Oct 12, 2026 · 45 min · 17 segments
Nancy Pelosi never intended to run for office — but in 1987, a twist of fate thrust her into San Francisco’s political arena. In Congress, she seized power and became one of the most polarizing…
Scott ShaferHost
Nancy PelosiGuestTonight on Express, the campaigning has been intense as 14 candidates-
... we, we do have 14 candidates here, so could we keep this discussion on an even keel?
This is from a televised debate hosted here at KQED, the public media outlet where I work.
All the candidates are sitting on risers, lots of poofy, teased hair, wide-framed glasses, and Pelosi is in the front row, perfect blowout, wearing a purple blazer.
I think this is the most hilarious thing, that a woman can come into this district from outside of it and buy this election.
And what we have is we have, in this election, somebody saying, "The machine backs me, I've got a million bucks, I don't live in your district, I've never met many of you slobs, but I'm gonna be your new leader because I got bucks and I'm Pelosi."
How can she relate to people like me, a single parent, working mother? Why can't she relate?
I don't think you have to be sick to be a doctor or, or poor to understand the problems of the poor.
Pelosi turns their argument around, saying that she's the right candidate precisely because she's been working behind the scenes.
I believe that I will be the best and most effective representative for San Francisco because I'm, I have worked in that arena for 25 years, both at the local, state, and national level.
I have worked with the members of Congress long before they went to Congress and long since.
I have persuaded them on votes, both by one-on-one persuasion and by mobilizing in their districts.
As a journalist, I started thinking about how she went from being relatively unknown to one of the most formidable politicians of her generation, and about the role she's played leading up to this political moment, a moment where faith in the Democratic Party and public trust in US institutions are at their lowest in decades.
Tonight on Express, the campaigning has been intense as 14 candidates-
... we, we do have 14 candidates here, so could we keep this discussion on an even keel?
This is from a televised debate hosted here at KQED, the public media outlet where I work.
All the candidates are sitting on risers, lots of poofy, teased hair, wide-framed glasses, and Pelosi is in the front row, perfect blowout, wearing a purple blazer.
I think this is the most hilarious thing, that a woman can come into this district from outside of it and buy this election.
And what we have is we have, in this election, somebody saying, "The machine backs me, I've got a million bucks, I don't live in your district, I've never met many of you slobs, but I'm gonna be your new leader because I got bucks and I'm Pelosi."
How can she relate to people like me, a single parent, working mother? Why can't she relate?
I don't think you have to be sick to be a doctor or, or poor to understand the problems of the poor.
Pelosi turns their argument around, saying that she's the right candidate precisely because she's been working behind the scenes.
I believe that I will be the best and most effective representative for San Francisco because I'm, I have worked in that arena for 25 years, both at the local, state, and national level.
I have worked with the members of Congress long before they went to Congress and long since.
I have persuaded them on votes, both by one-on-one persuasion and by mobilizing in their districts.
As a journalist, I started thinking about how she went from being relatively unknown to one of the most formidable politicians of her generation, and about the role she's played leading up to this political moment, a moment where faith in the Democratic Party and public trust in US institutions are at their lowest in decades.
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