I FIRST MET Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi in 1987, her first year in Congress. Most weekday evenings on the Hill during that time included receptions by hosts of lobbying groups, organizations, associations, and the ever-present fundraisers. Living on a congressional salary at that time, I was able to get many free meals — and drinks.
One night, Pelosi walked into one of those receptions in the Rayburn House Office Building, and you immediately could sense the aura around her. My boss, a bit of a lovable cad in those days, noticed her instantly, and we walked over to say hello.
I think meeting her stands out in my mind after all these years — outside of the fact that I have an amazing memory — because of that aura. You just knew there was something special about Pelosi. And, as she progressed in her congressional career, that light only grew more illuminating.
So much has been written and said about her and all the history that she instigated and encapsulated during her historic career. Often repeated, but never tiresome to reiterate, she was the first woman to lead a major party in either chamber of Congress when she was elected minority leader of the Democrats in 2004. She had 20 years as the party’s leader and two stints as the first woman to lead the House.
I was given the wonderful opportunity to meet with her recently while she was in New York City, and as she approached, with all the buzz surrounding her, I couldn’t help but smile. That aura is still intact. She’s 83 years young, and 36 years after I first met her, I told her that she hadn’t changed a bit. And I meant it!
We sat down on a small couch together. I’ve been hard of hearing most of my life, and despite wearing hearing aids, it’s always best to be close to the person I’m speaking with, particularly with Pelosi, since I wanted to catch every word. She asked how long has been around, because
