Conservatives love to hate Nancy Pelosi: for them, she personifies the grasping hand of big government in the Age of Obama. Now, some liberals are disappointed, too—over the troop surge in Afghanistan, and compromises on health care. The House speaker talked to NEWSWEEK's Eleanor Clift about what it's like to be in everyone's sights. Excerpts:
You are seen as this far-out liberal, when you actually are quite traditional in your lifestyle. I feel like the country doesn't really know you. I don't choose to spend my time countering perceptions and mischaracterizations that the other side puts out there. I choose to do my job. Because we are effective, I continue to be the target.
I wish she were more likable too. I was very happy when a woman became speaker of the house but then she didn't play it forward with Hillary. I am sorry but when she did that it left a bad taste in my mouth.