Dick Gephardt's Fall: How a Progressive Stalwart Turned into a Spectacular Political Sellout

As a politician, he was a champion of progressive reform. Now he lobbies for its enemies.

In a town where everyone seemingly has a price, Gephardt has distinguished himself, selling his reputation as a pro-labor, pro-universal healthcare, pro-environment expert and advocate to his new corporate masters, giving their efforts to kill and maim reforms a familiar, friendly face in the Democratic establishment. As a result, Gephardt has become a highly sought-after and very effective lobbyist. He has also betrayed nearly every principle he once ... Full Story »

Posted by Dwight Rousu

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Dwight Rousu
4.1
by Dwight Rousu - Oct. 15, 2009

For Democrats, it raises the legitimate question of whether his ideological shift from progressive populist to big business champion is indicative of where the entire party is headed after two successive electoral victories. For Washington, it exposes the rot at the core and the insidious manner in which Gephardt has harnessed his media-anointed, colleague-respected role as an expert on issues of labor and universal healthcare to work against reforms for both.

Sold out.

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