House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) said over the weekend that her preferred economic policies would entail "collateral damage" on certain groups.

Pelosi was going back and forth on climate change and its connection to job creation and prosperity with Paul Krugman, an economist and New York Times columnist. After finishing a sweeping discussion about those topics, Pelosi made the case that liberal policies would entail "collateral damage for some others who do not share our view" but ultimately help the country.

"We owe the American people to be there for them, for their financial security, respecting the dignity and worth of every person in our country, and if there is some collateral damage for some others who do not share our view, well, so be it, but it shouldn't be our original purpose," Pelosi said.

Pelosi did not specify who would be the damaged party, but on the issue of climate, Democrats have long railed against energy companies and promoted so-called clean energy alternatives. For former President Barack Obama, this led to criticism that he was picking winners and losers in the economy, which entailed wasting money on companies like solar-energy developer Solyndra.

Immediately after Pelosi’s comment, Krugman asked a question about finding common ground, and Pelosi touted a nationwide infrastructure plan.

Pelosi’s choice of a martial metaphor comes as Democrats face increased scrutiny over their direct action and even some instances of political violence. Republicans, among others, have characterized liberal protesters as a mob in the wake of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation.

Pelosi has faced numerous calls to make way for younger leadership in the Democratic Party, but she said she will try to maintain her leadership of the caucus. That would make her speaker of the House next year if Democrats make good on her guarantee that they will retake the chamber for the first time in eight years.