Friends of the LBJ Library | Oct, 8 2024 6:30PM - 7:30PM
This event is now SOLD OUT. Please email friends@lbjfoundation.org with any questions.
Email Friends of the LBJ Library
Join us for a conversation with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi about her new book, The Art of Power: My Story as America’s First Woman Speaker of the House.
Nancy Pelosi, one of the most powerful woman in American political history, tells the story of her transformation from housewife to House Speaker—how she became a master legislator, a key partner to presidents, and the most visible leader of the Trump resistance.
Mark K. Updegrove, President and CEO of the LBJ Foundation, will moderate the conversation.
About the speaker
Nancy Pelosi came to Congress in 1987. She was elected the 52nd Speaker of the House in 2007 and served as the first woman Speaker for eight years, off and on until 2023. Under Pelosi’s leadership, Congress enacted transformative legislation, most notably the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. A defender of democracy, she directed House efforts to investigate the January 6th insurrection and has spoken out forcefully for human rights globally. Pelosi continues to represent San Francisco in the House, a privilege she has treasured for 37 years. Pelosi and her husband, Paul, have five children and ten grandchildren.
About the book
In The Art of Power, Pelosi describes for the first time what it takes to make history—not only as the first woman to ascend to the most powerful legislative role in our nation, but to pass laws that would save lives and livelihoods, from the emergency rescue of the economy in 2008 to transforming health care. She describes the perseverance, persuasion, and respect for her members that it took to succeed, but also the joy of seeing America change for the better. Pelosi worked to find common ground, or stand her ground, with presidents from Bush to Biden. She also shares moving moments with soldiers sent to the front lines, women who inspired her, and human rights activists who fought by her side.
Pelosi took positions that established her as a prophetic voice on the major moral issues of the day, warning early about the dangers of the Iraq War and of the Chinese government’s long record of misbehavior. This moral courage prepared her for the arrival of Trump, with whom she famously tangled, becoming a red-coated symbol of resistance to his destructive presidency. Here, she reveals how she went toe-to-toe with Trump, leading up to January 6, 2021, when he unleashed his post-election fury on the Congress. Pelosi gives us her personal account of that day: the assault not only on the symbol of our democracy but on the men and women who had come to serve the nation, never expecting to hide under desks or flee for their lives—and her determined efforts to get the National Guard to the Capitol. Nearly two years later, violence and fury would erupt inside Pelosi’s own home when an intruder, demanding to see the Speaker, viciously attacked her husband, Paul. Here, Pelosi shares that horrifying day and the traumatic aftermath for her and her family.
The woman who has been lauded by her opposition as “the most powerful Speaker” ever shows us why she is not afraid of a good fight. The Art of Power is about the fighting spirit that has always animated her, and the historic legacy that spirit has produced.
Book sales
The Store at LBJ will be selling signed, book plated copies of The Art of Power: My Story as America’s First Woman Speaker of the House by Nancy Pelosi onsite in the upper lobby of the LBJ Auditorium from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and again immediately following the program, while supplies last. By purchasing through the Store at LBJ, you support a local cultural institution. All proceeds from sales support our programming, exhibits, and educational initiatives at the LBJ Presidential Library.
Location and Parking
The LBJ Auditorium is located on the lower level of the LBJ complex at 2313 Red River St. Access to the auditorium will be through the lobby of the LBJ School of Public Affairs. Free parking will be available in the LBJ Library visitors' lot (#38), and lots #37 and #39 after 5:00 p.m.
Please note that Red River Street is closed between Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Clyde Littlefield Drive. Red River Street is open and accessible from E. Dean Keeton Street; please plan your route accordingly.
The doors will open at 5:00 p.m. to allow plenty of time for guests to enter the LBJ Auditorium.
Security and Bag Policy
All guests must pass through a security checkpoint, including a bag check and hand wanding, prior to entering the venue.
Backpacks, tote bags, or any bag larger than 12h” x 12w” x 6d” will not be allowed into the LBJ Auditorium. All bags are subject to search by security personnel, including purses, camera cases, and diaper bags. Those with larger prohibited bags will be turned away. Do not bring any packages that cannot be opened or inspected.
Note: We do not have storage or locker facilities to store bags that exceed the size limit. Please plan accordingly.
To RSVP:
Please register using the form below. We are not allowing any guests to this program; it is open to current members of the Friends of the LBJ Library at the programming levels and LBJ School students, staff and faculty ONLY.
