Role of the Secretary of State, The
Former White House press secretary Mike McCurry talks about the evolution of the role of the Secretary of State, a position he says has declined somewhat since the end of the Cold War. At the same time, Mr. McCurry adds, other Cabinet posts which ar...
Republicanism: Aristotle and Hegel
Philosopher Michael Sandel talks about the sources of contemporary Republican theory. He briefly discusses Aristotle, who emphasized the importance for a full human life of sharing in self-rule. Professor Sandel also discusses Hegel, who contributed...
President Clinton's Management Style
Former Secretary of Labor and university professor Robert Reich talks about President Clinton's love of ideas and inclination to talk with people at all hours, often for far longer than originally planned. As a result, Secretary Reich explains, Pres...
Impact of Government Policy and Social Issues on Productivity
Because productivity tends to be a national issue, there's an ongoing debate about what role government should play. Clearly, government policies in areas such as interest rates, taxation, capital investment and tariffs have a major impact on produc...
Presidential Flaws
Former White House press secretary Mike McCurry explains that all Presidents have flaws in one way or another, because every human being is flawed. "The problem," according to Mr. McCurry, "...is that we just in the last part of the 20th century dev...
Presidency, The: Challenges of Governing
Presidential advisor, political analyst and university professor David Gergen talks about some of the factors that have changed the fabric of political institutions in America and made governing more difficult than ever before. These factors include...
Presidency, The: A Delicate Balancing Act
Presidential advisor, political analyst and university professor David Gergen explains that the presidency is more than simply a relationship between the President and the people. If goals and objectives are to be reached, Mr. Gergen says, the Presi...
Presidency and the State Department, The
Former Secretary of State James A. Baker recalls how he made a conscious decision during his tenure as Secretary of State to be the President's man at the State Department, rather than the State Department's man at the White House.
Public Opinion Polls and Politics
Former White House press secretary Mike McCurry explains that public opinion polls are very useful tools. "On the other hand," Mr. McCurry adds, "anybody who just operates solely based on public opinion polls doesn't get very far in politics, becaus...
Presidential Campaigns
Former White House press secretary Mike McCurry talks about the presidential campaigns with which he's been involved. "If it's someone you would really want to see as President," Mr. McCurry says, "...then it's worth...giving your heart and soul int...