Review: “The Art of Power by Nancy Pelosi” – Politics with Principles

Nancy Pelosi’s memoir, The Art of Power, can be described as an unusual narrative, neither purely personal nor strictly political. It focuses mainly on her influential role in major political events during her extensive career in the Democratic party, rather than detailing her rise from a housewife in Baltimore to the powerful House speaker in San Francisco. Although some sections might seem tedious, her gripping, hour-by-hour account of the attack on the US Capitol in 2021 stands out.

Pelosi vividly recounts the frightening moments of that day, revealing that some representatives, convinced they were about to die, called their families to say goodbye. Others with military backgrounds improvised weapons from wooden stands that once held anti-Covid hand sanitizers to defend themselves if needed. Pelosi, a Catholic, points out the attack coincided with the feast of the Epiphany, a day marking the visit of the wise men to the infant Christ, contrasting sharply with the “stunning” violence and terror of that day.

The book highlights the horrifying reality of politicians having to use gas masks for the first time since 9/11 and the Capitol reeked of human defecation after the ordeal. Even though the Republicans later nominated Donald Trump as their candidate, despite witnessing such violence, Pelosi makes it clear she believes Trump to be a dangerous figure.

Pelosi’s memoir was completed before Joe Biden decided to step down as the Democratic candidate, a move in which she reportedly played a significant role. For many readers, especially those from the UK, parts of the book, like the detailed discussion on the Troubled Asset Relief Programme from the 2008 financial crisis, might seem irrelevant amid current interests in figures like Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.

She makes no bones about the fact she believes Trump to be dangerous… Expectations of him, she writes, can never be low enough

However, Pelosi doesn’t shy away from attacking Trump in her narrative. She holds him and his supporters indirectly responsible for the brutal assault on her husband, Paul Pelosi. In 2022, David DePape, a far-right conspiracy theorist, broke into their home and assaulted Paul with a hammer, leading to severe injuries. Trump Jr’s insensitive meme about the attack highlighted the Republicans’ continuous personal attacks against her.

Pelosi openly describes Trump Sr. as both dangerous and unstable. Her account begins with her religious upbringing, emphasizing her mother’s desire for her to become a nun and her own search for the “spark of divinity” in everyone she meets. Yet, she firmly states that Trump lacks such a spark, describing him as a “stupid” impostor throughout his presidency.

Her narrative includes instances of Trump eavesdropping on meetings or storming out. She even mentions medics at a funeral who expressed concern over Trump’s declining mental health. On January 8, 2021, Pelosi was so troubled by Trump’s erratic behavior that she contacted General Mark Milley, the head of the joint chiefs of staff, to ensure the military wouldn’t follow any reckless or illegal orders from the president.

Critics have noted Pelosi’s disinterest in self-criticism and her mysterious ongoing influence in the Democratic party, despite being 84 years old. Her support for figures like Minnesota governor Tim Walz and her reported advice to Biden highlight her continued political impact. Despite her sophisticated public image and heavy reliance on political rhetoric, Pelosi’s detailed and sober account in The Art of Power has led to a reevaluation of her legacy.

Early in her career, Pelosi’s campaigns focused on issues like Aids and opposition to George Bush’s war in Iraq, the latter she views as the most destabilizing event in recent US history. She acknowledges Vice President Mike Pence’s actions during the Capitol riots, noting he preferred to stay in a loading bay rather than risk being seen fleeing. Pelosi’s abilities to remain principled and formidable in certain circumstances are clear.

As Trump continues to express delusions online, Pelosi’s influence remains. Even if Trump retains a strong electoral position, she will likely receive some credit if he does not win.

Source: Various News Outlets