For years Pelosi has been the ultimate Republican boogeyman - or boogeywoman, as it were. She's a frequent target of Republican ire for being too far to the left - and she's also a target among progressives for not being far left enough.

Whether she planned it or not, the path that Pelosi took to the House is the one most women used to follow. Women raised their kids, and then they went into politics.

I have covered Pelosi for years, and always wondered how she learned to operate and excel in politics the way she does.

Dana Bash Quotes