Robert Reich spoke with Newsweek "about what he sees as the failure of the Democratic party -- and why he has faith that liberals will prevail in the end." Reich's new book, Reason, was just published last week.
On former president Bill Clinton: "Undoubtedly he was and is a gifted politician. He triangulated, and by that we all understood he was taking positions that were equidistant between Republicans and Democrats. He thereby blurred the distinction between Democrats and Republicans. He didn’t help define what the Democrats believed in. He got reelected and that was no small feat... But the Democratic message was squandered. The Democratic moment was wasted."
On whether he'd work in a Kerry adminstration: "You know, I worked under three presidents and that was some of the most rewarding work I have ever done. If I am called to public service again, I would be there in a heartbeat."
A San Francisco Chronicle review of the book hopes Reich gets back into public life: "Amen, Brother Reich. You have given much of your career to public service at relatively modest salaries. Now we will see what you do after your book tour is finished."
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