Of Romney, Pelosi prefers ‘Mittology’ to Obama’s ‘Romnesia’

WASHINGTON-- Nancy Pelosi, the House minority leader, appeared on “The Daily Show” on Sunday and coined a new term for Mitt Romney’s shifting political positions – “Mittology” – as she campaigns for Democratic congressional candidates and President Obama.

Her appearance was Pelosi’s fifth on the show with Jon Stewart, and the latest in a string of high-profile appearances by the Democratic leader in her drive to retake the House majority this November. She also appeared Thursday evening on “The Charlie Rose Show.”

Many political observers doubt Democrats will win the 25 seats needed to wrest the House majority from Republicans, but Pelosi dismissed Stewart’s contention that it remains a tough climb.

“That’s why we have elections,” Pelosi said.

But Pelosi’s sharpest zinger was aimed at Romney’s shifting positions, particularly on abortion rights, as both presidential candidates court women voters in the increasingly tight race for the White House.

“The president calls it Romnesia, I have my own, what I call Mittology,” Pelosi said.

“Shouldn’t I be the one thinking up these very clever things?” Stewart asked. “Let me just go write some laws.”

Romney’s campaign shot back that Democrats have nothing new to offer voters but name-calling.

“President Obama and his allies are desperately resorting to attacks and insults because they have no new ideas,” said Romney spokeswoman Andrea Saul. “Gov. Romney is focused on turning our economy around and putting us back on a path to prosperity.”

Pelosi has been campaigning across the country for Democratic candidates to the House, as Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) has similarly been raising money and making campaign stops as he seeks to retain Republican control.

She noted the “awesome” power of the speaker position, one she agreed with Stewart can be more powerful than the Greek god Thor.

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Lisa.Mascaro@latimes.com
@LisaMascaroinDC