network · Fri, Jun 29 2012 07:05:03

Personal tweets #2

Jessica Huff — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 01:58:49 GMT

My tweets for my Social News Network class.

Storified by Jessica Huff · Fri, Jun 29 2012 18:58:49

June 26:

How annoying. RT @mashsocialmedia: Facebook changed your contact info, did you notice? - http://on.mash.to/LbeILL
— Jessica Huff · Mon, Jun 25 2012 23:29:59

RT @politico: #breakingnews: Senate reaches deal on student loans: http://politi.co/M0r8KM
— Jessica Huff · Tue, Jun 26 2012 14:15:58

@lilybubbles17 Yes, but today is the hottest day ever recorded in June here in Austin. So it's even hotter than hot! Whew.
— Jessica Huff · Tue, Jun 26 2012 14:50:28

@scottfisherFOX7 That would be nice. Even the 90s are better than this!
— Jessica Huff · Tue, Jun 26 2012 15:34:09

Heck yes! RT @KVRNews: BREAKING: BCS Presidents have just announced that they endorse a 4-team, seeded playoff beginning in 2014-2015 season
— Jessica Huff · Tue, Jun 26 2012 15:34:48

This guy -> RT @rollcall: Rep. Charlie Rangel survives tough primary in NY. http://roll.cl/MTag6H #NY13
— Jessica Huff · Tue, Jun 26 2012 21:44:51

But does anyone else? RT @MotherJones: Well, the Supreme Court definitely still loves Citizens United: http://mojo.ly/Ll52N7
— Jessica Huff · Tue, Jun 26 2012 21:46:55

RT @jm_dc: I think Ed Koch got it right. This is Rangel's last term and this victory lets him go out on a high note. http://bit.ly/N07LMa
— Roll Call · Tue, Jun 26 2012 20:10:46

June 27:

@HaleyHussey ... Is that even legal?
— Jessica Huff · Tue, Jun 26 2012 21:50:07

@HaleyHussey Okay that's just even more messed up.
— Jessica Huff · Tue, Jun 26 2012 22:22:02

I think it's because people don't understand the system - Poll shows public doesn’t like either health care options: http://wapo.st/KCz0wg
— Jessica Huff · Wed, Jun 27 2012 09:38:29

.@matthew1stewart Exactly. Most Americans don't know what the Affordable Care Act even contains, or understand our current system either.
— Jessica Huff · Wed, Jun 27 2012 09:44:01

Great interactive tool to predict how SCOTUS might rule on the Affordable Care Act: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/data?pid=avimage&iid=ioBgsj2E_9jw
— Jessica Huff · Wed, Jun 27 2012 11:47:45

The Texas GOP just came out against teaching critical thinking because it challenges "fixed beliefs and undermin[es] parental authority" 1/2
— Zachary Alfred · Wed, Jun 27 2012 11:44:04

@ZacAlf @NSlayton But don't people need to learn to think for themselves? Shouldn't we have the freedom to challenge "fixed beliefs"?
— Jessica Huff · Wed, Jun 27 2012 11:49:12

@NSlayton @ZacAlf Exactly. A static society is a failing society.
— Jessica Huff · Wed, Jun 27 2012 12:07:58

Congressional leaders tentatively agree on 2-year transportation bill that drops Keystone pipeline requirement - @AP http://bit.ly/LP9h4B
— Breaking News · Wed, Jun 27 2012 12:25:49

Photo: 2012swingstates: This is a great way to explain something as complicated as this to the American... http://tmblr.co/ZCZ4BwOEoIcc
— Jessica Huff · Wed, Jun 27 2012 12:43:49

Socialnn work day 14: Facebook and Twitter

Jessica Huff — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 18:06:40 GMT

My work for week 3, day 14 on the 12 P.M. shift of my Social News Network class.

