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By tpartier - March 28, 2008, 10:00PM

I think I may have just seen one of the most impressive TV interviews of all time - Bill Moyers talking to Cory Booker, mayor of Newark, N.J. Booker segment is a few minutes into it, about 35 minutes or so. On PBS, of course.

Just when you think, 'wow', you have to again, and again.

I'm going to record this when it rebroadcasts in a few hours.

Just thought you might be interested, if you haven't seen it.

Truly apropos

Comments (11)

I love Bill Moyers.

I'll watch--thanks for the tip.

Posted by laurajordan
March 28, 2008 10:39 PM | Reply | Permalink

Hope you enjoyed it!

Posted by tpartier
March 30, 2008 1:48 AM | Reply | Permalink

I watched it, it was disturbing, eye-opening and hopeful. The resonance with Obama's campaign theme was incredible. I actually had the thought that Cory Booker expressed the idea of Americans taking back control of their government, actual people (as opposed to just politicians) taking responsibility for America reaching the ideals of "liberty and justice for all", was as well spoken as Obama himself and he had a concrete story to tell in how he has inspired grassroot movements combined with policy proposals to start to turn Newark around. He's an incredible politicain. I hope to see him offered a job in Obama's administration.

Posted by indylib
March 29, 2008 3:27 AM | Reply | Permalink

yeah - indeed - it was all of that. But would he be better serving the country for his current post, at least for another four or eight years? A driver by example... but well exposed for everyone else to see and get to know, to observe and watch what holds?

Powerful example to be sure.

Posted by tpartier
March 29, 2008 5:40 AM | Reply | Permalink

I think the guy spoke with a sense of conviction, overpowering confidence and command of subject you just don't see.

Whether or not he is ever a part of Obama's or any other politician's administration is to me, almost besides the point. I would argue that he'd best serve - if at all - as some sort of senior adviser on urban reclamation. I'd bet you couldn't at this point in time, pry him away from his current mission; which for now - is probably best. I think he wants to put to rest first - any doubt that his ideas are effective beyond mere window dressing.

It is a piece that I think needs to be seen by nearly everyone - even more significant in message than Obama's, 'More Perfect Union', seriously. The manner of speech and the confidence that emanates I think, is more disarming and more illustrative than even Obama's excellent recent diatribe.

Posted by tpartier
March 29, 2008 5:36 AM | Reply | Permalink

Cory Booker is doing something more important than the Obama Cabinet. Revitalizing Newark is hands-on, face-to-face, person-to-person contagious work, and the guy who can get it done needs to stay, do it, and show others how to do similar work one city at time.

Posted by Sporcupine
March 29, 2008 1:19 PM | Reply | Permalink

Point taken about how important what Booker is doing, where he is. But what an incrediblly inspiring teacher he could be, showing others how to do similar things across the country. Especially if he had the backing of the White House.

Posted by indylib
March 29, 2008 5:07 PM | Reply | Permalink

There was an extensive profile of Mayor Booker in the New Yorker about a month ago. According to the article Newark is turning out to be a really hard nut to crack and Booker is working his ass off there with still limited success.

From the article I'd say Senator Obama would do well to leave Booker where he is. Newark is just beginning to climb out of the pit of cronyism and graft which it's been sunk in for a terribly long time. An awful lot of work to do there still.

Senator Obama is close to Booker and they are of a new kind of post-boomer political class. They know each other quite well, according to the article. If Senator Obama becomes the next POTUS I'm sure he will have plenty of information on which to decide whether to draw on Mayor Booker or not.

Posted by elf
March 29, 2008 10:16 PM | Reply | Permalink