A nation that’s seen its share of firsts of late — first Black president, first woman heading a major-party presidential ticket, first lying demagogue businessman president, first female vice-president — might be forgiven for forgetting that it was Nancy Pelosi who in 2007 became the first woman to serve as House speaker. After that four-year stint, which was followed by eight years of Republican control, Pelosi returned for another four years atop the 435-member legislative body.
With Republicans retaking control, she now steps aside as the House’s top Democrat. New York’s Hakeem Jeffries looks likely to take the tiller. If he does, the Democratic leader in both chambers would be Brooklynites: Chuck Schumer from Park Slope, Jeffries from two neighborhoods over in Crown Heights.
Before diving too deep into post-Pelosi speculation, America ought to pause and absorb the accomplishments notched on her watch.
