Robert Gibbs gets Nancy Pelosi’s goat

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is none too pleased with White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs for saying the GOP could regain control of Congress this fall.

In a private meeting of the House Democratic Caucus last night, Pelosi reportedly let loose about Gibbs and the White House lowering expectations for the Democrats’ performance in the November midterms. As we reported yesterday, Gibbs and others are trying to exploit mounting fears among the Democratic base that the party could lose the House. The idea is to work up greater enthusiasm — and fundraising — for Democratic campaigns in an otherwise lackluster Democratic cycle.

But that strategy apparently isn't sitting sit well with Pelosi, who trashed Gibbs before last night's confab with her members — details of which leaked out to reporters from CQ and Politico ahead of a big White House meeting today between Obama and House Dems.

According to CQ’s Kathleen Hunter and Jennifer Bendery, Pelosi called Gibbs’ comments “politically inept” and said they only serve to motivate Republicans. A source told CQ that Pelosi, during her rant, claimed she didn’t even know Gibbs — strange, considering he sits in on most meetings she has with Obama. “She was like: ‘I don’t appreciate it. I don’t know who this guy is. I’ve never met him before. And he’s saying that we’re going to lose the House,’ ” the source told CQ.

Politico’s Jonathan Allen and John Bresnahan say Pelosi subsequently confronted a White House legislative affairs staffer in the room, insisting that he acknowledge Gibbs’ comments had been damaging to Democrats. “How could [Gibbs] know what is going on in our districts?” Pelosi demanded.

All of this is bound to make for an interesting meeting at the White House later today. On the agenda for that gathering is a discussion between Obama and House Democratic leaders about upcoming legislative priorities. But it seems a good bet that all the recent talk about the midterms will also be aired: Pelosi is famous for keeping tabs on who affronts her and why. And she's also more than willing to confront perceived enemies, so Gibbs had better watch out.