Capital Culture: Pelosi Braces For Midterms
It was an apt query for everyone in the room, but none more so than Pelosi herself. The day Congress sent the overhaul to President Barack Obama, Pelosi turned 70, and a new chapter began for the nations first female speaker of the House.
The health care victory elevated Pelosi to the ranks of Washingtons most powerful House speakers. It also made her Exhibit A for Republicans intent on campaigning this fall against what they depict as the arrogance of unchecked Democratic power.
Shes let her troops know that between now and November shes in full campaign mode: raising money, urging Democrats to do likewise and being the prime saleswoman for the health care overhaul.
Pelosis power is at its peak. Its likely to fade somewhat after the midterm elections, in which the presidents party traditionally loses seats. If Democrats lose their majority and Pelosi the speakers seat, its not clear how much longer shed serve.
Whatever the future, passage of the health care bill has shortened Pelosis to-do list, a multitasking mix of legislative, political, motherly and grandmotherly duties.
Her schedule on a few recent days: an overnight in New York with two grandchildren. An interview with The Associated Press in the morning. Flight to Florida the next day, to try to keep a special House election from going to the Republicans. Then, finally, a few days in the sun with friends nearby.
Asked what she wanted for her birthday, Pelosi, second in the line of presidential succession, surprised reporters by saying a pool table.
“For my grandchildren,” she explained.
Not that Pelosi is giving up her public portfolio: Shes intent on rallying fractious Democrats for the fall elections and returning as their speaker.
“My mother never contemplates failure,” said her daughter, Christine, a prosecutor and Democratic activist.
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In 2006, when Pelosi took over as speaker, this daughter of a Baltimore mayor celebrated breaking “the marble ceiling” that had kept women out of the top ranks in Congress with four days of parties from her hometowns Little Italy to the Italian Embassy.
But what Republicans cast as arrogance, Pelosi holds out as the sort of decisiveness that President Lyndon Johnson demonstrated in winning passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
“Nobody cares what the process is,” Pelosi says. “People care that the Civil Rights Bill was passed.”
Pelosi is a product of New Deal values instilled by her parents and other early role models. Catholic schooling and her fathers willingness to help constituents on the family doorstep taught her compassion. Campaigns plotted at the familys kitchen table, strategy. President John F. Kennedy, leadership.
But the piece of advice most directly related to the health care battle came from her parents: Ideals are nice but of little use in public policy without pragmatism.
“It doesnt matter how big your vision is or how smart your ideas are,” Pelosi summarizes now. “Make sure you have the votes.”