Madame Speaker
Find out what a day in the life of Nancy Pelosi is like.
"The point I most wanted to drive home for American women is that there's power in your values, interests and experiences," says Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. "There isn't anybody like you. Understand that the contribution you can make is unique and beneficial to society — and to the future. Trust your sense of what's right, and bring that to the table."
The mother of five and former housewife has been a U.S. representative from California since 1987, rising up through the ranks in the Democratic party to serve as both whip and House minority leader before her current position. Though she was raised on politics — her father was a congressman and mayor of Baltimore — the first woman speaker of the House almost avoided public office completely. "I was trying to be a great mom, and I knew it would mean time away from my family," says Pelosi, who ranks second in the presidential line of succession. Pelosi chronicles her life and lessons learned in her new memoir, Know Your Power: A Message to America's Daughters (Doubleday, 2008).
6 – 7:30 AM
Reads the New York Times, the Washington Post and other major national newspapers. "I have an insatiable appetite for news," Pelosi says. Takes a morning walk before a breakfast of Irish steel-cut oatmeal.
7:30 – 9:30 AM
Reads updates on world events before attending a breakfast meeting (she indulges in a dark chocolate doughnut) with freshmen representatives to review the floor schedule and initiatives concerning children's healthcare programs. "We hope to expand the healthcare program for 10 million children."
10 AM
Bangs the gavel to open the House of Representatives for its daily session. "Once the gavel is in your hands, any hesitation from colleagues about who is in charge fades away."
PINK TIP
Remember the women who paved the way. "During my first meeting with President Bush as speaker, I sat down and all of a sudden, it felt very crowded in my chair. I could feel the palpable presence of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton and all the suffragists and activists who helped advance women. And then I could hear them say, 'At last we have a seat at the table.' And then they were gone."
11 AM – NOON
Does daily press interviews and then reads legislative updates, economic reports and other communications before a quick salad at her desk. Members stop by to chat about current issues and legislation.
2 – 5 PM
Hosts meetings with various heads of state. Works in time for an afternoon snack of dark chocolate ice cream.
5 – 7 PM
Attends regular meeting with Republican and Democratic leadership to discuss agenda. Her most important goal? "I'd like to change America's thinking about childcare. Until we allocate the resources and create policy around that, we can't fully unleash the power of women in this economy."
PINK TIP
Her success secret? "Whatever it is you're doing — especially if you're raising children and trying to work — you do the best you can and appreciate that. Sometimes it's not the best, but take pride in what you have accomplished. For me, success was becoming a grandmother. And the respect my colleagues had by electing me speaker."
8 –10 PM
Goes back to the Capitol to finish votes on the House floor and continue meetings when necessary, then heads home. "I'm always packing or unpacking, since I travel constantly. So I'm always doing laundry too."
11 PM
Talks to husband, Paul, at home in San Francisco. "Plus, in the course of the day, I always check in with my five children." Winds down in a whirlpool bath with a New York Times crossword puzzle. "Then I read, pray and go to sleep."
PINK TIP
Her balance secret? Age quod agis, or "do what you're doing." "If you're with your family, focus on your family and put work on the shelf. Don't bring your worries to the playground. Work can be an insatiable beast. There is never enough time. You have to determine your parameters. That's why I'm eager for more women in high-level positions, because they understand the importance of balance."
"Whatever it is you're doing — especially if you're raising children and trying to work — you do the best you can and appreciate that. Sometimes it's not the best, but take pride in what you have accomplished."
Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
