House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been touted as “the most powerful woman in American history.” In her 2017 book, “Pelosi: The Biography,” journalist Molly Ball looks at the life of the fiery and ambitious politician and the causes she’s championed in her public career. From the beginning of her political career in the California state legislature in the 1969 special election to her election as the country’s first female Speaker of the House in 2007, Pelosi has been a passionate advocate for women’s rights, civil rights, and progressive causes more broadly.
Most of the early chapters of Ball’s book focus on Pelosi’s early life and upbringing in Baltimore, her college years at Trinity College in Washington, D.C., and ultimately how she became involved in politics in California. As a young woman, she joined the League of Women Voters, where she became involved in issues such as clean water, organic food, and education reform. After college, she moved to San Francisco and worked for the California Democratic Party, where she was sent to open the D.C. office in 1976.
In 1987, Nancy Pelosi ran for the House in a special election against the odds and won. She was one of the first Italian-American women to serve in Congress. During her early years in office, Pelosi was a mover and a shaker as she worked to pass important legislation on women’s rights and civil rights. She was instrumental in creating the Violence Against Women Act, taking a strong stance on gun control, and working with then-President Bill Clinton to pass the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Over time, Pelosi rose through the ranks of the House Democratic Leadership to become the Democrats’ House leader in 2003. As the leader of the Democratic majority in the House, she pushed for progressive policies, such as health care reform, environmental protections, and lower taxes for the middle class and working families. In addition, she helped to restore civility to politics, cultivating a more civil discourse between parties and working with Emily’s List and other women’s rights organizations to advance her causes.
Pelosi went on to become the first female Speaker of the House in 2007, and she immediately put her immense energy and passion toward enacting progressive policies. In January 2008, she passed an energy bill that contained tax breaks for renewable energy, increased fuel efficiency standards for vehicles, and required that all new homes be built with energy-saving technology. Pelosi also worked with then-President Barack Obama to pass the Affordable Care Act, which provided insurance coverage to millions of formerly uninsured Americans.
By the end of her tenure, Nancy Pelosi had been instrumental in making progress in a number of areas, from health care and education to job security and environmental protections. In addition, she was considered a strong leader in her party and a skillful negotiator, who was able to bridge the gap between progressive and centrist Democrats in order to find common ground.
Pelosi’s story is one of resilience and hard work, and is an exemplary narrative of what one determined individual can accomplish. Through her dedication and commitment to her causes, she has made history and inspired countless women to pursue their dreams and goals. Through her powerful example and passionate commitment to public service, Nancy Pelosi has assured her place in history as one of the most influential and influential women in American public life.
