U.S Congress

Welcome to a Conversation with History. I'm Harry Kreisler of the Institute of International Studies. Our distinguished guest is the honorable Ronald V. Dellums. For more than twenty-seven years Ron Dellums was a congressman from California's Ninth Congressional District. In representing his district, Congressman Dellums not only brought to Washington the spirit and ideas of the sixties movements, but at the same time earned the admiration and respect of his Washington colleagues. Perceived upon his arrival as a gadfly, an outsider from "Berzerkeley," he left the Congress after serving as...

Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes former Iowa Congressman James A. Leach for a discussion of his 30 year career in the U.S. House of Representatives. Topics covered include: how principles are affected by interest group pressure, how the Republican Party and Congress changed during his tenure, how the U.S. electorate will respond to the changed economic circumstance, and how Congress will navigate between nationalism and internationalism as it legislates on the current crisis. He reflects on the leadership needed in the executive and legislative branches during the difficult days...

Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Congressman Howard Berman for a discussion of his 30 year career in the U.S. House of Representatives serving California's 28th congressional district. Reflecting on his career, Berman discusses the following topics: his background; his early alliance with Henry Congressman Waxman: innovations in campaigning that they developed with Michael Berman; the skills and temperament necessary for the work of legislating; his support for the Iraq War Resolution; U.S. relations with Israel; the role of sanctions in blocking Iran's nuclear program; the...

Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Harvard Law Professor Elizabeth Warren for a discussion of the economic pressures confronting the two income middle class family as it struggles to pay mortgages, health care, and education costs. Professor Warren offers surprising answers to "Who goes bankrupt and why?" and explores the role of banks and credit card companies in tightening the squeeze on the average American family. The interface between politics and the law in addressing these problems is explored.

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