Mastering the Room

Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Ron Kind

Episode Summary

In this episode, former members of the House of Representatives, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Ron Kind, discuss the changes in Washington and Congress. They highlight the decline in respect for the institution and the lack of trust and civility among members. The impact of competitive districts and the rise of social media on the political discourse are also discussed. The guests share their experiences in caucus meetings and the challenges of representing diverse constituencies. They reflect on their welcome to DC moments and discuss their regrets and do-overs. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the current state of American democracy and the need for optimism and respect for institutions.

Episode Notes

• The decline in respect for the institution of Congress and the lack of trust and civility among members have changed the political landscape in Washington.
• The rise of social media and the influence it has on political discourse has contributed to the polarization and cynicism in Congress.
• The small number of competitive districts and the incentive structure in Congress make it difficult for members to reach across the aisle and find common ground.
• The shift towards commuting and spending less time in Washington has affected the personal relationships and interactions among members.
• There is concern about the current state of American democracy and the need to respect institutions and the electoral process.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Topic of Discussion

01:55

Changes in Washington and Congress

04:24

Decline in Respect for the Institution

07:45

Challenges in Caucus Meetings

10:13

Impact of Competitive Districts

12:19

Influence of Family and Commuting

15:26

Welcome to DC Moments

18:10

Most Influential Politicians

21:31

Mulligan Moments

27:01

Dominating a Room

29:46

Running for Office Today

31:20

Concerns and Optimism for the Future

34:02

Favorite Hole in the Wall Restaurant

34:35

Closing Remarks

ABOUT MASTERING THE ROOM

Mastering the Room is a bite-sized podcast from GW’s Graduate School of Political Management, hosted by political analyst and professor Casey Burgat. In less time than the average morning commute, you’ll get smarter on today’s issues with information and perspectives you won’t get anywhere else.

The podcast challenges guests to go beyond the Sunday show talking points and offer a deeper understanding of polarizing topics, discussing points of view that few have heard before.

Whether you agree with them or not, you’ll see unique arguments from surprising new angles. Packed with influencers, experts, and familiar names in DC and beyond, Mastering the Room is a podcast with access, connections, and proximity to power. 

To listen to vintage episodes from the original Mastering the Room podcast, click here.

ABOUT CASEY BURGAT

Mastering the Room host, Casey Burgat, is the Director of the Legislative Affairs program at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. Prior to joining GSPM, Dr. Burgat was a Senior Governance Fellow at the R Street Institute where his research focused on issues of Congressional capacity and reform. Mr. Burgat is known for his regular contributions to scholarly and journalistic publications, including CNN, the Washington Post, and Politico, and has appeared on a variety of television and radio outlets. Dr. Burgat co-authored Congress Explained: Representation and Lawmaking in the First Branch, a textbook on all things Congress, published by the Sage/CQ Press in the fall of 2022.