Pelosi claims Trump should postpone SOTU because of shutdown — but here's what's really going on

Wednesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent a letter to President Donald Trump asking him to postpone his State of the Union address or deliver it in writing as long as the government remains shut down.

Pelosi claimed in her letter that due to the shutdown, Homeland Security and the U.S. Secret Service will be unable to provide adequate security during his address.

"Sadly, given the security concerns and unless government re-opens this week, I suggest that we work together to determine another suitable date after government has re-opened for this address or for you to consider delivering your State of the Union address in writing to the Congress on January 29th," Pelosi wrote.

This seems like a cover for ulterior motives. If security on Capitol Hill is good enough for Congress to meet daily and Trump to meet with members of Congress safely, it should be good enough for the State of the Union address. It's more likely Pelosi is trying to deprive President Trump of the national spotlight to make his case for border security and attack the Democrats while the country watches.

President Trump's Oval Office address on border security was far stronger than the Democratic response. Pelosi knows that Trump has the better case in this shutdown fight, with law enforcement agencies taking the president's side and some Democrats beginning to crack.

Pelosi isn't really worried about security. She's afraid if Trump gives a State of the Union address while the government is still shut down, his speech will win the shutdown argument and expose Democrats as hypocrites and obstructionists.

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