"Marble Ceiling Shattered" US Pelosi Steps Down from Leadership After 20 Years (Comprehensive)

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] "The time has come for a new generation." Nancy Pelosi, the 'Iron Lady' who has led the Democratic Party in the U.S. House of Representatives for 20 years, is stepping down from the leadership.

On the 17th (local time), Pelosi announced in a House speech, "Now we must boldly move forward into the future," stating that she will not run for party leadership in the next Congress convening in January next year. This signals a generational change in the Democratic Party leadership.

◆Wearing a white jacket, resignation speech from leadership, emphasizing "defense of democracy"

Pelosi took the podium wearing a white jacket symbolizing women's suffrage and a brooch she wore during the impeachment proceedings against former President Donald Trump.

Recalling her memory as a six-year-old girl visiting the Capitol for the first time with her father, a former congressman and mayor, she emphasized "the fundamental mission of steadfastly protecting the most precious democratic ideals." She also enumerated the policy achievements made while leading House Democrats alongside former and current presidents. However, among the four presidents, former President Trump was blatantly ignored.

Pelosi stressed, "Every day, I am in awe of the miracle of American democracy." She also mentioned the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, saying, "Tragically, we witnessed our fragility in this chamber," and added, "We must forever defend democracy from forces that seek to harm it," which was met with a standing ovation in the chamber.

Pelosi's decision to step down from leadership is interpreted as a consequence of the November 8 midterm election defeat. Around this election, political circles in the U.S. focused on Pelosi's future. She had remained silent about her plans, citing the absence of midterm election results, but officially announced her resignation after the Republicans secured the House majority the day before. Factors influencing this decision include the need for generational change within the party due to her advanced age and the recent assault incident involving her husband, Paul Pelosi, just before the midterms.

The chamber was filled with crowds eager to hear Pelosi's final speech. Most Democratic lawmakers were present. Some Republican members, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, were also seen. Kevin McCarthy, the likely next Speaker of the House and Republican leader, did not attend, citing being "regretful but busy."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

◆Who is Pelosi, the 'first female Speaker'... breaking the 'glass ceiling' with strong charisma

Pelosi, who secured her 19th term in this midterm election, entered politics relatively late at age 47 in 1987. At that time, there were only 12 female Democratic politicians in Congress. In her resignation speech, she recalled, "I never imagined going from a housewife to Speaker of the House."

Since January 2003, Pelosi has led the House as the 'face of the Democratic Party.' She was the first woman to serve as House Minority Leader (January 2003?January 2007), and when the Democrats became the majority in January 2007, she added the historic title of the first female Speaker of the House, the third highest-ranking position in U.S. power hierarchy. At that time, Pelosi declared, "This is a moment we have waited over 200 years for," and "We have shattered the marble ceiling," drawing attention.

After the Democrats lost the House majority, Pelosi served as House Minority Leader from January 2011 to January 2019, and has been Speaker of the House since January 2008 when the Democrats regained the majority.

Politically, Pelosi leans progressive even within the Democratic Party. Based in San Francisco, California, known for its progressive stance, she is a devout Catholic but supports abortion rights and same-sex marriage. She has consistently championed democracy, women's rights, and human rights, and has had a notably contentious relationship with China. Four years after entering politics, in 1991, she famously unfurled a banner in Beijing's Tiananmen Square commemorating the victims of the 1989 pro-democracy protests. Since then, the Chinese government has regarded Pelosi as an undesirable figure. In 2007, she met with the Dalai Lama, and in 2008, she advocated for a boycott of the Beijing Olympics. More recently, she defied strong Chinese opposition by visiting Taiwan.

Known for her "strong charisma," Pelosi strongly criticized former President George W. Bush during his administration in 2004, calling him an "incompetent leader" for the Iraq War. Although Bush was re-elected, the Democrats lost many House seats that year. However, when the Democrats regained the House majority in the 2006 midterms, Pelosi's political moves drew significant attention. Shortly thereafter, she became the first female Speaker of the House.

President Donald Trump's 2020 State of the Union Address in February [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

During the Barack Obama administration, Pelosi played a major role in passing the 'Affordable Care Act' (Obamacare), overcoming opposition within her party and persuading Republicans. The Washington Post (WP) reported, "Pelosi worked persistently for over a year to pass the bill," noting, "Supporting such a controversial bill risked her political career, making it a significant challenge." Local media have described Pelosi, who has served in the House for over 30 years, as a figure who earned respect within the party by voting on top priorities and as a bipartisan leader capable of debating with diverse factions within the Democratic Party.

To former President Trump, Pelosi is summarized as 'Crazy Nancy.' In December 2018, as the Democratic Minority Leader, she famously confronted Trump at the White House over issues including the Mexico border wall and the federal government shutdown. This is why some call her 'Trump's nemesis.' In February 2020, immediately after Trump's State of the Union address, she dramatically tore up a copy of the speech while standing behind him, wearing a white jacket. Additionally, as Speaker of the House, she twice passed articles of impeachment against Trump on charges including incitement of insurrection.

◆What is her future plan?

Pelosi will step down from the leadership but continue to serve as a member of the House. She won her 19th term in the midterm elections held on the 8th. She is expected to serve as a rank-and-file member in the next Congress convening in January. However, some speculate that Pelosi will continue to exert influence as a behind-the-scenes political leader.

The Democratic Party plans to hold leadership elections on the 30th following Pelosi's resignation. New York Representative Hakeem Jeffries is a leading candidate for the Democratic House leadership.

President Joe Biden said in a statement, "History will record her as one of the greatest Speakers in our history," adding, "As a fierce defender of democracy, history will remember her resolve to protect democracy from the deadly Capitol riot." He called Pelosi "a most cherished friend" and said, "We owe her a deep debt of gratitude."

CNN described Pelosi as "a great figure in political history with a historic legacy of shattering the glass ceiling." The Washington Post reported, "She redefined the role of Speaker of the House through her two terms as the first female Speaker."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.