Nancy Pelosi, 82, returns to Congress after Covid battle and says Democrat fundraising kept her busy

Nancy Pelosi put her time quarantining from COVID to use by dialing for dollars for Democrats and binge-watching Netflix, the House Speaker revealed Sunday at a glitzy event in Washington.

Pelosi, 82, tested positive for the virus earlier this month, just as scores of officials came down with COVID-19 after the return of the city’s party events season.

She was back in action Sunday to see comedian Jon Stewart be awarded the Mark Twain prize for comedy at the Kennedy Center.  

‘I never had any symptoms. I would say, that’s why I always urge everyone: get your vaccinations, of course get your boosters. I have not had one symptom. All I did was stay home and raise money for the Democrats,’ she said.

‘It was around four and a half million dollars for that event,’ she told DailyMail.com, when asked about her money haul. ‘But I saw all of – what’s it called? Bridgerton. I saw three Warriors games – of which we won all three. So I made good use of my time,’ she said. 

She appeared at the event along with  her husband, Paul, who has made millions as a venture capitalist.

Pelosi said remained a fan of Stewart, who in addition to tossing zingers at politicians has lobbied for causes including compensation for 9/11 first responders and veterans.

‘Just as long as it’s funny,’ she said. But she wouldn’t join in the night’s comedy theme when if she had a quip about Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who was caught on tape telling fellow GOP leaders he had ‘had it’ with Donald Trump, only to later fly to Mar-a-Lago to mend fences after Jan. 6th.

‘No. That’s not funny,’ she said. 

Pelosi helped bring in a record $4.4 million for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee at an event in San Francisco last week. It was a record haul for the party’s campaign committee.

The Speaker said she watched all of Bridgerton, a popular Netflix series, while quarantined after testing positive for COVID-19

DENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 24: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter during Game Four of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 24, 2022 in Denver, Colorado.”I saw three Warriors games, of which we won all three’ during her bout with covid, Pelosi said

Pelosi confirmed the money haul of the San Francisco event for the DCCC, saying it was ‘around four and a half million dollars’ for the event – a record

Pelosi was back on the DC social scene as the House comes back in session this week

Even with the cash infusion and the GOP’s internal struggles amid the Jan. 6th probe, Democrats are facing tough odds in their effort to keep the House under party control in November. President Biden’s approval ratings remain in the low 40s, the party holds a narrow majority, and voters have been registering continuing concerns about inflation and the economy. 

Democrats currently have 27 seats in toss-up or worse categories, according to the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. 

Pelosi was one of several powerbrokers and influencers who mingled with comedy stars at Sunday’s event.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, Communications Director Kate Bedingfield, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his husband Chasten all attended.

Stewart responded with sarcasm when asked if he had any of his own political ambitions – on a nite when comedians including Dave Chappelle told him ”I wish that you would run for president’ and Pete Davidson said he ‘could be president tomorrow.’

‘Oh no question. In fact, I have a petition here this evening,’ Stewart quipped. 

‘Show business is a good training ground, ego and arrogance-wise, for politics. 

But he said ‘the art of compromise and the different transactional natures of what they do is generally antithetical who sit in rooms and write jokes.