However much of a relief Donald Trump’s imminent departure from the White House may be, we shouldn’t harbor any illusions about a Biden presidency: not only do we have every reason to believe he meant it when he touted bipartisanship, courted wealthy Republican voters, and distanced himself from Bernie Sanders and Medicare for All, it also seems likely that the results of two Georgia runoff elections will keep the Senate under Republican control — significantly reducing the scope of political possibilities in the coming years, at least through institutional channels.

Nonetheless, there are ample opportunities for leftists and progressives in Congress to wield their power to reorient party priorities — starting with opposing Nancy Pelosi’s reelection as House speaker.

Pelosi has already signaled her intent to run again for the position. But at a moment when Democrats lack legislative majorities, Pelosi is particularly ill-suited for the role. Pelosi’s strengths, according to even her most enthusiastic supporters, lie in the “inside game” — relationship building, fundraising, and “vote-counting” (which makes her adept at gathering majorities and holding a caucus). The value of those skills is largely predicated on legislative majorities, when the biggest obstacle to victory is finding a common denominator within a party itself.