Her decision to remain Democratic leader and her party’s willingness to let her stay on are not that unusual. In fact, she is joining a long line of congressional leaders, particularly Democratic ones, who have weathered electoral disappointments and continue to lead their caucus. At least for now, she is likely to survive. She’s popular among Democrats, even if she’s hated by Republicans, and the party does not have a clear alternative. Pelosi remains a prolific fundraiser, and a “master legislator.”