The Art of Power: My Story as America’s First Woman Speaker of the House

The Art of Power is a memoir that reflects the intricacies of wielding power. Pelosi states that her philosophy of power is rooted in strong ideological commitments, power-sharing, and ethics. Throughout the memoir, Pelosi seeks to examine the nature of leadership and power as she has experienced it throughout her long career.

As a progressive Democrat from one of the most liberal Congressional districts in the country, Pelosi believes in the power of government to do good in the lives of ordinary people. She represents herself as wielding power on behalf of those who have none—e.g., children, the poor, Chinese dissident students, and people in countries that lack democratic traditions. Her instrument for wielding this power is institutional—Congress—so she spends large parts of the text praising the institution for what it enables her to do on behalf of the powerless. For example, she highlights her efforts to pass legislation to “insulate Main Street from Wall Street” (160) by augmenting TARP, which initially had greater benefits for banks and executives.

Pelosi’s power is also one rooted in power-sharing and teamwork. While there are moments when she engages in self-promotion, she more often gives credit to her peers in the House and to her constituents.