Rep. Pelosi poised to make history

Pelosi: That's exactly right, and I think the American people spoke last night. It was a victory for them, really. And Democrats heard them. And they spoke for more honest government, for a change of direction in Iraq, for a fair economy and a really safer America. And we will not disappoint them.

Williams: Do you think we have a 50-50 country still?

Pelosi: In terms of political identification, perhaps, but we all strive for a more perfect union, which is the first goal of the Preamble to the Constitution; to form a more perfect union. And I think in the people's minds and in their hearts, that we consider ourselves Americans before we consider ourselves Democrats or Republicans. That's for sure.

Williams: How do you prevent the men and women serving so bravely in Iraq from thinking they are part of some failed effort, knowing it is not them, it is a policy difference they are seeing back in Washington?

Pelosi: Well, I think that what you won't see is a cutting off of funds for them. They are in harm's way. They didn't form the policy, but they are in harm's way, and we support them. We revere and honor the memory of all who have lost lives there. We are concerned about the 20,000 who are now injured in Iraq and their courage, their sacrifice, their patriotism is something that is respected by all of us, whether we agree with the policy or not. But we have a responsibility to them to do two things: to find a solution in Iraq and do it, hopefully, in a bipartisan way and secondly, to build a future worthy of their sacrifice. And that future includes honoring the commitments made to them when they come home.

Williams: When you meet with the president in the Oval Office later this week, which is his home field advantage, you have your own here on Capitol Hill, what will you say to him?

Pelosi: Well, again, I will say to the president part of what we have proposed in this campaign is more civility, more bipartisanship, more discourse and less discord in the debate. We have big issues that we must deal with soon and we can do in a comprehensive, bipartisan way. For example, immigration, we have our "Six for '06," which includes energy independence — something I know the president supports. So we have plenty of real common ground that we can find first to show effectiveness, to show bipartisanship and to make a difference in the lives of the American people because it's all about them

Williams: Let's talk about history, because I know history was riding along with you as you watched the results last night. I know you have thought today about your father and your own children and grandchildren. Tell me your thoughts.

Pelosi: Well, as you may know, I was raised in an Italian Catholic family in Baltimore, Maryland. My father was in Congress when I was born. He was mayor my whole life from when I was in grade school -- first grade -- to when I went away to college. And our faith was very important to us -- our patriotism, our love of faith, our love of country. We took pride in our Italian-American heritage and to be the first woman speaker and the first Italian-American speaker of the House, it's quite thrilling for me. In addition, of course, to being a Democratic speaker of the House.

Williams: How will we see that manifest? How will the Hill be different? Washington? The country? Now that we do have these firsts.

Pelosi: You know, Washington and Congress are steeped in history and tradition and that's been very male-oriented. I have now broken the marble ceiling — the toughest ceiling of all — and I hope that in doing so, I will perform my duties as speaker with again, integrity, with civility, fiscal discipline and in a way that makes a difference in the lives of the American people — that we are here for them — for people's interest, not special interest. And I have said when I receive that gavel, on the first day of Congress, that I will receive on behalf of all of America's children and the knowledge and responsibility and accountability that we have to them to make the future better. I think that's a new direction here.

MORE FROM NIGHTLY NEWS WITH BRIAN WILLIAMS

Nightly News with Brian Williams Section Front

Snowstorm barrels up East Coast   Storms threaten nightmare before Christmas   Coping with a compromise in Copenhagen   Senate rules used to delay health bill   CDC: 1 in 110 U.S. children have autism   Iconic Auschwitz sign stolen   'Avatar' hailed as high-tech ‘Titanic’   End of the road for SAAB   Holiday tradition honors fallen heroes   Brian Williams: Charlie Gibson was worthy competitor Nightly News with Brian Williams Section Front   Add Nightly News with Brian Williams headlines to your news reader: