Nancy Pelosi Returns to Power

Playbook: “Pelosi returns to the speakership in a uniquely powerful position, especially when considering that many Democrats just waged a campaign that included sharp criticisms of her. The 78-year-old California Democrat just vanquished a group of her challengers with precision and speed that shocked many longtime Hill watchers. Most House insiders expected that today she’d be in the middle of a brawl for the speakership on the House floor. Instead, she’s waltzing toward grabbing the gavel.”

“One of Pelosi’s skills is grinding down the opposition. Whether it was lawmakers in 2009 and 2010 agitating for the public option in health care reform, or more recently the group of 17 Democrats who signed a letter saying they’d never vote for her, Pelosi is patient, and is able to bring people to her side.”