Nancy Pelosi is good at the job

From the Washington Monthly:

The best argument for Nancy Pelosi keeping her position as the leader of the House Democrats is that she’s good at the job. She’s not perfect. She’s an awkward public speaker, for one thing. For another, the Republicans have spent so much time and money demonizing her that she’s become a divisive figure. 

She’s also seventy-eight years old, which is not a problem in itself but perhaps not ideal for connecting with the up and coming generations. But, in most ways, she’s extremely effective and knows how to fulfill the various roles that are expected of a leader. Her track record as speaker is almost wholly positive, and she can raise money like a true professional.

In other words, the problems with Pelosi are much more about who she is, where she's from, and what she symbolizes than with her ability and fitness. You can make an argument that the Democrats shouldn’t be led by a San Francisco liberal or by someone of such advanced age or that it would resonate better to have someone of color or from a more rural district. 

But these ideas are premised on the idea that it matters less how good a person is at a job than that their mere presence in the job sends the right kind of messages...

Rob's comment:

If Pelosi is too old, so is Bernie Sanders, who is 76. As "a San Francisco liberal," I'm happy with Pelosi in that leadership role.