Senator Ron Wyden’s Hutzpah!
The Lincoln Project
Deep Dive
What inspired Senator Ron Wyden to write his book 'It Takes Chutzpah'?
Senator Wyden wanted to avoid the typical congressional book format, which often includes bragging about legislative achievements and hints at presidential ambitions. Instead, he aimed to focus on the importance of boldness, innovation, and courage in tackling tough problems, offering practical advice through 'Ron's Rules' for various situations, from Girl Scout campaigns to workplace negotiations.
What is 'principled bipartisanship,' according to Senator Wyden?
Principled bipartisanship involves working across party lines to achieve meaningful progress, focusing on good ideas rather than ideological trophies. Wyden highlights his collaboration with Chris Cox on the legislation that created the internet's foundational rules, emphasizing the importance of promoting free speech, innovation, and small businesses while avoiding bad ideas.
Why does Senator Wyden believe listening is crucial in politics and leadership?
Listening allows leaders to understand others' perspectives and find common ground, a principle Wyden practices through over 1,100 town hall meetings. He contrasts this with politicians who claim to listen but quickly shift to promoting their own agendas, emphasizing that genuine listening fosters trust and meaningful dialogue.
What are Senator Wyden's concerns about RFK's potential role in healthcare policy?
Wyden is concerned that RFK could become a rubber stamp for Republican efforts to undermine Medicare's ability to negotiate lower drug prices, allow the sale of subpar insurance plans, and weaken Medicaid. He criticizes RFK's outlandish healthcare statements and warns that such policies would harm life-saving health services.
What is Senator Wyden's approach to addressing privacy and surveillance issues?
Wyden is focused on protecting privacy in an era where technology has made personal data vulnerable. He highlights the risks of data brokers and the global sale of personal information, advocating for stronger privacy laws to prevent misuse of data by unscrupulous actors and hostile foreign entities.
What does Senator Wyden mean by 'playing the long game' in politics?
Playing the long game involves resisting short-term pressures and focusing on sustainable, innovative solutions. Wyden cites his work on climate change legislation, where he promoted technological neutrality to encourage long-term energy innovation, as an example of this approach.
How does Senator Wyden address the secession movement in Eastern Oregon?
Wyden believes the secession movement stems from a lack of feeling heard. He counters this by actively engaging with rural communities, working on issues like protecting agricultural livelihoods and wilderness areas. He highlights bipartisan efforts, such as his collaboration with Senator John Barrasso, to address these concerns and foster unity.
- Introduction of Senator Ron Wyden and his new book, "It Takes Chutzpah"
- Focus on courage, boldness, and innovation in politics
- The book provides practical examples applicable to various life situations