Representative Rahm Emanuel was starting to address about 70 media types who had waited patiently for him to emerge from a meeting of the House Democratic Caucus on Capitol Hill. He wished everyone a Happy New Year, apologized for being late — ­45 minutes, if you’re counting at home — and was promptly drowned out by a group of anti-war protestors.

“De-escalate. Investigate,” chanted the group, which was led by the ubiquitous Cindy Sheehan, whose son was killed in Iraq. “Troops home now.”
Mr. Emanuel and incoming Majority Leader Steny Hoyer consulted briefly and decided to leave their lectern and return later. “Looks like we’re taking a little break,” Mr. Hoyer said as he and Mr. Emanuel rushed away.

Ms. Sheehan, meantime, was happy to take over the Democratic microphone, not to mention the captive audience of reporters. She called for a greater role for the peace movement in the new Democratic majority, which she said is ignoring the people who put them in power. She called for an end to financing the war.

“And these are not requests,” said Ms. Sheehan, whose son was killed in Iraq. “These are demands.”

The Democratic leaders did, later on, return to the microphones. Ms. Sheehan, who first emerged as a prominent protester against President Bush at his Crawford ranch, vowed to be around all week.