Before becoming an iconic figure in American politics, Nancy Pelosi was a San Francisco mother of five embarking on her first congressional campaign. In 1987, her inaugural run for California’s 5th Congressional District faced skepticism, yet she emerged victorious, launching a career that has significantly shaped the political landscape.
From Volunteer to Speaker of the House
Pelosi famously stated, “Nobody ever gives away power. If you want to achieve that, you go for it. But when you get it, you must use it.” Reflecting on her journey, she recalls starting as a volunteer for the Democratic Party, with no intention of entering politics. “I said, ‘Well, I’m here for the issues. I love what I’m doing,'” she noted.
In her new book, The Art of Power, Pelosi shares insights from her tenure, illustrating how she has navigated political power dynamics.
During a recent interview, she discussed her evolution into a powerful political figure and her impact on the current election cycle, particularly regarding President Joe Biden’s campaign decisions.
How Pelosi Utilized Her Influence
Just weeks before Biden announced his decision to withdraw from the presidential race, Pelosi made her position clear, encouraging him to assess his future candidacy. “It’s up to the president to decide if he is going to run. We’re all encouraging him to make that decision because time is running short,” she remarked.
Biden had previously stated his intentions to continue his campaign, but Pelosi’s comments sparked renewed discussions within the Democratic Party regarding his viability for re-election. “My concern was not about whether he would run or not, but about the campaign they needed to win,” she emphasized.
Addressing rumors about her influence on Biden’s decision, Pelosi clarified, “I did not call one person. I read in the press that I was burning up the phone lines; I didn’t call one person, people called me.” This statement reflects the significant role she plays in political conversations today.
