Sala Burton

There she was, diligently working behind the scenes, until a twist of fate tested what she was made of.

Nancy Pelosi never planned to run for public office, but in 1987, San Francisco's congresswoman, Sala Burton, was dying.

She was a big woman.

She was, like, shrunk up.

I was the staff guy.

She generated a kind of loyalty and love from my family that came from her attentive, thoughtful, sweet, uh, interest in us.

This is what Sala Burton saw in Nancy Pelosi, according to Art.

She saw the greatness.

Nancy Pelosi never planned to run for public office.

But in 1987, San Francisco's congresswoman, Sala Burton, was dying.

She was a big woman.

She was like shrunk up on cancer.

I was the staff guy.

She generated a kind of loyalty and love from my family that came from her attentive, thoughtful, sweet interest in us.

This is what Sala Burton saw in Nancy Pelosi, according to Art.

She saw the greatness.

This is one of Pelosi's favorite words.

It's what Congresswoman Sala Burton said about Pelosi before she endorsed her back in 1987.

So when Pelosi called AOC operational, this was a mark of respect.

She's learned how to get things done.

Nancy Pelosi never planned to run for public office.

But in 1987, San Francisco's congresswoman, Sala Burton, was dying.

She was a big woman.

She was like shrunk up on cancer.

I was the staff guy.

She generated a kind of loyalty and love from my family that came from her attentive, thoughtful, sweet interest in us.

This is what Sala Burton saw in Nancy Pelosi, according to Art.

She saw the greatness.

There she was, diligently working behind the scenes, until a twist of fate tested what she was made of.

Nancy Pelosi never planned to run for public office, but in 1987, San Francisco's congresswoman, Sala Burton, was dying.

She was a big woman.

She was, like, shrunk up.

I was the staff guy.

She generated a kind of loyalty and love from my family that came from her attentive, thoughtful, sweet, uh, interest in us.

This is what Sala Burton saw in Nancy Pelosi, according to Art.

She saw the greatness.

What do you think is unique about San Francisco that kind of forges these political candidates like Nancy Pelosi?

You know, I think San Francisco is a city of about 800,000 people, and it's been punching above its weight in politics for decades, going all the way back to Phil Burton, you know, who was also a powerhouse representing San Francisco in Congress.

To me, I think it's several things.

You know...

Right.

So in that first episode, you focus on the 1987 special election.

And this is following Sala Burton's death.

Tell us who is Sala Burton.