Storified by Jessica Huff · Thu, Jun 28 2012 11:06:40

Social News Network shared a link. 25 minutes ago Here's how the justices ruled on the Affordable Care Act [graphic]: Supreme Court health-care decision - The Washington Post www.washingtonpost.com A summary of the Supreme Court's decision on the health-care law
— · Thu, Jun 28 2012 00:08:56

@kateypsencik What about alternatives such as Spotify and Pandora?
— Social News Network · Thu, Jun 28 2012 10:41:33

@kateypsencik But does that make illegally downloading music right?
— Social News Network · Thu, Jun 28 2012 10:27:02

College students: @HuffingtonPost: Health care reform means young adults can stay on parents' plans http://huff.to/L4w3dZ
— Social News Network · Thu, Jun 28 2012 10:25:52

It wasn't just #CNN and #Fox - RT @mashable: 6 Politicians Who Deleted Their Healthcare Tweets http://on.mash.to/ODJ5jS
— Social News Network · Thu, Jun 28 2012 10:23:14

@jskyles Just goes to show how careful people have to be when sharing info over social media.
— Social News Network · Thu, Jun 28 2012 10:22:46

Unsure exactly what the #healthcare decision means? Let @JoanneKenen and @JonAllenDC clear things up for you: http://politi.co/NGu6Q2
— POLITICO · Thu, Jun 28 2012 10:12:47

@codypermenter How do you think the news is doing on reporting about the #ACA ruling right now?
— Social News Network · Thu, Jun 28 2012 10:14:05

Socialnn work day 13: Facebook and Twitter

Jessica Huff — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 04:25:03 GMT

11 A.M. shift of my Social News Network class.

Storified by Jessica Huff · Wed, Jun 27 2012 21:25:03

Tennis Player Says Women Shouldn't Earn As Much As Men www.huffingtonpost.com WIMBLEDON, England — A member of the top 20 who is on the ATP Player Council says men should be paid more than women at tennis tournaments. Gilles Simon, a Frenchman seeded 13th at Wimbledon, told reporters in French that he thinks "men's tennis is ahead of women's tennis" and "men spend twice...
— · Mon, Jun 25 2012 10:14:57

TV personality Anthony Bourdain is combining his love for food and comic books in graphic novel 'Get Jiro,' in comic shops today. http://usat.ly/LBxzCG Meet Jiro, the book's samurai sword-wielding sushi chef:
— USA Today Life · Wed, Jun 27 2012 09:03:25

@ericasmith I think most of us would be!
— Social News Network · Wed, Jun 27 2012 09:39:23

Esp. during the work week. Fill me up! RT @sarahgrace317: why do small coffee cups exist? does anyone really ever want just a little coffee?
— Social News Network · Wed, Jun 27 2012 09:28:39

.@Jackie_April_3 So do you think a college education is worth the debt?
— Social News Network · Wed, Jun 27 2012 09:24:21

So what's the verdict? Great duo or not so much? RT @HuffPostEnt: WATCH: Taylor Swift & B.o.b. team up for 'Both of Us' http://huff.to/L21eGO
— Social News Network · Wed, Jun 27 2012 09:18:57

Does anyone else agree with this guy? -- Gilles Simon Says Women Tennis Players Shouldn't Earn As Much As Men: http://huff.to/MzSrKA
— Social News Network · Wed, Jun 27 2012 09:14:14

Socialnn work day 12: Facebook and Twitter

Jessica Huff — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 04:34:33 GMT

Here is my work for week 3, day 12 on the 6 p.m. shift of my Social News Network class.

Storified by Jessica Huff · Tue, Jun 26 2012 21:34:33

@vwinn Those are perfect for this recent heat wave!
— Social News Network · Tue, Jun 26 2012 16:56:30

After a passionate protest, the #UVa board reinstates ousted president after outcry - http://goo.gl/news/yiv3
— Social News Network · Tue, Jun 26 2012 16:59:20

Tweet us if you're a student with taking out loans for college. What do you think about freeze on Fed loan rates? Is it really fixing much?
— Social News Network · Tue, Jun 26 2012 16:23:10

Reduced interest rate on Fed student loans are extended, but are we really "averting the student loan crisis"? http://yhoo.it/LOuIoa”
— Social News Network · Tue, Jun 26 2012 16:21:39

