Nancy Pelosi is back in the spotlight, and not for the reasons her PR team probably hoped. The 84-year-old congresswoman posted a video to her social media accounts that’s raising eyebrows and sparking a wave of speculation about her health, state of mind, and what exactly she means by bringing “San Francisco values” to Washington.
In the now-viral clip, Pelosi greets viewers with a sluggish, groggy tone that’s about as energizing as warm milk on a Sunday night. “Hi, it’s Nancy,” she says, struggling to keep her eyes open and delivering what can only be described as a monotone soliloquy about heading to Washington to represent San Francisco. Sure, the words might have been fine on paper, but the delivery? Yikes. It’s not every day a video from a senior politician leaves the internet collectively scratching its head and asking, “Is she okay?”
Nancy Pelosi, fresh off a hip replacement in Germany, announces she’s headed back to DC to “share San Francisco values” in a bizarre video.
She can barely open her eyes. pic.twitter.com/x4NL5CTqtI
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) January 2, 2025
Of course, the internet being the internet, the theories came pouring in. Some speculated she might still be feeling the effects of her recent hip replacement surgery in Germany. For those keeping track, Pelosi underwent the procedure last month following a fall during a trip to Luxembourg. While it’s commendable she’s recovering, the combination of painkillers and her famously questionable public speaking skills might not have been the best recipe for a triumphant return video.
One commenter didn’t pull any punches, joking, “Oxycodone’s a helluva drug, especially with a vodka chaser!” Another took a jab at her apparent drowsiness: “She can barely open her eyes. High on painkillers.” Whether or not these assessments are fair, Pelosi’s performance certainly didn’t scream “sharp and ready to lead.”
Oxycodone’s a helluva drug, especially with a vodka chaser!
— Huckleberry Holliday (@ToobEwe45597) January 2, 2025
And then there’s her promise to bring “San Francisco values” to the nation’s capital. That phrase alone is enough to ignite a firestorm. Critics on social media wasted no time pointing out that Pelosi’s hometown is hardly a shining beacon of success these days. From rampant homelessness and skyrocketing crime to open-air drug markets and a dwindling middle class, “San Francisco values” isn’t exactly a slogan you’d expect to see on bumper stickers outside of the Bay Area.
What are “San Francisco values” robbing, looting and carping on the street?
— Shawn (@shawnmccc) January 2, 2025
One commenter quipped, “We don’t need San Francisco values in DC! We need MAGA values!” Another added, “What are ‘San Francisco values’? Robbing, looting, and camping on the street?” The sentiment isn’t far off from what many Americans are thinking. If Pelosi’s brand of leadership is what brought San Francisco to its current state, maybe those values should stay put.
Whether intentional or not, the video reiterates the perception that Pelosi’s best days are behind her. At 84, with a legacy already secured (for better or worse), maybe it’s time to pass the torch instead of trying to relive the glory days. Whether she’s ready to admit it or not, videos like this one do little to inspire confidence in her ability to represent her constituents—or the nation’s interests.
Nancy, if you’re reading this, maybe next time, wait until you’re fully recovered and wide awake before hitting “record.” In the meantime, America’s got enough on its plate without importing more “San Francisco values” to Washington.
