Ep. 592 — Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi
2Digest
This episode of the Axwiles podcast features a conversation with Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the House, discussing her new book, "The Art of Power," and her political career. The episode begins with an introduction to the podcast and its host, David Axelrod, who introduces Pelosi and the occasion of her visit to the University Club of Chicago for a book event. Axelrod begins the conversation by discussing Pelosi's new book and her commitment to using power for a purpose. Pelosi emphasizes that her purpose in politics is to advocate for children, particularly those living in poverty. She shares her journey into politics, discussing her upbringing in a political family and the factors that led her to run for office. The conversation then delves into Pelosi's leadership style as Speaker of the House, focusing on her approach to consensus building and her use of metaphors like "tapestry" and "kaleidoscope" to describe the diverse perspectives within the Democratic caucus. Axelrod highlights Pelosi's ability to count votes and her dual role as a den mother and a ruthless enforcer. He then delves into her role in passing significant legislation, including the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" and the Affordable Care Act. The conversation transitions to the 2020 election, acknowledging Pelosi's advice to President Biden regarding his candidacy. Axelrod explores the challenges of delivering a difficult message to a close friend and the importance of protecting Biden's legacy. Pelosi emphasizes the importance of winning the upcoming election to protect democracy and the Constitution. She outlines the key strategies for achieving victory, including mobilization, messaging, and resource allocation. The episode concludes with a reflection on the generational change in politics, referencing a photo of Pelosi with Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President Kennedy. Pelosi shares her personal experience with President Kennedy and connects his legacy of service to Joe Biden's foreign policy approach.
Outlines
Nancy Pelosi: The Art of Power and Protecting Democracy
This episode of the Axwiles podcast features a conversation with Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the House, discussing her new book, "The Art of Power," and her political career. The episode begins with an introduction to the podcast and its host, David Axelrod, who introduces Pelosi and the occasion of her visit to the University Club of Chicago for a book event.
Using Power for a Purpose
Axelrod begins the conversation by discussing Pelosi's new book and her commitment to using power for a purpose. Pelosi emphasizes that her purpose in politics is to advocate for children, particularly those living in poverty.
From Housewife to House Speaker
Axelrod explores Pelosi's journey into politics, asking about her upbringing in a political family and the factors that led her to run for office. Pelosi shares her experience of being encouraged to run by others and her decision to prioritize her family's needs before entering the political arena.
Leadership and Consensus Building
Axelrod and Pelosi discuss her leadership style as Speaker of the House, focusing on her approach to consensus building and her use of metaphors like "tapestry" and "kaleidoscope" to describe the diverse perspectives within the Democratic caucus.
The Art of Counting and Enforcing
Axelrod highlights Pelosi's ability to count votes and her dual role as a den mother and a ruthless enforcer. He then delves into her role in passing significant legislation, including the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" and the Affordable Care Act.
The 2020 Election and Biden's Legacy
Axelrod transitions to the 2020 election, acknowledging Pelosi's advice to President Biden regarding his candidacy. He explores the challenges of delivering a difficult message to a close friend and the importance of protecting Biden's legacy.
Protecting Democracy and Winning the Election
Pelosi emphasizes the importance of winning the upcoming election to protect democracy and the Constitution. She outlines the key strategies for achieving victory, including mobilization, messaging, and resource allocation.
Generational Change and the Spirit of Kennedy
Axelrod concludes the conversation by reflecting on the generational change in politics, referencing a photo of Pelosi with Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President Kennedy. Pelosi shares her personal experience with President Kennedy and connects his legacy of service to Joe Biden's foreign policy approach.
Keywords
Consensus Building
The process of reaching an agreement or decision that is acceptable to all parties involved. It involves open communication, compromise, and a willingness to consider different perspectives.
Kitchen Table Issues
Everyday concerns and problems that directly affect people's lives, such as healthcare, education, jobs, and safety. These issues are often considered more important than abstract political debates.
Budget Reconciliation
A legislative process in the United States Congress that allows certain budget-related bills to be passed with a simple majority vote, bypassing the usual 60-vote threshold required for most legislation.
Don't Ask Don't Tell
A policy implemented in the United States military from 1993 to 2011 that prohibited openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals from serving in the armed forces. It was repealed in 2010 and officially ended in 2011.
Affordable Care Act
A comprehensive healthcare reform law enacted in the United States in 2010, also known as Obamacare. It aimed to expand health insurance coverage, regulate the insurance industry, and improve the quality of healthcare.
Burn Pits
Open-air pits used by the U.S. military to dispose of waste, including hazardous materials, during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Exposure to burn pit smoke has been linked to various health problems among veterans.
Packing Order
An informal system of seniority and precedence within a political organization, often used to determine who gets appointed to leadership positions.
Kaleidoscope
A metaphor used by Pelosi to describe the diverse perspectives and shifting alliances within the House of Representatives, where different groups come together and break apart depending on the issue at hand.
Tapestry
A metaphor used by Pelosi to describe the Democratic caucus as a complex and interconnected whole, where each member contributes a unique thread to the overall fabric of the party.
Q&A
What is Nancy Pelosi's primary purpose in politics?
Pelosi's primary purpose in politics is to advocate for children, particularly those living in poverty. She believes that using her power to improve the lives of children is the most important goal.
How did Nancy Pelosi's upbringing influence her decision to enter politics?
Pelosi grew up in a politically active family, but she initially focused on raising her children before pursuing a career in politics. She was encouraged to run for office by others who recognized her passion for public service.
What are some of the key strategies that Nancy Pelosi believes are essential for winning elections?
Pelosi emphasizes the importance of mobilization, messaging, and resource allocation in winning elections. She believes that a unified and bold message, coupled with effective outreach and sufficient resources, are crucial for success.
How does Nancy Pelosi view the role of the Speaker of the House?
Pelosi sees the Speaker as a leader who must build consensus among diverse perspectives within the House of Representatives. She uses metaphors like "tapestry" and "kaleidoscope" to describe the complex dynamics of the legislative process.
What were some of the challenges that Nancy Pelosi faced in passing the Affordable Care Act?
Pelosi faced significant challenges in passing the Affordable Care Act, including the loss of a key Senate vote and opposition from Republicans. She navigated these obstacles through strategic negotiations, mobilization, and a commitment to achieving a historic healthcare reform.
Show Notes
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi has joined David on The Axe Files many times to talk about her life, policy, and politics. With the recent release of her book, “The Art of Power,” the two again met to talk at the University Club of Chicago during the Democratic National Convention. Although they spoke before an audience, it sounded more like a conversation between Pelosi and a roomful of friends as she reflected on the high points of her career, Joe Biden exiting the presidential race, and the importance of protecting the Constitution on Election Day.
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