Finally! Senate reaches deal on student loans: http://politi.co/M0r8KM
— Social News Network · Tue, Jun 26 2012 16:20:22

Social News Network shared a link. 4 hours ago What does everyone think? Is this good news for college football? NCAA presidents approve 4-team playoff for '14 espn.go.com A four-team playoff for college football has been formally approved by a presidential oversight committee, a dramatic change for the sport that will begin in 2014.
— · Mon, Jun 25 2012 10:14:54

Although no suspects are in mind, officials say that the shooting appears to be planned and not a random attack. Police: Shooting of two teens in Texas park has 'earmarks of a targeted attack' - CNN.com www.cnn.com Two young women, both in their teens, were shot in a small south Texas town over the weekend. Like · · Share
— · Mon, Jun 25 2012 10:14:52

Socialnn work day 11: Facebook and Twitter

Jessica Huff — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 21:01:42 GMT

Here is my work for week 3, day 11 on the 1 p.m. shift of my Social News Network class.

Storified by Jessica Huff · Mon, Jun 25 2012 14:01:42

The story of the rescue of a 10-year-old girl found in closet weighing only 32 pounds: http://news.yahoo.com/police-rescue-malnourished-girl-closet-kansas-city-161117342--abc-news-topstories.html
— Social News Network · Mon, Jun 25 2012 11:54:11

@esq140 But what about the most controversial part of it that was left behind? Did they really gut the law?
— Social News Network · Mon, Jun 25 2012 11:48:54

Was the #SCOTUS decision on the #Arizona immigration law a victory for #Obama?
— Social News Network · Mon, Jun 25 2012 11:44:43

What do y'all think about the law? RT @cnnbrk: Obama "pleased" Supreme Court has struck down parts of #Arizona immigration law.
— Social News Network · Mon, Jun 25 2012 11:35:00

RT @BuzzFeedAndrew: Fox News: Arizona's immigration law upheld http://twitpic.com/a0f4zk, CNN: Arizona's immigration rejected http://twitpic.com/a0f4u9 · Social News Network

Social News Network shared CNN International's photo. about an hour ago Great news for women's rights advocates: BREAKTHROUGH IN WOMEN'S RIGHTS: http://on.cnn.com/LuN8xB Saudi Arabia allows women to compete in the Olympics for the first time this July. Like · · Share
— · Mon, Jun 25 2012 10:14:52

Key parts of Arizona's immigration law have been struck down, while one of the most controversial parts has been upheld. How is everyone feeling about SCOTUS's decision? Key parts of immigration law rejected - CNN.com Video cnn.com CNN's Kate Bolduan dissects the Supreme Court decision on Arizona's controversial immigration law. Like · · Share 55 people reached · 31%
— · Mon, Jun 25 2012 10:14:57

A shocking and tragic story: Police Rescue Malnourished Girl From Closet in Kansas City news.yahoo.com Police Arrest Woman for Allegedly Locking Malnourished Daughter in Closet Like · · Share 59 people reached · 33%
— · Mon, Jun 25 2012 10:14:59

Socialnn work day 8: Pinterest

Jessica Huff — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 22:40:36 GMT

Here is my work (double shift #1) for week 2, day 8 of my Social News Network class.

Storified by Jessica Huff · Fri, Jun 22 2012 15:40:36

LOL! · Pinterest

DIY and Crafts · Pinterest

Tips for College Students · Pinterest

Storify won't let me embed my last image for some reason but here is the link (dorm decorating idea): http://pinterest.com/pin/231513237065082200/

Socialnn work day 9: Pinterest

Jessica Huff — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 14:02:36 GMT

Here is my work for week 2, day 9 of my Social News Network class on the 8 a.m. shift.

Storified by Jessica Huff · Thu, Jun 21 2012 07:02:36

Gaming & Tech · Pinterest

Summer Reading · Pinterest

(Interactive tool)

News · Pinterest

Gaming & Tech · Pinterest