Nancy Pelosi Reflects on the Prospect of a Female President and Her Political Legacy
Nancy Pelosi, aged 85, has expressed skepticism that a woman will become president within her lifetime, highlighting what she describes as a "marble ceiling" barrier in Congress and other institutions. Though she believes a female president could emerge in the next generation, she notes that this milestone is unlikely to occur while she is still alive, as she will turn 86 in March.
Pelosi cited the losses of Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Kamala Harris in 2024 against Donald Trump as examples of the persistent obstacles women face in attaining the presidency. She also commented that the American public is more accepting of a female president than Congress itself.
In a personal reflection, Pelosi recounted urging Joe Biden to end his 2024 presidential campaign, noting that they have not spoken since he withdrew. She remains saddened by his decision but respects it. Biden had previously praised Pelosi as the best Speaker of the House in American history upon her retirement announcement.
Pelosi, who first joined Congress in 1988 representing San Francisco, has been elected to the House 20 times. She made history as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, holding the position from 2007 to 2011, and again from 2019 to 2023. She plans to retire at the end of her current term in January 2027, stating that her retirement is timely and that she has been ready to step down for some time.
