The Art of Power: My Story as America's First Woman Speaker of the House

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Description

The most powerful woman in American political history tells the story of her transformation from housewife to House Speaker how she became a master legislator, a key partner to presidents, and the most visible leader of the Trump resistance.

When, at age forty-six, Nancy Pelosi, mother of five, asked her youngest daughter if she should run for Congress, Alexandra Pelosi answered: ';Mother, get a life!' And so Nancy did, and what a life it has been.

InThe Art of Power, Pelosi describes for the first time what it takes to make history not only as the first woman to ascend to the most powerful legislative role in America, but to pass laws that would save lives and livelihoods, from the emergency rescue of the economy in 2008 to transforming health care. She describes the perseverance, persuasion, and respect for her members that it took to succeed, but also the joy of seeing America change for the better. Among the best-prepared and hardest-working Speakers in history, Pelosi worked to find common ground, or stand her ground, with presidents from Bush to Biden.

She also shares moving moments with soldiers sent to the front lines, women who inspired her, and human rights activists who fought by her side.

Reviews

"In The Art of Power, Pelosi offers a juicy behind-the-scenes look at some seminal events in her speakership. . . . For lovers of politics, the book will be catnip; for those of us awed by her political prowess, it is confirmation that no modern figure has practiced the art of power so effectively." -- Jennifer Rubin The Washington Post

"The words Pelosi and power have been inextricably linked in Washington for more than 20 years, and her book sets out to document how she did it." -- Carl Hulse The New York Times

"Aptly titled The Art of Power, [Pelosi] tells of how she deftly and relentlessly wielded influence to rise through the Democratic Party ranks and become the first female speaker of the House of Representatives. . . . Anyone looking for insight into how to play the long game of power will find plenty to mine from Pelosis story." -- Karen Breslau Bloomberg News

Author Bio

Nancy Pelosi was elected the 52nd Speaker of the House in 2007and served as the first woman Speaker for eight years, off and on until 2023. She came to Congress in 1987 for the children and to fight HIV/AIDS. Under Pelosis leadership, Congress enacted transformative legislation, most notably the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. A defender of democracy, she directed House efforts to investigate the January 6th insurrection and has spoken out forcefully for human rights globally. Pelosi continues to represent San Francisco in the House, a privilege she has treasured for thirty-seven years. Pelosi and her husband, Paul, have five children and ten grandchildren.