We Like You Robert Reich

We Like You: ROBERT REICH

Robert Bernard Reich was Bill Clinton’s US Secretary of Labour between 1993-97, and, as a key New Democrat player, Reich has a pivotal role in pushing social issues (worker’s rights, sweatshop abolition, for example), particularly on the brink of Obama’s presidency.

After leaving the Clinton administration, Reich entered the University circuit, serving as a Professor and writing various books on his views about the current state of the United States and its democratic Left. His recent book, Supercapitalism: The Transition of Business, Government and Everyday Life is, quite simply, required reading, and Reich also regularly spreads the word via his blogsite robertreich.blogspot.com.

TO WHAT DEGREE DID THE AMERICAN LEFT IN THE 90S ABANDON POLITICS IN FAVOUR OF PRESENTATION?
If by “presentation” you mean the conspicuous display of symbols of anti-establishment outrage rather than the hard work of winning votes and elections, then the American Left began this transition in the late 1960s. Only recently has the American Left begun to think once again about the importance of restoring democracy.

DID IT WORK?
Of course not.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE LEGACY OF BILL CLINTON'S TIME AS PRESIDENT?
I’m proud to have been a member of the Clinton Administration. I think we accomplished a lot, especially during the first four years. But we left behind a vast unfinished agenda. That was partly because Clinton lost Congress to the Republicans in 1994 and never fully recovered his footing. He famously triangulated, and moved right, led by Dick Morris and his polling apparatus. Polls prevent politicians from leading. At best, they show where the public already is, and you can’t lead them to where they already are.

THE BEST ALBUM OF ALL TIME IS WHAT, AND WHY?
The Beatles’ White Album. Need I elaborate?

WHAT CANNOT THE MARKET DELIVER,AND WHAT ASSETS OR FUNCTIONS SHOULD GOVERNMENT TAKE BACK?
Markets are excellent at catering to us in our capacities as consumers and investors, but terrible at responding to our values as citizens and what we want to achieve together, such as combating global warming, protecting human rights around the world and preventing the worst forms of exploitation - such as child labour. But government can and will do none of this unless citizens hold it accountable.

YOU KNOW YOU SHOULDN'T, BUT YOU JUST CAN'T STOP…
Eating chocolate ice cream.

WHY IS 'LIBERAL' SUCH A CONTROVERSIAL TERM IN AMERICA?
The right-wing media have demonised the term, using populist outrage and directing it against so-called liberal elites.

IS THE HILLARY CLINTON WE SEE ON YOUTUBE AND IN THE MEDIA THE WOMAN THAT MAY ONE DAY BE PRESIDENT?
I've known her for forty years. She's warm, funny and thoughtful.

THE SEXIEST ACTOR AND ACTRESS ALIVE IS WHO?
Nicole Kidman.

WHO DO YOU ADMIRE IN POLITICS TODAY?
Ted Kennedy, hands down. Most people have no idea how good he is - both at initiating good things and at stopping bad things.

WHAT WAS THE LAST MUSIC CONCERT YOU ATTENDED?
Several weeks ago. A bluegrass concert.

ANY GOOD?
Fair.

GEORGE W BUSH WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR WHAT?
The utter vacuity of his mind, his failure to respond to America's needs, e.g. Hurricane Katrina, and the waste and destruction he visited upon the Middle East.

YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT HAS BEEN?
Being a good father to two sons.

THE BEST TIME TO ROLL OUT OF BED IS WHAT?
10am on Saturday morning.

words: Andrew Laughlin

download PDF/print

robertreich.blogspot.com

...Also See

Twisted Charm + Shack + José González + Four Tet + Matix + Canon Blue + Remi Nicole + Biker Gangs + X Factor Jungle + Kyte + Fareshare + American Apparel + F air Trials Abroad + Kissaway Trail + Asghar Bukhari + London Gangs + Ava Leigh +
Queer Advertising + Emmy The Great + Honour Killings + Sideshow + Private Armies + Gloria
Cycles + Kate, Leonardo & Sam