Don Graves, Former Dep. Sec. of Commerce, "We Have the Most Effective Government in the World"

Don Graves, Former Dep. Sec. of Commerce, "We Have the Most Effective Government in the World"

Author: Georgetown's Institute of Politics and Public Service May 8, 2025 Duration: 33:09
Welcome back flies!! It’s the end of another great semester here at Georgetown which means it’s the season finale of The Fly! What a better way to end the season than with GU Politics Fellow Don Graves! Graves served as the 19th Deputy Secretary of Commerce under the Biden-Harris Administration from May 2021 to January 2025. He previously served as Counselor to President Biden during the 2020 campaign and held senior roles in the Obama-Biden Administration, including Executive Director of the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness and Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where he oversaw programs like the CDFI Fund and the Small Business Lending Fund. Austin and Chloe spoke with Graves about the future of the federal workforce, the value of the private and public sectors, and Graves’ political experience in both Detroit and Puerto Rico. Graves also spoke on his experience drafting major policy like the CHIPS Act, and the importance of government accountability and results. This is a must-see season finale, so tune in! We’ve had so many great guests this season, and cannot thank everyone enough for coming onto the podcast this semester. See you all in the fall and have a great summer!!

Ever wonder what really happens behind the closed doors where political power is exercised? The Fly offers exactly that perspective, a weekly journey into the rooms where consequential decisions are negotiated and made. This isn't a theoretical discussion; it's an audio postcard from inside the Oval Office, a campaign war room, a governor's mansion, or the corridors of Congress. The podcast, produced by Georgetown's Institute of Politics and Public Service, is built on the premise that understanding process is just as important as debating policy. You'll hear the strategies, the tensions, and the human dynamics that shape our government's most impactful moments. What makes the series particularly engaging is its unique hosting perspective: it's guided by a couple of curious college students who are themselves navigating the complexities of the American political system. Their genuine quest to learn how things actually get done creates a refreshing and accessible entry point for anyone interested in the mechanics of power. Each episode feels like a candid conversation, pulling back the curtain on the often-opaque world of politics. Tune in for a grounded, insider look that goes beyond the headlines and soundbites.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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