John Podesta [the paragon of progress]

By: Editor | August 17, 2009 | Ten by Ten

In 2003, John Podesta founded the Center for American Progress — an organization advocating progressive policy. He served as the White House chief of staff during the Clinton administration, and this year, Podesta co-chaired President Obama’s transition into the White House. He is the president and CEO of the CAP and is a visiting professor at his alma mater, the Georgetown University Law Center.

How would you describe the feeling of happiness?
Crossing the finish line at the end of a marathon and realizing I am not dead.

What do you consider your greatest career achievement?
That’s hard to say, since I have had the chance to work for two, great progressive presidents, but probably founding the Center for American Progress and turning it into what it is today — a well-oiled, groundbreaking think tank.

Is there anything that you are sorry for?
The political nosedive our country had to endure from January 2001 to January 2009.

How would you describe your current political point of view?
Progressive.

Who is your favorite musician/composer and why (feel free to list up to five)?
My iPod’s dominated by Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and the other reggae greats. There’s a lot of frenetic energy in Washington. It’s nice to have some tunes that inspire you to just kick back and relax.

Please arrange the following four subjects in order of importance to you: science, religion, politics, art.
Why didn’t good Italian cooking make this list? Given what I have to work with, I’d have to say: religion, science, politics, art.

What is your favorite quote?
It’s a toss up between “She’s my sister ... She’s my daughter!” and “Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown.”

What is your greatest source of inspiration?
My wife elbowing me in the ear.

Define love in as few words as possible.
My family.

What is your greatest fear?
President Palin.

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