close Video Nancy Pelosi responds to Michelle Obama's claim that America isn't ready for a woman president, asking 'why not?' During an appearance on CNN Wednesday, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., responded to former first lady Michelle Obama's assertion that Americans are 'not ready' to elect a female president. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that women aspiring to higher office face not just a "glass ceiling" but a far tougher "marble ceiling." During an interview with USA Today's Susan Page — published Saturday — Pelosi was asked whether she believed a woman would be elected president during her lifetime."I certainly hope so," she responded.