The Rest Is Politics: Leading 72. Nancy Pelosi: From JFK's inauguration to fighting Donald Trump
May 5, 2024
Nancy Pelosi, the most politically powerful woman in America, shares insights on attending JFK's inauguration, fundraising in US politics, and her reflections on the Iraq War. They also discuss the Republican party's loyalty, challenges in passing healthcare reform, and the speaker's strengths and weaknesses as a political figure.
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Baltimore Roots And Family Influence
- Nancy Pelosi describes growing up in a devout, publicly service–focused Italian-Catholic family in Baltimore.
- She recounts her father speaking Yiddish and campaigning for Jewish causes, which shaped her pro-Israel sympathy.
At JFK's Inauguration
- Pelosi recalls attending JFK's 1961 inauguration and being inspired by his call to service.
- She cites Kennedy's line about citizens of the world when praising Biden's collaborative stance on Ukraine.
Populism Taps Economic Anxieties
- Pelosi links today's ethno‑nationalist populism to economic anxiety about globalization and immigration.
- She argues Trump's 2017 tax cuts mainly benefited the richest 1% and worsened inequality and the deficit.