“We have to have a mainstream message that will win,” she said.

Pelosi’s Illinois visit was part of an effort to support Democrats as they seek to build on electoral gains made in 2018. Targets next year include the suburban St. Louis district of Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Ballwin.

“We’re optimistic about changes that could happen in some states,” Pelosi said.

She brushed aside internal Democratic divisions between established Democrats and left-wing challengers on policy proposals like Medicare for All or the Green New Deal, saying the measures were unlikely to gain popular support in states like Missouri.

“I share the urgency that they have, but this is something that is massive and has to be collaborative,” Pelosi said. “Their aspiration in the bill is something I admire. But would we be able to sell ‘no fossil fuels’ in 10 or 12 years?”

Clayhas differed with her in his support of the Green New Deal, pushed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and in joining a growing number of House Democrats publicly seeking impeachment of Trump.