In an exclusive interview with CQ Roll Call on Dec. 5, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi was optimistic about the 2016 presidential election, saying by then the country could see its first female president.

“Let me say this about Hillary [Rodham] Clinton: When she runs, she will win. And when she wins, she’ll go to the White House as one of the most prepared people in modern history to go there,” Pelosi said, stopping just short of an endorsement.