Nancy Pelosi’s team recently unveiled a video of the congresswoman heading back to Capitol Hill, presumably meant to rally her supporters and reignite her image as a political warrior. Instead, the clip has largely served as a reminder that some politicians simply refuse to retire gracefully. In the video, Pelosi enthusiastically declares her intent to “proudly represent the people of San Francisco,” a statement that many interpreted as both a promise and a warning. For a city often cited as a case study in urban decline, the mention of “San Francisco values” hardly inspires confidence in her national vision.
Unsurprisingly, Pelosi’s team disabled comments on platforms like Instagram and X, but critics didn’t miss the chance to share the video and voice their thoughts elsewhere. Observers were quick to comment on her physical frailty, with some pointing out that her recent hip replacement surgery should have been a signal to step aside. Others suggested term limits as a necessary measure to prevent such extended stays in office. For many, Pelosi’s persistence isn’t about resilience—it’s about clinging to power long past her prime.
Pelosi’s health has also become a point of contention. Her widely reported tumble on a marble staircase, leading to a fractured hip and emergency surgery, has fueled concerns about her ability to serve effectively. Yet, she presses on, championing her version of “San Francisco values.” For those outside her district, these values are often shorthand for the city’s skyrocketing crime, homelessness crisis, and even apps dedicated to tracking public defecation on the streets. It’s a legacy that critics argue should stay in California rather than be exported to the rest of the country.
Even in her hometown, voters appear to be losing patience with the political direction she embodies. Recent Bay Area elections saw a clear rejection of progressive policies, with voters ousting left-wing candidates and pushing back against soft-on-crime measures. These results have been interpreted as a repudiation of the very values Pelosi continues to promote. Despite these local rebukes, she seems undeterred, ready to carry her controversial agenda back to Washington as though the rest of the nation is clamoring for it.
As Pelosi embarks on her 20th term, she’s nearing her 90th birthday—a milestone that raises questions about the need for fresh leadership. While her defiance might impress some, many see her tenure as emblematic of Washington’s entrenched stagnation. Her critics argue that she represents an era of politics that’s out of touch with the realities facing everyday Americans. Whether her brand of “values” can resonate beyond the borders of San Francisco remains doubtful, but her insistence on trying certainly keeps the debate alive.
On my way to Washington, DC to proudly represent the people of San Francisco and share our San Francisco values in the Congress of the United States. Thank you for giving me that honor! -NP pic.twitter.com/Ay8pGsNgDb
— Nancy Pelosi (@TeamPelosi) January 2, 2025
