Nancy Pelosi Reflects on Democracy, Leadership at GW’s Sesno Series

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A full house packed Jack Morton Auditorium Tuesday night as Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi visited the George Washington University for the latest installment of the Sesno Series.

The event, titled "Power and Precedent," brought together Pelosi, moderator Frank Sesno-professor and former director of the School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA) and executive director of the GW Alliance for a Sustainable Future-and a panel of experts to explore Pelosi's history-making career and the state of American democracy.

The Sesno Series, funded by GW alumni Ted Segal, B.A. '03 and Meredith Perla Segal, B.Accy. '05, was broadcast nationally on C-SPAN.

"What does it mean to be an American today-and what will it mean tomorrow?" Sesno asked at the start of the event.

In a video compiled from his class-The Art of the Interview-SMPA GW students reflected on that question, describing a mix of uncertainty, frustration and cautious optimism. Their responses pointed to opportunity, community and accountability, while also acknowledging deep concern about the country's direction.

The discussion that followed expanded on those themes.

The panel featured Jesse J. Holland, SMPA associate director and associate professor of media and public affairs; Douglas Brinkley, a renowned presidential historian; and Sarah A. Binder, a professor of political science at CCAS.

Brinkley pointed to historical cycles of division and resilience, encouraging students to remain engaged despite uncertainty.

"We have to believe that our own times are not uniquely oppressive," he said.

Binder focused on the evolution of Congress and the challenges of governing in an era of polarization, while Holland emphasized the role of the press in a healthy democracy.

"We can't survive as a democracy without it," he said, describing the press as a critical watchdog holding government accountable.

After the panel, Pelosi-who's served nearly four decades in Congress and twice as speaker of the House-kept the focus on the Constitution and the responsibilities of those in government to uphold it.

"We just have to honor the Constitution," she said in a one-on-one discussion with Sesno. "We have to honor the oath that we take to protect and defend the Constitution…with three co-equal branches of government."

She also emphasized the role of the House of Representatives as "the people's house," underscoring its responsibility to remain responsive to the public.

At several points, Pelosi connected national political debates to everyday life, urging students to consider how policy decisions affect individuals and families.

"To save our democracy…talk about what it means at the kitchen table," she said. "What does it mean to America's working families?"

Students remained central to the conversation throughout the evening, posing questions on topics ranging from legislative compromise to ethics in government and the long-term health of democratic institutions.

Reflecting on her time in leadership, Pelosi described compromise as an essential part of governing.

"Compromise is not a bad word," she said. "If you have a task, you have to have a plan, and you have to act if you're going to be a leader."

The conversation also touched on declining public trust in Congress. When the audience was asked who had faith in the current Congress, no hands were raised. Pelosi acknowledged the concern but offered a broader perspective on the institution.

"Congress has always been a subject of mockery," she said, noting that public perceptions of the institution often differ from views of individual members.

As the evening concluded, Pelosi pointed to the responsibility of the current generation to carry that work forward.

"The times have found us," she said, echoing the words of revolutionary thinker Thomas Paine. "Know your power, and be ready to make the fight."