The Power of Progress: How America's Progressives Can (Once Again) Save Our Economy, Our Climate, and Our Country (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Former White House Chief of Staff Podesta chronicles his dismay that the progressive values he cherishes are being ignored and misunderstood by the "conservatives running this country." With slices of autobiography, Podesta places progressivism in a detailed historical context and explains how the ideology, with its emphasis on freedom and common good, can galvanize the widespread changes necessary to steady America as it navigates by a changing global economy and a climate in dangerous flux. Full of praise for Bill Clinton's ruling mantra of "putting people first," he offers a scorching if familiar critique of George W. Bush's administration and makes progressive prescriptions for the ailing states of family services, diplomacy, accountable government, the tax system and social justice. Podesta argues that if America were to revive past international agreements, like the Cap and Trade tax and the Responsibility to Protect doctrine, progressivism will restore "America to its role as a global leader." Marked by sunny optimism and unapologetic partisan passion, Podesta offers a comprehensive look at the potential for progressive politics in America's future.
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Review

“John Podesta was indispensable to the work we did during my administration, on the economy, on the environment and in making the government more responsive and accountable to its citizens. Now, he’s painting on a much larger canvass, drawing on our work together, his own family’s immigrant story and his role as president of America’s most effective progressive think tank to take on the three monumental challenges America faces today: keeping our nation secure, ending global warming, and putting the American dream back within reach of our middle class. What he did for our presidency, he has now done for our country by crafting an inspiring blend of scholarship, personal history and patriotism and offering us a powerful approach to American progress at a time of global challenge.”
—President Bill Clinton

“The Power of Progress teaches us how to apply the philosophy that produced the American Dream in the 20th century to the big challenges of the 21st. John Podesta, a great public servant and political strategist, has written a wonderful book that will help Americans get our future back.”
—Governor Janet Napolitano

“John Podesta is somehow able to merge the intellectual curiosity of a law school professor (which he is) with the political savvy of a Chicago ward heeler (which he could have become) to give us a valuable progressive blueprint for addressing the most profound economic, environmental, and security challenges of our times.”
—Elena Kagan, Dean of Harvard Law School

“John Podesta has provided an extraordinary vision of progressive solutions for restoring America’s greatness. It is must read for our next President and for the rest of us.”
—Senator Tom Daschle

“Tolerance and compassion, spirited public service, opportunity for all, support of the common good. These are the value... --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Crown; 1 edition (August 19, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307382559
• ISBN-13: 978-0307382559
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #245,337 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars John Podesta's The Power of Progress, September 2, 2008

By	Gary Nichols - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Anyone looking for a compelling narrative to promote and defend the progressive movement could do no better than John Podesta's historical track of our achievements. As a self described 'progressive' I have a 'know it when I see it' definition of what it means to be one. Mr. Podesta's book was not only informative and interesting read but excellent fodder for my over the back fence debates with my neighbors about what it means to be a modern day progressive.

Gary Nichols

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Remarkable Blueprint on how to Save America, September 3, 2008

By	Bruce PB "Bruce" (Palm Beach, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This book by John Podesta is truely a remarkable blueprint for vital public policy solutions to what ails the U.S. The book is in 2 parts. Part one starts with a very interesting personal history of Mr. Podesta's immigrant roots and the history of the various Progressive movements in the U.S. Part 2 details very specific and vitally important federal programs that WILL solve the pressing issues we face; education, energy, security, global warming, economic strength, health care. The solutions are specific and the results attainable. (note their are 2 interesting chapters that compare the Bush and Clinton administartions). This book should be required reading for ANYONE who is invloved in governmental policy and EVERYONE who cares about the future of our country.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical and Inspirational Advice on How to Bring Out the Best in Americans, September 4, 2008

By	R. Miller - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In a time when the country is divided over labels to the extent that not enough positive action takes place, John Podesta's book moves past the name-calling among self-decribed conservatives and liberals and gets down to the brass tacks of how to fix things. After a compelling narative of his own background (that disallows the painting of this self-made hard-working man as some elite intellectual), he provides specific public policy solutions which, regardless of party affiliation, deserve to make their way into the public debate. An informative and enjoyable read.