Photos courtesy of Nancy Pelosi


House Democratic leader Pelosi talks politics, future

By NICK POWILLS

Before the most important election of our lives took place, I had a chance to catch up with House Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who has been making a name for herself politically through legislation in California. She has quickly earned herself classification as one of the most powerful women in the world.

With women finally causing a tangible stir in politics, America should be prepared for a female president in the coming years. When I asked Pelosi if she was interested in representing, she said no. However, I think anything is possible. We’ll have to wait until 2008 to find out.

Lumino Magazine: How important is it for young people to be involved in the election, and elections period?

Nancy Pelosi: Voting is the single most significant act any citizen can take. It is our opportunity to express our opinion about the direction of our nation and who should lead us. Part of what makes our country great is the beautiful diversity of our citizens and the diversity of our views. But if our citizens do not express their views, they deny the national debate the benefit of their experiences and opinions. They deny themselves the
opportunity to contribute to a better future.

For our nation's security and prosperity, I believe that there has never been a greater urgency to change the direction of our country. That is why I am such a strong supporter of Senator John Kerry, who will make us stronger at home and respected in the world.

Why have younger people been ignored for many years in the election process?

Young people are an enormous voting block, but they do not vote in numbers equal to their power. Only 42 percent of Americans aged 18 to 30 voted in 2000. I think that will change this year, as young people realize the future of our county is at stake. They know that by changing the statistics on who votes, we can change the direction of our country.

How important is it for women to take a stand and get involved in politics?

As House Democratic Leader, I sit at the table of power with the President of the United States and top leaders of Congress. At that table, national security, the economy, and other vital national issues are discussed.

It is remarkable to me that in more than 200 years in our nation's history no woman had ever had a seat at that table. That is why it is crucially important to have women in leadership. Women bring something unique to the table.

Today, women still want equality - both as a matter of law and of practical results. We need more women leaders in government, in business, in law, in diplomacy, and in higher education.

Why? Because it takes the full spectrum of human talent to administer our complex society. There is no such thing as a worthwhile and flourishing public or private life that does not benefit from the talents of all people.

How hard was it for you, being a woman, to make it to the level you are at now?

On behalf of the women of this nation, I am proud that I have been elected by my Democratic colleagues, men and women alike, to be House Democratic Leader. I am proud of my party for bringing our country closer to the ideal of equality that is both our heritage and our hope. My election was a watershed, and I am indebted to the courageous women of the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries on whose shoulders we all stand.

Being a woman in our society has its special challenges, and women often have different approaches from men to similar situations. I do believe that men and women each possess distinctive gifts and insights as we approach the great issues and the practical problems of daily life.

Do you see yourself ever running for President? What are the next steps for you politically?

I have no interest in running for President. My goal is to become Speaker of the House, the first woman ever to hold that position.

What advice do you have for young people wanting to get involved in politics?

Know thy power. You have the power to make a difference. Each generation has a responsibility to make the future better for the next. Every one of us has an individual responsibility to do our part. The issues facing our country are great and grave - the threat of international terrorism, an ongoing war in Iraq, a weak economy here at home with millions of American unable to find work or to afford health insurance, and the environment and our civil liberties under attack.

Who has been the better debater, Kerry or Bush? And why? What does Kerry have to do to win? What does Bush have to do to win?

John Kerry has clearly been the better debater, and will become the next President of the United States, because he demonstrated forcefully to the American people why we need a change in leadership. Kerry spoke eloquently about his plan to protect America, create jobs, to make health care more affordable, to educate our children, and to protect the environment.

The President tried to defend his record, but you can't defend the indefensible. The President's words rang hollow because he has nothing to show for four years but a record of failure. In the past four years, we have lost 1.6 million private-sector jobs, wages have not kept pace with inflation, and the number of jobs created has not even kept pace with the number of people entering the workforce.

John Kerry has a plan to create millions of new jobs, to reform the tax code to reward companies for creating jobs in America, and to enact middle-class tax relief to grow the economy. Americans know it is time for a change, and on November 2, they will vote for change.

Do minorities have trouble having their voice heard in American politics? Are their views being heard more or less? In what ways could politicians help to get their voices hear?

I can tell you from my firsthand experience that any discussion of the most serious issues facing our country is enhanced by diversity at the table - diversity of gender and ethnic diversity. The more that tables of power reflect the beautiful diversity of our country, the sooner our policies will reflect the aspirations of all the American people.