The following four interactions took place at Speaker Pelosi's book signing event in San Rafael, CA, while getting books signed by Speaker Pelosi. Each answer gives a tiny window into Pelosi's "thinking," which is nothing more than denial of the reality that Bush is a criminal who will defy subpoenas until his last day, when his final act will be to pardon himself and everyone else.

Obviously Pelosi is counting the days until Bush is gone, hoping she will soon be working with President Obama. But in seven days? On August 12, she said he'll be gone in "a hundred days," apparently referring to election day on November 4 (which was then 84 days away). But Bush will still have the nuclear button, the veto pen, and the pardon stamp until January 20, 2009, which is 160 days away. And he's happy to use them all, regardless of the disastrous consequences.

Sophie de Vries, Democrats.com:

Since I wasn't a part of the contest, my question to Pelosi was as follows:

"Do you have a plan to prevent Bush from pardoning himself and others since you've taken impeachment off the table?"

Pelosi looked surprised and responded: "Why would Bush want to pardon himself?"

I drew a blank momentarily, stunned, and responded: "Because he's committed crimes."

Pelosi with head down, writing in book: "What crimes?", said with emphasis and a tight voice.

"Impeachable crimes." I said as the guards started moving towards me. I left quickly.

Phil Burk, ImpeachBush.tv:

Phil: I have a question about power. [guards move closer]

Pelosi: OK

Phil: How does Congress enforce its oversight powers to subpoena witnesses when it does not have the threat of impeachment?

Pelosi: We can get a court order.

Phil: But they can just ignore the court order.

Pelosi: Look, they're going to be out of there in seven days.

Phil: Seven days? What does that mean? Without the threat of impeachment how do you stop them from ignoring the court order or breaking laws?

Pelosi: We will have a court ruling. Thank you. Next person.

Guard: OK, your time is up.

Phil: Without impeachment, Congress can't enforce oversight. [guard gives me a dirty look]

Phil: [exits stage left]

I have no idea what "out of there in seven days" means. I may have misheard her but it was spoken clearly.

Shirley G., Ran for Pelosi's seat in primary:

Slg--hi, how are you?

Np--hi shirley.  Thanks for coming.

Slg--I'm glad we finally get to meet!  I want to ask you one quick question. Conyers has said that he'd move forward on impeachment if bush invaded iran. That's his line in the sand.  I'm really interested in YOUR line in the sand.

Np--well he can draw any line he wants because he's in charge. It's his committee.   

Slg--but what would make you say "enough is enough?"

Np--I don't think you can impeach on the strength of an action.  I think in terms of invading Iran, I don't think they'll do that.  Nonetheless, I think you have to look at what they do as far as the constitution is concerned.

Slg--have you read this book (ron suskind's) yet?

Np--no I haven't but I'd like to.

Slg--would you like to have it?

Np--no, I'll get my own.

Slg--great, I hope you will because it really goes into the forgery.

Np--thanks for coming.

Slg--you're welcome.

I think her response was focused only on the "action" of invading Iran, not on any of the other criminal actions that bush has taken, which was my original take.  Which makes more sense, but it's such a literal response! And of course, she never did answer my question as to her "enough."

Cynthia Papermaster, National Impeachment Network:

I listened intently to the Speaker as she told us [the audience] the three things she advises every Representative to keep in mind: Constitution; Constituents; Conscience.

As I approached Nancy I fumbled with my phone to turn on the video camera sound. Then it was my turn.

"Speaker Pelosi, it's a great honor to meet you. Thank you for writing this inspirational book-- I'm giving it to my daughter." I shook hands with her.

"Are you Cynthia?"

"Yes" (I'm thinking-- how does she know my name? Then I realize the yellow post-it in the book says my name so Nancy will know what to write)  "Nancy, I have to tell you-- please follow your conscience and start impeachment hearings. You know they've committed crimes, don't you?"

Pelosi: "Yes, they certainly have" (in a low voice, with disgust)

"Well, then please, please impeach them. For the Constitution, your Constituents and your Conscience." Then security gently moved me along. 

Given Pelosi's massive hostility to impeachment questions, everyone did great work!