Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi reflected on her mission to fight for children around the United States during her enlightening discussion with SMPA Director Frank Sesno during SMPA’s Conversation Series, which gives students the opportunity to hear from luminary figures in politics, media, and communication. Pelosi spoke on topics such as the budget deal, the new House leadership, the future of the Democratic Party, and the role of media in contemporary politics.
Throughout her illustrious career in public service, Pelosi has been at the forefront of some of the most important political moments of modern times. As the highest ranking female political figure in the history of the United States, she has shattered glass ceilings. But for Pelosi, every single decision and action comes back to the millions of children around the country that live in poverty. Pelosi reflected that during trying times, she often thinks back to the one in five American children that go to sleep hungry, and uses this as motivation to be a more effective leader. Pelosi’s goal in politics is to “do it for that one in five”- and construct real solutions to make sure that the next generation of young Americans have a bright future.
Accomplishing this goal has not always been easy, especially with a tumultuous partisan environment inside the House. But Pelosi explained that she remains hopeful for the future of Congressional politics. When asked about the deal to raise the debt ceiling, Pelosi praised outgoing Speaker John Boehner for “making the right choice” and choosing to invest in the American people. Pelosi also noted that she was optimistic about the new frontrunner for Speaker of the House, Congressman Paul Ryan, who she says “knows the rules” and is someone that House Democrats can work with. When asked about how to end partisan bickering in Washington, Pelosi stressed the importance of reducing money in politics, which she cited as a divider that takes away the voice of average Americans.
But Congress is not the only source of political firestorm. With candidates like Donald Trump, Ben Carson, and Bernie Sanders dominating the news cycle, Director Sesno questioned Pelosi on whether this anti-establishment sentiment was overriding traditional political discourses. In response, Pelosi stressed that the key reason for people’s anger is stagnant wages and pushed her belief that growing income inequality has become a dire moral and political issue. Pelosi said that 2016 is a chance for history, with Hillary Clinton in position to become the first woman President in American history. Pelosi was effusive about the possibility, praising Clinton’s career and character. She added that she would be “happy to relinquish” her position as the highest ranking female politician in history if Clinton was to break the ultimate glass ceiling.
But our present political discourse would not exist without the media. New social media and communication technologies afford citizens the opportunity to interact with politics in new ways. When asked about the role of changing media in politics, Pelosi was optimistic. She cited the Founding Fathers ideals of a free press and an engaged electorate that is actively involved in political affairs. Pelosi noted that political interest has waned in recent years, but the new media landscape has re-engaged citizens, especially young students like those at SMPA. She says that this “democratization” of information is key to a functioning, strong democracy.
Pelosi also interacted with her audience, taking the time to answer questions from students-many of whom, to Pelosi’ delight, were from her native California. When asked her greatest accomplishment, she praised the Affordable Care Act. She lamented the inability to pass sweeping gun control. At the conclusion of the conversation, Pelosi challenged students to live up to John F. Kennedy’s call to “ask what you can do for your country.” Pelosi implored students to take advantage of the rare opportunity the SMPA offers, and to use this environment to make a difference in the world. She reminded students to think about that “one in five”, and to be authentic and true in the fight to make the country and the world a better place to live. The enthusiastic students responded well to the charge, applauding Pelosi’s call to action and encouragement to get involved.