Donna Edwards Washington Press Club Speech

Weird.

At Politico, "The most painful speech ever":

Edwards’ speech, reportedly written by co-creator of The Daily Show, Lizz Winstead, might have sounded great on paper or in practice sessions in front of a friendly audience, but it came off as a Republican hate-fest sprinkled with the kind of sexual humor that made the buttoned-up crowd squirm – not laugh. It’s a reminder how hard it is to entertain a tough crowd, like one filled with cynical journalists.

At one point Edwards, a Democrat from Maryland, made the equivalent of a sexual battle cry to ladies in the room: “Come on, help me y’all: I want to give a really special shout out to Nancy Pelosi and all my sisters in the libido caucus — holla’!” she cried out, raising her hands above her head.

Reaction: blank stares and furrowed brows.

The next day, some attendees figured out she was mocking a recent speech by Mike Huckabee, who accused Democrats of telling women they’re helpless without “Uncle Sugar” and the government to control their libido with birth control.

Also from Mary Katharine Ham, "Politico: Liberal congresswoman gave most painful speech ever," and at USA Today, "Watch: Rep. Donna Edwards as Olivia Pope in 'Scandal' spoof."